This does not mean that drivers will have free data, but rather that special telephone packages will be offered at more affordable prices. These include unlimited navigation in the Uber app and in navigation systems like Google Maps and Waze, as well as some social networks like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. In addition, they will also have unlimited messages and calls in Mexico, the United States and additional gigabytes to use in the streaming service.
Currently, part of the complaints from driver and delivery partners towards the platforms is that both the mobile devices and the data used are at their own expense, so this novelty would represent progress for platform workers.
“For Uber it is essential to listen to the driver partners and delivery partners of the application. Thanks to your feedback, we can work to improve your experience using our platform. Uber Cel is the result of this listening, since they have shared with us that having a more accessible mobile phone and data plan is very attractive to them,” said Mar Medrano, Uber Communications Manager in Mexico.
The promotions that they will offer range from 3GB and up to 17GB of navigation for prices that start from $200 MXN. According to the 2022 National Survey on Availability and Use of Information Technologies in Homes (ENDUTIH), people in Mexico spend an average of $425 pesos per month on a cell phone rental plan.
Members will be able to purchase the promotion 100% remotely through ubercel.com or in the Uber Pro section of their Uber application.
What is Freedom Pop?
FreedomPop is a Mobile Virtual Operator (MVNO) and wireless internet based in Los Angeles and California. This means that the company does not have its own network, but instead leases Radiomóvil Dipsa’s infrastructure to provide the service under the same quality and coverage conditions.
For this reason, all contracts are made digitally and there are no offices in Mexico for customer service.
In addition, anyone can contract a telephone service at FreedomPop and prices range from 89 pesos for a 2 Gb plan and unlimited WhatsApp to 300 pesos for 8 Gb and unlimited browsing in applications.