Canada's newest national wireless provider launches in Ottawa

WIND Mobile offers customers contract-free, truly unlimited plans with unparalleled value

Extends $150 porting credit to help Canadians make the switch

OTTAWA, March 26 /CNW/ - Globalive's WIND Mobile officially opened its doors in Ottawa today, expanding its network to a fourth city. The new mobile company represents the first real, national alternative for Canadians looking for contract-free, high-value, truly unlimited plans.

"Today we have brought real wireless choice to the people of Ottawa!" said Anthony Lacavera, Chairman of Globalive and WIND Mobile. "We have listened to Canadians about what's important to them and are excited to be offering truly unlimited plans with unbeatable value. There has never been a better time, or better reason for Canadians to switch their wireless provider."

To help Canadians who are considering making the switch to WIND Mobile from their existing carrier, WIND Mobile is extending a $150 porting credit, in addition to getting the first month free. The special offer is the latest example from the upstart wireless company of listening to customer feedback. "Even before we launched we have been asking Canadians what they want in a wireless company and we are building our business everyday with that feedback," said Lacavera. "This offer is exactly what our customers have been asking for and is a great example of the power of conversation in action."

The porting credit was extended following the release of study last week, which revealed that WIND Mobile is the top-cited brand for consumers when considering a wireless switch. The study commissioned by WIND Mobile and conducted by TNS, revealed that half (49 per cent) of Canadians surveyed have a wireless contract with one year or more remaining. When asked which carrier they were interested in switching to, WIND had the highest score (at 15 per cent), among all mobile users.

The WIND brand was created with the input of an overwhelming response from the public. For over a year, Canadians were engaged in conversation through Globalive's online Wireless Soapbox campaign as well as the www.WINDmobile.ca site - becoming vehicles for Canada's wireless revolution.

Ottawa is the fourth city to offer WIND Mobile's service, following launches in Toronto and Calgary in December of 2009. Service in Vancouver is set to launch in later this spring.

With unlimited voice plans starting as low as $15, WIND Mobile plans offer true value for Canadians, with features such as no charges on incoming text, no charges on incoming long distance, no penalties for canceling services, and no contracts! "I challenge anyone to find a wireless plan in Canada that offers better value," said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. Besides offering incredibly low, feature-rich service plans that start as low as the $15 Chat plan, WIND offers unlimited province-wide calling with the $35 Always Talk plan and unlimited nation-wide calling on the $45 Always Shout plan.

"Canadians were very clear when they told us what they wanted when it comes to wireless - they want value, honesty and simplicity," said Ken Campbell, CEO of WIND Mobile. "They don't want to be tied in with contracts. They are tired of high prices, poor service and complicated billing. They don't want to see 'made up' fees for system access and 911. We're pleased to say to Canadians - we've heard you!"

The WIND Mobile experience includes the following features:

No activation fees

No contracts on any services

No system access fees

No fees for Enhanced 911 services

Never a charge for an incoming text

No charge for incoming long distance calls

No penalties for changing or cancelling a plan

Unlimited WIND to WIND calling across the country

Unlimited province-wide calling from a WIND Home Zone

All plans include caller ID, missed call alerts, call waiting, call hold, call forwarding, unlimited conference calling - all at no extra charge.

Services available include three simple unlimited voice and text plans and four unlimited data plans, with all details available at Windmobile.ca.

Five handsets/devices available showcase the latest in wireless technology:

BlackBerry Bold 9700

HTC Maple

Huawei U7519

Samsung Gravity 2

Huawei E181 data stick

WIND Mobile locations in Ottawa:

Rideau Blockbuster, 183 Rideau Street

Carling Blockbuster, 1309 Carling Avenue

http://www.windmobile.ca/stores/

To view the coverage map in Ottawa, visit:

http://www.windmobile.ca/coverage/

About WIND Mobile and Globalive Holdings

WIND Mobile provides voice, text and data services to Canadians on a next-generation wireless network and is committed to offering a level of wireless service presently not available in Canada. WIND Mobile is built on actual conversations that are happening with Canadians who are passionate about wireless and creating a better mobile offering nationally. For more information, please visit: www.WINDmobile.ca.

Globalive Holdings is a leading provider of telecommunications solutions in Canada and internationally to the consumer, business and hospitality markets. The Globalive companies include: WIND Mobile, Yak, OneConnect, Canopco and Globalive Carrier Services. For more information, please visit: www.globalive.com.

For more information on all store locations, products and services, visit: www.WINDmobile.ca.

For further information: Media contact: Narrative Advocacy Media, Lindsay Mattick Davidson, Cell: [phone], Email: [email protected]