A new name for cell phones is blowing into Kitchener-Waterloo this August. Wind Mobile, up and running since December 2009, defines themselves to be an established growing brand, whose network, chief marketing officer Scott Campbell claims, was “built faster than anyone else in Canadian history.”
“We try to stand out from other companies through a few approaches,” Campbell said. “For example, we are the first company to offer unlimited plans at a great comparative price. That and not having contracts is something that a lot of people find appealing.”
Wind mobile’s website slogan reads, “we are what we believe. We are passionate, focused, and committed to harnessing the power of our customers through the power of our conversations.” According to Campbell, this mission statement is what other companies are missing.
“We’ve done a great job of listening to our customers,” he said. “We listen to what they say and take it into account and it’s really made the difference.”
Danielle Hess, a current Bell Mobile customer and student at the University of Waterloo was excited to hear that WIND mobile was coming to Waterloo.
“I was thinking about switching to Wind actually,” she said. “I heard they were coming from my friend at UW (University of Waterloo) and he really knows what he’s talking about when it comes to phones and those kinds of things.”
“From what I hear,” Hess continued, “they just have better service, better phones and rates and I prefer no contracts so I’m interested.”
Other KW members were interested to hear about Wind but not so much that they would switch their plans. Another Bell customer and Waterloo Collegiate Institute student, Abdul Zahabi said that his plan has been good so far to him but three-year contracts are like, “three years in jail. “
“I’ve wanted to get out of my contract but it’s about $400 for a blackberry and there’s no way I’m paying that,” Zahabi said.
However, not everyone is ready to jump ship. Michele McFarlane, a Kitchener resident and Rogers mobile client said, “I have no complaints about my plan- I did want to buy out once but it would have cost a lot so I didn’t bother. I’m old school,” she laughed. “I’ll stick with something if I have no major problems.”
There are however other cell phone companies such as Koodo and Virgin Mobile that also offer no contract plans but in Campbell’s eyes, Wind brings a little something extra to the table.
“It’s part of our company philosophy to give back to the community,” Campbell said. “We do Random Acts of Kindness, which came about the 1st year we were established.” He continued to explain that workers were ready to start back in 2009 but the opening was delayed and the workers were sent them out to soup kitchens and shelters to lend a hand until WIND mobile was up and running.
“Ever since then,” Campbell said, “giving back to the community has been part of opening in a new city. For Waterloo’s launch, we’re offering a $10,000 community grant, suggested to us by the people of Waterloo. From there, we decide where the grant should go, but it always goes to a good cause.”
These acts of kindness have potential Wind customers interested. Hess said that she thought these grants looked great on the company and it would be good for the community. “Making that kind of donation will give them a good public image,” she said. “I like the idea.”
McFarlane said that though she likes her Rogers plan the community grant is a great idea, “benefiting the citizens. It makes a really good impression on me, them donating to a good cause.”
However, Zahabia mentioned that though it’s a positive thing to help people, “it’s not making me want to buy their phones any more than before. I’m interested in working product, not how much they’re donating.”
Wind mobile has not yet set a specific launch date but it will be sometime in August. To suggest ideas for the community grant, visit Wind Mobile’s Facebook page.
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