US-based MVNO, FreedomPop this week announced its plans to launch its service in Spain. With WhatsApp accounting for more than 90 percent of texting in Spain, FreedomPop said it will zero-rate the app to offer free data for any Whatsapp usage, giving FreedomPop users completely free unlimited texting and calling via the app. Beginning this summer, users can simply plug a FreedomPop SIM into their device, and FreedomPop will subsidize any data used by WhatsApp.
FreedomPop will also offer standard free voice and data to users in addition to free roaming across 31 countries including the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Portugal and Italy, among others.
FreedomPop claims that it has seen tremendous demand for its free service in the U.K., with plans to have more than 100,000 users on its U.K. service in less than twelve months since its launch. Utilizing WhatsApp, FreedomPop expects larger traction in Spain, targeting 500,000 to 1 million Spanish users within two years. More than 50 percent of U.K. users do not pay FreedomPop a single penny every month, with the heavier users paying a fraction of what competitive plans cost. Users will also be able to purchase additional services like data rollover, a second international number from any country, online security and international calling for a nominal fee.
FreedomPop plans to continue its international expansion by launching in additional countries by the end of the year, either by partnering with existing mobile carriers or disrupting entirely new markets via unique models.
Steven Sesar, FreedonPop COO and Co-founder
With more than 70 percent of Spain’s mobile consumers using WhatsApp, it has completely cannibalized traditional mobile services in Spain and shaped a unique opportunity for companies looking to embrace the new OTT world we live in. We’re creating a new mobile business model by leveraging WhatsApp’s success to ensure anyone can communicate 100 percent free, simply by covering the data bill for WhatsApp.
