US-based MVNO FreedomPop has confirmed that it will be launching what it describes as Spain’s first 100 percent free mobile service this coming summer. In a statement the company said it will also take advantage of the huge popularity of WhatsApp in Spain to zero-rate the app. As a result, users who insert a FreedomPop SIM into their device will have unlimited texting and calling via WhatsApp, which is currently used by more than 70 percent of Spain’s mobile consumers and accounts for over 90 percent of texting in Spain. The company will also offer standard free voice, text and data to users as well as free roaming across 31 countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Portugal and Italy, among others.
FreedomPop is now accepting beta orders from Spanish users on a first-come, first-serve basis via its website. The MVNO said it expects to attract 500,000 to 1 million Spanish users within two years, thanks above all to the subsidised WhatsApp data offer. FreedomPop launched in the UK last year, offering 200 minutes, 200 texts and 200 MB data free for life, although website El Confidencial reported that the Spanish service will come with 300 minutes, 300 texts and 300 MB of data for free.
The Spanish launch comes after FreedomPop raised USD 50 million in January to expand its services in Europe, Asia and South America. The company said it will be launching in additional countries by the end of the year.
