One of the most important steps as a newcomer to Canada is to choose your cell phone plan. It can be quite distressing as the Canadian system is quite different from most countries. This article will try and help you get accustomed to the ins and outs of choosing the right plan and the right carrier.
Basics of Phone Plans & Carriers in Canada
There are a few things to know before looking at carriers and plans:
- If you don’t choose an unlimited plan, your income calls as well as your outgoing calls are billable. If you don’t have money left on your prepaid phone, you won’t be able the receive any calls!
- The prices shown on the carrier’s website or in-store are before tax. You will need to add between 5% and 15% of tax depending on your province/territory. You will also have to add the 911 (Emergency number) service fee of less than 1$ (depends also on your province/territory).
- Your phone will be locked if you buy it on a plan with a carrier, which means you will not be able to use a SIM card from another carrier unless you pay an unlocking charge of about $50.
- Some features, such as caller ID and voicemail, as charged extra in some plans. You will have to check if they are included or not.
- Some plans only include unlimited calls in your area and not Canada-wide, and calls outside your area could be charged big extras.
How much does a plan cost?
You may either get (i) a prepaid billing system where you need to refill your account by purchasing extra minutes, or (ii) a monthly bill for the cell phone service.
If your cellphone usage is important, a prepaid billing system comes up more expensive than a per-month billing system. You better get a plan, with a contract (if you buy a phone with it) or without a contract (no phone).
Phone costs are pretty expensive, compared to other countries, according to Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) figures.
List of Important Cell Phone Carriers
Rogers
Owned by Rogers Communications, Rogers Wireless is Canada’s largest wireless carrier. It offers wireless service with national coverage on three different networks. The company’s GSM and HSPA networks operate coast to coast, while its faster LTE network operates in major population centres.
Fido
Also owned by Rogers Communications, Fido offers national coverage with a focus on lower-priced phone plans to compete head-on with the discount plans offered by other wireless carriers. Although separate from Rogers Wireless, Fido uses the same GSM, HSPA and LTE networks.
Chatr
Also owned by Rogers Communications, Chatr is Roger’s most budget-conscious carrier. It uses the same networks as Roger’s other carriers, but minimizes costs by providing coverage only in designated “Chatr” zones. When Chatr customers use their phones outside their designated areas, additional charges apply.
Bell Mobility
Owned by Bell Canada Enterprises, Bell Mobility is a national wireless carrier, which provides service on three different wireless networks: CDMA, HSPA and LTE. Its newer, faster LTE network is available primarily in major population centres.
Virgin Mobile
Also owned by Bell Canada Enterprises, Virgin Mobile is a national wireless carrier, sister company of Bell Mobility, that emphasizes on lower-cost plans to compete with the discount plans offered by other wireless carriers. Virgin Mobile operate on the same CDMA, HSPA and LTE networks as Bell Mobility.
Telus Mobility
Owned by Telus Communications, Telus Mobility is a national wireless carrier that provides service on four different wireless networks. CDMA, HSPA and LTE are its mainstream networks, with LTE available only in larger population centres.
Koodo Mobile
Also owned by Telus Communications, Koodo Mobile is a national wireless carrier with a focus on lower-priced phone plans to compete head on with the discount plans offered by other wireless carriers. Koodo operates on Telus’ CDMA, HSPA and LTE networks. Koodo employs the concept of a Tab which allows users to accumulate credit towards a new phone.
