Cogeco Rolls Out Free Wireless Service for Internet Subscribers
Ontario and Quebec Residents Get First Access
In a bold move to shake up Canada’s telecom market, Cogeco Mobile has officially launched its long-awaited wireless service—and it’s offering internet customers an unbeatable deal. Residents of 13 select communities in Ontario and Quebec can now sign up for wireless plans starting at $0 per month for the first year.
The catch? You need to be a Cogeco internet subscriber—or become one—and sign up for pre-authorized payments.
Where Is Cogeco Mobile Available?
The new wireless plans are rolling out in these 13 communities:
Quebec:
Alma, Magog, Rimouski, St-Georges, St-Hyacinthe, St-Sauveur, Sept-Îles, and Trois-Rivières
Ontario:
Brockville, Chatham, Cobourg, Cornwall, and Welland
These bring-your-own-device plans use the Telus network nationwide but require most data usage to occur on Cogeco’s own network, which currently covers large swaths of Quebec and southern Ontario.
What’s Included in the Free Plans?
Cogeco isn’t skimping on features. The $0/month plans for the first year include:
Unlimited Canada-wide calling and texting
Call display and voicemail
No $60 connection fee
Rollover data (up to 100% of your plan)
Once the promotional period ends, prices adjust to standard monthly rates:
Talk & Text Plan: $39/month
10 GB Plan: $49/month
25 GB Plan: $59/month (after starting at just $10/month in Year 1)
Why Now?
According to Cogeco CEO Frédéric Perron, the company waited for regulatory clarity before entering the wireless space. Now that the CRTC has set wholesale access rules, Cogeco is leveraging the MVNO model (Mobile Virtual Network Operator) to compete directly with telecom giants Bell, Rogers, and Telus.
“We’ve been deeply rooted in regional markets for nearly 70 years,” Perron said. “This is more than a new service. It’s a declaration of intent to remain competitive and consumer-focused.”
Analysts Say It’s a Strategic Move
Industry analysts view Cogeco’s launch as a calculated, defensive strategy—one that aims to boost bundling and reduce customer churn in its cable and internet services.
National Bank’s Adam Shine noted the parallels to Cogeco’s U.S. operation, Breezeline, which introduced mobile services earlier this year across 13 U.S. states. There too, the goal is not national dominance, but customer retention and bundled savings.
Competitive Reactions Expected
As back-to-school season approaches, all eyes are on how major players respond. Cogeco has made clear that its low-cost intro pricing won’t last forever, but it’s here long enough to grab attention.
“It’s not a national rollout,” Perron emphasized. “We’re just playing smart and staying rational.”
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more updates on Canada’s telecom revolution. 📲
