CALGARY -- Freedom Mobile has launched a new promotion that takes a novel approach to dealing with data overages, which can be an expensive extra cost if usage goes beyond the monthly plan's limits.

The wireless arm of Shaw Communications Inc.(SJRb.TO) is offering 100 gigabytes of extra data to new and existing customers -- provided they sign up for a two-year plan with new handset for $60 per month.

The offer will be available for only a limited time in provinces served by Freedom, but the company hasn't disclosed when it will end.

Freedom says the bonus data pool won't expire, but will be automatically applied when a customer exceeds a qualifying plan's normal monthly limit.

The Big Binge Bonus promotion is Freedom's latest tactic for distinguishing itself from Canada's national wireless carriers owned by Rogers, Bell and Telus.

In October 2017, Freedom challenged its three bigger rivals by offering a plan with 10 gigabytes per month for $50 -- at the time a relatively large amount of data for the price.

The three national carriers later launched aggressive discounts and promotions in the weeks before the 2017 year-end holiday period, often the biggest selling opportunity for Canadian mobile carriers.