If you’re considering a move to Canada or you’re already a resident, one thing you’ll quickly realize is that mobile plans in this country can be costly. The Canadian mobile market is primarily dominated by the Big 3 providers – Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, which collectively hold a significant market share. Consequently, prices for mobile plans can seem exorbitant compared to international standards, with the average Canadian paying around $101 per month for their cellphone plan, as per the 2019 Communications Monitoring report from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
But don’t fret; there are options to help you find the best mobile plans in Canada without breaking the bank. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the Canadian mobile market, explore your choices, and recommend the most cost-effective cell plans available.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Canadian Mobile Market
Before diving into the best mobile plans in Canada, it’s essential to comprehend the dynamics of the Canadian mobile market. As mentioned earlier, the Big 3 providers – Bell, Rogers, and TELUS – have held a stronghold on the market for years, resulting in limited competition and high prices. However, recent years have seen the emergence of smaller providers who aim to challenge the status quo, although many of them operate as subsidiaries of the Big 3.
Exploring Affordable Phone Plans
When finding the best mobile plans in Canada, you’ll encounter various categories of providers. Let’s break them down:
- Cheap Phone Plan Providers: This category includes Fido, Koodo, Virgin, and Freedom. Notably, Fido, Virgin, and Koodo are owned by the Big 3 – Rogers, Bell, and TELUS, respectively. Freedom, on the other hand, is the primary independent challenger in the market. While these providers offer competitive rates, they often utilize their parent companies’ networks, providing similar coverage. Freedom, however, builds its infrastructure, which is stronger in urban areas but may rely on partner networks in less populated regions.
- Cheapest Phone Plan Providers: Public Mobile, Chatr, Lucky, and Cityfone fall into this category. These providers are owned by the Big 3 and offer nationwide network coverage, data allowances, and unlimited minutes and texts. However, they typically limit data speeds to 3G. Although this might seem restrictive, 3G speeds are sufficient for most users’ daily needs, including streaming music and videos.
- Regional Players: Depending on your location, you might have access to regional providers such as Videotron, Eastlink, XPLORE, and SASKTEL. These regional options can offer competitive pricing and tailored plans but may have limited coverage outside their regions.
Selecting the Best Mobile Plans in Canada as a Newcomer
If you’re a newcomer to Canada, you may initially need to opt for a pre-paid or pay-as-you-go plan before transitioning to a post-pay plan. This change is important because post-pay plans can help build your credit score in Canada, a crucial aspect of your financial life in the country.
Tips for Maximizing Mobile Coverage
One strategy to enhance your mobile coverage in Canada is to ensure that you and your partner, if applicable, are on different networks. This increases the chances of maintaining a signal, especially when traveling outside urban areas.
Additionally, if you opt for a plan that doesn’t require a long-term commitment (i.e., you bring your own phone), consider shopping around for better deals once any introductory discounts expire. Porting your number to a new provider is a straightforward process and can help you secure the most cost-effective plan.
Top Picks for Mobile Plans in Canada
Based on the considerations outlined above, here are our recommendations for the best mobile plans in Canada:
- Freedom
- Chatr
- Lucky
- Public Mobile
- Cityfone
Public Mobile: Public Mobile is known for its affordable prepaid plans. Plans typically started as low as $15 per month for a basic plan with limited data and increased in price based on your data needs. They also provided multi-month plans that offered savings if you paid for several months upfront.
Chatr: Chatr is another provider offering prepaid plans with no credit checks. They usually provide a range of talk, text, and data plans, including options for unlimited talk and text with varying data limits. Pricing starts at around $20 per month for basic plans with limited data, making it an attractive choice for those seeking budget-friendly options.
Lucky: Lucky Mobile is known for its straightforward prepaid plans. They often offer affordable talk and text plans with optional data add-ons. While their data offerings might be limited compared to larger providers, they aim to provide cost-effective solutions. Prices for Lucky Mobile plans may vary depending on your location.
Cityfone: Cityfone is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on the Rogers network. They usually offer a variety of plans, including talk, text, and data options. Cityfone plans can be flexible, allowing you to choose the combination that suits your needs. Prices may vary based on your preferences and location.
Freedom Mobile: Freedom Mobile is among the larger competitors to the Big 3 providers. They typically offer a range of plans with varying data allowances, unlimited talk and text, and optional add-ons. Freedom Mobile has been expanding its 5G network, providing faster data speeds in urban areas. Plan prices can vary, with different options available for different regions.
Our Recommendation for Best Mobile Plans in Canada- FREEDOM MOBILE
Among these providers, Freedom offer exceptional value for your money. For most users, these options are more than sufficient for regular social media and video streaming.
Freedom offer diverse packages with varying talk and text limits and provide 4G and 5G data speed with higher caps than the four providers mentioned earlier. Freedom is not owned by the Big 3, but be sure to verify network coverage in your area and understand data limitations in less densely populated regions.
In conclusion, finding the best mobile plans in Canada may seem daunting, given the dominance of the Big 3 providers. However, several affordable options cater to a variety of needs. Consider your usage patterns, geographic location, and preferences when selecting a plan that offers the best balance of affordability and performance.
FAQs – Best Mobile Plans in Canada
Q1: Who is the No 1 mobile network in Canada?
Determining the No. 1 mobile network in Canada depends on various factors, including coverage, pricing, and personal preferences. While the Big 3 providers, Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, dominate the market, the best network for you might be one of the smaller, more affordable options like Public Mobile or Freedom Mobile.
Q2: What is the best cell phone carrier in Canada?
The best cell phone carrier in Canada varies depending on individual needs. If you prioritize affordability, providers like Public Mobile and Freedom Mobile offer great options. However, if you value widespread coverage and are willing to pay a premium, Bell, Rogers, or TELUS might be suitable.
Q3: What are the top 3 networks in Canada?
The top 3 networks in Canada are typically Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, collectively referred to as the Big 3. These providers offer extensive coverage and various plans but tend to be on the higher end in terms of pricing.
Q4: What is the most reliable network in Canada?
The reliability of a network can vary by location. Generally, Bell, Rogers, and TELUS are known for their reliability due to their extensive infrastructure. However, smaller providers like Freedom Mobile are also improving their reliability in urban areas.
Q5: Is TELUS better than Rogers?
Whether TELUS is better than Rogers depends on your priorities. TELUS is often praised for its customer service and network reliability. In contrast, Rogers may offer competitive pricing or unique perks. Consider what matters most to you when choosing between them.
Q6: Who has the best 5G network in Canada?
The rollout of 5G networks in Canada is ongoing, with the Big 3 providers actively expanding their 5G coverage. TELUS, Rogers, and Bell are among the leaders in 5G deployment, but it’s essential to check the specific coverage in your area.
Q7: Which network is cheaper in Canada?
If you’re seeking affordable mobile plans in Canada, providers like Public Mobile, Chatr, Lucky, and Freedom Mobile often offer more budget-friendly options compared to the Big 3. With Freedom you will even get $25 service credit when you sign-up with them.
Q8: Who has the fastest LTE in Canada?
The speed of LTE networks can vary by location and provider. The Big 3 providers, Bell, Rogers, and TELUS, typically offer fast LTE speeds, but smaller providers like Freedom Mobile may also provide competitive performance.
Q9: What is the fastest mobile network in Canada 2023?
The fastest mobile network in Canada for 2023 can change over time due to network upgrades. Generally, Bell, Rogers, and TELUS invest in improving network speeds. Still, it’s advisable to check speed tests and coverage in your specific area.
Q10: Which mobile carrier has the best coverage?
Bell, Rogers, and TELUS are known for having extensive coverage across Canada. However, the best coverage for you depends on your location and travel habits. Smaller regional carriers might offer superior coverage in certain areas.
Q11: Is 5G better than LTE?
5G offers potential benefits such as faster speeds and lower latency compared to LTE. However, the actual advantage of 5G over LTE depends on factors like your device, location, and network infrastructure. In some cases, the difference may not be significant for everyday usage.
Q12: How do I know which network is best in my area?
To determine the best network in your area, consider using coverage maps provided by mobile carriers. Additionally, you can consult online resources and check with local residents for their experiences. Conducting speed tests using your device can also help assess network performance in your specific location.
Q13: Are there any truly independent mobile providers in Canada?
While most mobile providers in Canada are associated with the Big 3, Freedom Mobile stands out as an independent challenger, with its infrastructure in select urban areas.
Q14: What is the significance of credit scores in Canada, especially concerning mobile plans?
Building a good credit score in Canada is essential. Opting for a post-pay mobile plan can help boost your credit history, which is vital for various financial transactions and services.
Q15: Can I switch my mobile plan if I find a better deal?
Yes, switching mobile plans in Canada is straightforward, especially if your plan doesn’t require a long-term commitment. Many providers offer discounts for the first few months, so feel free to explore better options as your needs change.
Q16: What should I prioritize when choosing a mobile plan: price or data speed?
Your choice should align with your usage patterns. If you primarily use social media and stream content, 3G speeds are often sufficient and more budget-friendly. However, if you require faster data speeds, consider plans like Freedom that offer 4G speeds.
