Waterloo Startup Provides Backup Solutions Following Bell Outage That Left Canadians Offline

As millions of Canadians experienced a significant network outage affecting Bell Canada, a Waterloo-based startup, Sweat Free Telecom, emerged as a potential solution. Founded by Chanakya Ramdev, the company has developed a digital safety net for smartphone users, utilizing embedded SIM (eSIM) technology to provide backup data access across Canada’s major carriers—Bell, Rogers, and Telus, as well as hundreds of networks globally.

Ramdev likens their product, called EIM, to a “spare tire” for smartphones, emphasizing its role in maintaining connectivity during outages or slow internet days. The service is implemented through a QR code alongside an existing SIM card, guaranteeing users alternative data access when primary networks falter. EIM connects users to major providers in Canada and popular U.S. carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, extending its reach to roughly 100 countries and over 200 networks worldwide. Additionally, the service aids in avoiding costly roaming charges during international travels.

The recent Bell outage highlighted the vulnerability of Canada’s telecom infrastructure, affecting users across Ontario, Quebec, and parts of Atlantic Canada. Bell confirmed the disruption was not due to a cybersecurity breach and promised a comprehensive review. For Ramdev, this incident served as timely validation of his startup’s mission, especially since Sweat Free Telecom emerged from frustrations stemming from a severe Rogers outage in 2022. This previous incident disrupted connectivity for over 12 million Canadians for nearly 26 hours, impacting essential services like 911 access and debit payments.

Initially established as Sweat Free Apparel in 2016 by a collective of University of Waterloo graduates producing sweatproof undershirts, the company underwent various pivots, including manufacturing PPE during the pandemic and creating electric boats designed to clean local lakes. However, Ramdev's personal experience during the 2022 Rogers outage revealed a crucial issue; the absence of telecom redundancy left their operations—both the boats and his smartphone—entirely offline.

Reflecting on this, Ramdev noted that reliance on a single point of failure, such as a primary phone service, can disrupt everyday life significantly. The Rogers outage, caused by human error during a system upgrade that overwhelmed core routers, spurred new federal policies mandating emergency roaming and network sharing among telecom providers during outages, a lesson Ramdev took to heart.

Unlike conventional telecom carriers, Sweat Free Telecom positions itself not as a competitor but as a complementary service. Ramdev emphasized that users should view EIM as a supplement, enhancing their existing connections rather than replacing them. Available plans start at $15.99 for North American access and $16.99 globally, with no monthly fees and data that does not expire.

With their technology in place, Ramdev is eager to promote and expand awareness of EIM. He believes that in an increasingly digital world, ensuring reliable connectivity is essential for maintaining personal and professional lives. As the need for robust telecom solutions becomes clearer, Sweat Free Telecom aims to address these gaps effectively.