Carrefour, a major French retail chain, has re-entered the mobile phone market nearly ten years after it stopped offering mobile services. The new service, called **Carrefour Mobile**, is built on Orange's 4G/4G+ network. At its launch, the service offers three no-commitment packages priced at 6.90 euros, 10.90 euros, and 14.90 euros, which include 20 GB, 130 GB, and 300 GB of data, respectively, along with unlimited calls and SMS in metropolitan France. Customers can subscribe online through a dedicated website and pick up their SIM card at one of the 2,200 participating Carrefour stores. The service can be managed through the **Carrefour Mobile** app.
This move comes after Lidl, another supermarket chain, launched its own mobile service earlier. Carrefour's return marks the re-entry of a major retail player into the mobile market, which has been dominated by virtual operators (MVNOs) and low-cost brands. Until now, retail chains had struggled in this highly competitive space, often facing challenges from aggressive pricing strategies by established players like Free. Some, like Auchan Mobile, were acquired by telecom companies, while others, like Carrefour Mobile, had previously stopped their services and transferred customers to Sosh, Orange's budget brand.
Despite the return, **Carrefour Mobile**'s offerings are not particularly unique. Similar packages are already available from other virtual operators and low-cost brands like Sosh, B&You, and RED by SFR. A comparison by Ariase, a tech review site, found that other providers like YouPrice, which also uses Orange's network, offer comparable or better deals, including 5G options. However, Carrefour has one unique feature: loyalty points. Depending on the package chosen, customers earn 1, 2, or 3 euros per month on their Club or PASS loyalty cards. This strategy aims to reward and retain the 15 million members of Carrefour's loyalty program.
In response, Auchan Télécom, operated by Bouygues Telecom, introduced a 2 euro monthly discount for users of its Waaoh! loyalty card on selected mobile packages. Carrefour's goal, according to Les Echos, is to reach 100,000 mobile subscribers within two years. However, the company emphasizes that the initiative is more about increasing customer retention than capturing a large market share. For Orange, the partnership may help attract new users on a saturated mobile market. Carrefour's marketing campaign uses humorous and playful slogans, such as "At this price, it's a chicken dinner" and "The network on which you can count," aiming to stand out in a crowded and competitive sector.
Carrefour Returns to Mobile Market with New Offerings
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