MVNO FreedomPop said it will handle operations while Dish Mexico will deal with distribution and invest in the joint venture
Mobile virtual network operator FreedomPop continues to bolster its international presence with its latest move, a partnership with Dish Mexico.
The joint venture is set to launch FreedomPop’s mobile service in Mexico using the company’s digital technology and Dish Mexico’s existing distribution channels. FreedomPop is said to run the operational aspects of the new venture, with Dish Mexico providing “local expertise, distribution and customer service.”
Dish Mexico also is on the hook for investing an undisclosed amount of capital into the JV “to ensure it has ample funding for success.”
“We chose FreedomPop as our strategic partner in Mexico because our main objective is to constantly deliver consumer value and we have seen the company do this in other countries so the model is proven,” said Ernesto Vargas-Guajardo, CEO and director of MVS Comunicaciones, which, with Dish, runs the Mexico service. “We’re excited to have the world’s most innovative and customer-centric mobile provider as a partner.”
The MVNO earlier this year pocketed $50 million in funding, which when combined with previous investments pushed its total financing haul to more than $100 million.
FreedomPop noted “beta” sign-ups are now open, with commercial launch expected in the next three to four months. Specific pricing models have not yet been announced, though the company noted it plans to continue with its current model, which includes free entry plans and the ability to add more service. The company’s most touted plan is its “free” service, which includes 100 voice calling minutes, 300 text messages, 200 megabytes of cellular data and WhatsApp access.
The MVNO noted the new venture will serve as a “blueprint” for deals “to be announced” with carriers in Germany, Italy, Asia and Australia. The company earlier this year launched service in Spain, which followed a similar launch in the U.K.
FreedomPop initially launched service in the U.S. in 2012. The domestic service began using Clearwire’s WiMAX network, before eventually adding 3G and LTE support from Sprint.
The company currently claims more than 1 million subscribers and that 52% of its users take advantage of its basic free service.
Bored? Why not follow me on Twitter
