Costco Mexico Launches WOZ: Pricing and Offerings of its New Mobile Service for Members

Costco Mexico is entering the mobile telephony market with WOZ, a service exclusively for members aiming to compete in the low-cost segment with monthly plans, digital connectivity, and additional benefits. The offering features packages starting at 159 pesos per month, utilizes an eSIM instead of a physical SIM card, and allows users to retain their phone numbers through porting. This new service expands Costco’s business beyond its traditional stores and services, providing an alternative for those seeking to control their monthly phone expenses without long-term commitments.

WOZ Arrives in Mexico with Exclusive Plans for Costco Members

WOZ operates as a virtual mobile operator managed by Mirlo Telecomunicaciones. The company leverages Altán Redes’ infrastructure to provide mobile connectivity in Mexico, offering 4G and 4.5G services subject to coverage availability in each region.

Unlike traditional carriers, WOZ exclusively markets its plans to individuals with a valid Costco membership. The service also eliminates the need for a physical SIM card, utilizing an eSIM that users receive via a QR code. To subscribe, interested individuals must select a package, validate their membership, and confirm their phone’s compatibility. They can then scan the QR code to activate the line. The company offers national coverage, though signal quality and availability depend on the infrastructure and conditions of each location.

WOZ Plan Pricing and Data Allowances

WOZ plan prices vary based on the Costco membership tier. The offering includes four modalities: Gold, Gold Executive, Business, and Business Executive.

Here are the main monthly packages published by the company:

Plan	Gold	Gold Executive	Business	Business Executive
Basic, 5 GB	$189	$179	$170	$159
Pro, 14 GB	$239	$219	$215	$199
Ultra, 26 GB	$299	$279	$269	$249
Premium, 55 GB	Not available	$549	Not available	$499

Monthly prices in Mexican pesos, according to rates published by WOZ. Availability depends on the membership tier.

The different plan tiers allow users to choose based on their data consumption. The Basic plan offers 5 GB for everyday browsing, while the Pro plan increases capacity to 14 GB. The Ultra plan includes 26 GB for users who consume more digital content or share internet. Finally, the Premium plan offers 55 GB for the Gold Executive and Business Executive tiers. The lowest published price is 159 pesos per month for 5 GB, available to members with a Business Executive membership. However, users should compare the cost with the included data and their own membership conditions.

In addition to contracted data, WOZ offers benefits for calls, messaging, and app usage. Plans include 1,500 minutes for calls and unlimited SMS messages, according to published commercial information. The company also includes data-free access for certain social media platforms: WhatsApp, Telegram, Messenger, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and X.

However, there are important restrictions. For WhatsApp, the benefit covers text messages, while voice and video calls consume plan data. Another attractive feature is roaming in the United States and Canada, allowing the use of package benefits during trips to these countries. It’s advisable to review the applicable conditions for data and minute consumption before traveling. WOZ also offers rollover for unused gigabytes, allowing pending data to be carried over to the next period, according to service conditions.

WOZ Offers Additional Gigabytes for Number Portability

Number portability is one of WOZ’s primary commercial incentives. Users can retain their phone number and receive more data during their first year with the service. The published promotion includes the following benefits:

5 GB Plan: Increases to 13 GB per month for the first year.
14 GB Plan: Increases to 38 GB per month for the first year.
26 GB Plan: Increases to 50 GB per month for the first year.

The process begins by requesting a portability PIN. Users must text the word “NIP” to 051 from their current line. They then choose a WOZ plan and enter the code during checkout. The company states that the process can be completed in less than 24 hours.

Phone Compatibility with Costco’s New Mobile Service

WOZ requires a phone that is eSIM compatible, supports Band 28, and utilizes VoLTE technology. Additionally, the device must be unlocked and authorized for the Mexican market. The company recommends verifying compatibility before purchasing the service. They also advise that Google Pixel devices are not compatible, according to their requirements list. This point is crucial because not all phones support eSIM or function with the necessary bands; therefore, owning a recent device does not automatically guarantee compatibility.

Costco Aims to Compete in a Market Dominated by Established Operators

WOZ’s entry expands competition in the Mexican mobile telephony market. Its model targets consumers who already have a Costco membership and seek to integrate connectivity into their regular expenses. Competitors include traditional operators and digital alternatives like Bait, associated with Walmart. However, both services differ in their commercial schemes, subscription methods, and benefits. WOZ focuses on monthly plans exclusive to members, eSIM, data rollover, and included roaming. Bait, on the other hand, offers prepaid packages with varying durations and conditions.

Costco’s offering also capitalizes on its customer base to provide an additional service. However, its success will depend on factors such as coverage, phone compatibility, and the price-to-data ratio.

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