SHERBROOKE, Que. – Videotron today launched its wireless phone service in Sherbrooke as part of its gradual rollout across Quebec region by region.
The wireless service is so far also available in Quebec City and Gatineau, and the company plans to make it available to all parts of the province by the end of this year.
Videotron says its strategy “is to develop a full, attractive array of telecommunications and entertainment services” through one-stop shopping for customers.
Sherbrooke and surrounding areas have more than 300,000 potential subscribers to the Videotron wireless service, and more than 175,000 of them already subscribe to a Videotron service.
Customers can get three Videotron services for $79.95 a month (all fees included): cell phone service with 300 any-time minutes, basic Internet service, and illico Digital TV. Wireless is also available in time blocks for residential and business customers of 50, 300, 500, or 700 minutes for individuals or 900 minutes per month to share among up to five people (employees, friends, family).
“More and more people are realizing the many advantages of being a Videotron customer,” said Manon Brouillette, Vice President, Marketing and Product Development, Consumer Division. “The introduction of wireless telephone service in Sherbrooke further enhances those advantages. Customers will no longer have to adjust their lifestyles to fit their wireless plan. They will be able to use their cell phones at any time of day or night, without having to worry about the time of day.”
More consumer choice in Quebec should help increase wireless penetration, Videotron says, pointing out that Canada lags about two and a half years behind the U.S. in cell phone takeup. "Québec is behind the U.S. market and even the Canadian market," said Brouillette. "This means there is strong growth potential for a company with a sound, attractive value proposition. By offering affordable new services such as cable telephone and wireless, Videotron has become a driver of change in the marketplace and is spurring trends that benefit consumers across the country."
