Telus brings back Clearnet brand to take on new Canadian rivals

Canadian wireless operator Telus Corp. (TU) is bringing back a name from the past in branding a new unlimited calling feature that looks to be taking on new competitors in the country’s mobile space. The new offering is marketed under the Clearnet brand, which according to the Clearnet site is a “business name of Telus Communications Company.”
The Clearnet-branded offering that provides unlimited calling either across a province or across the country for $52 (CDN $50) or $62 (CDN $60) per month. The $62 plan also included unlimited domestic and international text messaging. Data services are not currently being offered, but the service does run on Telus Mobility’s HSPA+ network and a data add-on is said to be in the pipeline.
In addition to the mobile aspect of the offering, both plans also include a basic landline home service as part of the package. Clearnet notes the landline has the benefit of being able to work during an extended power outage.
Devices for the offering are currently limited to two handsets that include an LG Electronics Co. Ltd. flip phone and a Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. candy bar style phone, with the promise of a Samsung touchscreen phone “coming soon.”
The plans are initially available to residents in British Columbia or Alberta, with sales conducted exclusively through the Clearnet website.
Telus acquired Clearnet Communications Inc. in 2000 to further bolster its wireless operations against larger rivals BCE Bell Mobility and Rogers Wireless Communications Inc. The Clearnet acquisition included both CDMA- and iDEN-based assets.
The new Clearnet launch follows the introduction of new competitors into the Canadian market following the government’s auction of advanced wireless services spectrum in 2008. Last week Public Mobile unveiled new rate plans that provided for unlimited province-wide calling in Ontario and Quebec, lower nationwide roaming costs and flat-rate e-mail options.