With limited competition, Canada faces some of the highest mobile phone rates, especially compared to European countries. However, there is pressure on providers to reduce prices. This makes it easier to find the best mobile phone deal in Canada with prices falling. New technologies such as eSIM and 5G allow more options for users searching for deals. Like a regular SIM card, an eSIM allows using data plans from different providers.
Choosing the right provider and plan will let you connect with friends and family abroad and in Canada! This overview highlights Canada’s main mobile phone providers, their “flanker brands” (or value discount brands), and plan options. You’ll also discover what to consider to select a plan that fits your needs whether you’re a data-hungry user, frequent traveller, or budget-conscious consumer.
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Who are Canada’s “Big Three” Mobile Phone Providers?
Three major cell phone companies and national carriers want to compete for your mobile phone business: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. These “big three” tier one providers offer the largest networks, coverage, and a range of plans from basic talk and text packages to data-focused plans to meet unique needs.
Each provider also has flanker brands that appeal to value-conscious customers. The tier two and three flanker brands offer more affordable plans and flexible options that result in large savings.
Here are Some of the Best Mobile Phone Deals in Canada
| TIER 1 MOBILE PHONE PROVIDERS | TIER 2 & 3 FLANKER BRANDS |
|---|---|
| Bell | Virgin (tier 2 mid-level) Lucky Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Rogers | Fido (tier 2 mid-level) Chatr Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
| Telus | Koodo (tier 2 mid-level) Public Mobile (tier 3 discount) |
Tier 2 Mid-Level Mobile Phone Providers
| MID-LEVEL PROVIDERS | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Virgin Plus (owned by Bell) | – 4G LTE network (does not offer 5G speeds) – All plans include five bonus hours of unlimited data each month – Data, talk, and text plans allow roaming in the U.S. and other select countries – Data overage protection automatically turns off your data rather than penalizing you with overage fees when you hit your data cap |
| Fido (owned by Rogers) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Call control is an optional postpaid plan feature to prevent robocalls and scammers before their calls reach your end – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or unlimited long distance. – Fido deals offer customers the latest iPhone and Androids (but don’t include financing) – Check the Fido website for the best mobile phone deals and biggest savings. |
| Koodo (owned by Telus) | – 4G LTE network – Offers affordable plans and exclusive benefits – Koodo offers a selection of Samsung, Apple, and Google phones with financing options for $10-20/month (but be sure to read the contract for any additional fees) – Select plans allow you to add a perk to your plan like unlimited international SMS, rollover data, or international long distance add-ons. |
Tier 3 Low-Cost Mobile Phone Providers
| LOW-COST PROVIDERS (Network) | WHAT THEY OFFER |
|---|---|
| Lucky Mobile (Bell) | – Operates on the Bell 4G network – Range of low-cost prepaid plans with generous data – Good fit for users who only need basic connectivity – Unlimited Canada-wide calling plan with unlimited talk and text and 4G data – Bonus data with Lucky Rewards – Bring your own phone (check for device compatibility) – No long-term commitments. |
| Chatr Mobile (Rogers) | – Operates on Rogers’s nationwide network – Bring your own phone plans avoid high monthly payments (check device compatibility) – Prepaid plans for people looking for basic connectivity – No credit checks or contracts for prepaid plans. – Check out the International Talk Saver Rates. |
| Public Mobile (Telus) | – Operates on 5G and 4G networks – Offers prepaid plans – Limited options outside of Quebec. |
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Finding the best mobile phone deal in Canada depends on your unique needs and budget. This can include data usage, unlimited calling, high-speed connectivity, network coverage, extra features, or international calling. Compare deals, prices, and newcomer offers, as well as provider’s customer service reputation.
Tips & Strategies to Find the Best Mobile Phone Deals in Canada
These tips will help you select the best mobile phone plan that meets your needs and budget:
Consider Your Usage Patterns
Your usage will help you identify the plan that provides the right balance of data, minutes, and features.
- Do you consume a lot of data for streaming, browsing, or social media?
- Do you make frequent calls, or rely on messaging and other communication methods?
Check out Discount Providers
Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer the most comprehensive coverage, but discount providers may have better options in specific regions. Research the coverage maps of different providers to ensure they provide reliable connectivity in the areas where you live, work, and travel. Network coverage can be sparse in remote or rural areas. But, you’re likely settling in a city with good coverage.
Understand Contract Penalties
If you enter a contract, know the duration and any fees or penalties for ending the contract early. While longer contracts may offer lower monthly rates, they also limit your ability to change providers or plans in the future.
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Avoid Hidden Charges and Fees
Carefully review the monthly plan costs, and additional fees for:
- Features
- Roaming
- Overages
- International calling
- Device financing.
Look for providers that offer transparent pricing and avoid hidden charges. Find a plan that meets your needs and fits your budget to maximize value and avoid overspending.
Ensure Device Compatibility for Bring Your Own (BYO) Device Plans
If you own a mobile device, ensure that it is compatible with the provider’s network and that you can bring it when switching plans. BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data.
Types of Mobile Phone Plans in Canada
Knowing different plans’ unique features and benefits will help you select the best mobile phone deal to meet your needs.
Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans require you to pay for your usage upfront, giving you more control over your spending. These plans are more flexible, with no long-term contracts or credit checks. They are often a good choice if you have a limited budget.
Postpaid Plans
These are monthly subscription plans, where you receive a monthly bills for the services you already used. Postpaid plans often include a wider range of features, such as unlimited talk and text and higher data allowances. They may also offer the option to finance a new device as part of the plan. Most providers request a Canadian credit check for a month contract subscription.
Family Plans
Many providers offer family plans that allow you to share a pool of minutes, text messages, and data across multiple lines. These plans can be more cost-effective for households with multiple users, as they often include discounts for additional lines.
Pay-as-you-go Plans
Also known as “top-up” plans, these options allow you to pay for usage as you go, without a fixed monthly fee. You can purchase airtime and data credits as you need, making them suitable for infrequent or occasional users.
Data-focused Plans
Suppose you consume large amounts of mobile data, such as heavy streamers or mobile hotspot users. In that case, data-focused plans offer higher data allowances, often with the option to add more data as needed. These plans may be more expensive but can provide better value for data-heavy users.
International Roaming Plans
If you frequently travel outside Canada, consider plans that offer affordable international roaming options, such as discounted rates or included roaming data. This can help you avoid costly overage fees when using your phone abroad.
Bring Your Own (BYO) Plans
BYO plans are the most affordable plans for talking, texting, and mobile data. Often, this is the only option for newcomers. To purchase a new phone on a contract requires a credit check and without building a Canadian credit history, this is difficult.
By taking the time to research, evaluate, and compare your options, you can make an informed decision and find the best mobile phone plan that meets your unique needs. Whether you’re a data-hungry user, a frequent traveller, or a budget-conscious user, consumer, there is a plan to for the perfect balance of features and costs.
Corinna Frattini is the content marketing strategist at Prepare for Canada and contributes articles related to working in Canada. With a background in human resources and leadership development, her articles focus on what Canadian employers seek and how newcomers can continue their careers in Canada.
