[LINK] "Shaw to keep Wind Mobile a discount mobile carrier"

[rfmcdonald]

The Toronto Star's Vince Salotta reports on the acquisition of Wind by Shaw Communications. As a long-time Wind subscriber, I will definitely be watching things.

Shaw Communications says it will preserve the “value proposition” of Wind Mobile’s cell phone packages following its $1.6 billion takeover of the Toronto-based carrier.

But while Shaw said pricing will remain discounted, it also signaled plans to eventually narrow the gap between Wind and the big three providers Rogers, Telus and Bell.

“This is a winning strategy that’s been created, and our plan is to continue on that winning strategy,” Shaw’s chief operating officer Jay Mehr said after unveiling the deal late Wednesday.

Telecom consultant Iain Grant of the Seaboard Group said Wind will continue to be the go-to brand for value-conscious consumers.

Wind’s network is due for an upgrade, he said, “but until then, it is ideal for those that have other uses for their hard earned money than paying Canada’s incumbent carriers.”

Grant added that Shaw’s goal of increasing Wind’s average revenue per user can be met by adding elements of the Shaw portfolio such as Internet or cable services to a Wind subscription.