Canadian Phone Companies “The Big Three.”
The cell phone market in Canada is dominated by three major carriers: Rogers, Telus, and Bell. Together, they are known as the “Big Three” and control the majority of wireless subscribers across the country. While they offer national coverage and a wide range of phone plans in Canada, their prices are higher than those of smaller carriers.
These Canadian phone companies also own several “flanker brands”, including Fido, Koodo, Virgin Mobile, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and Chatr Mobile. These brands target specific demographics, usually younger audiences, with lower-cost options. However, they run on the networks of their parent companies, so you get access to the same coverage. These giants offer nearly identical services and prices.
Key Factors To Phone Plan Of Canadian Phone Companies
When comparing phone companies Canada, some key factors to look at are:
- Coverage area – The Big Three offer coast-to-coast coverage, but smaller carriers like Freedom Mobile have more limited zones, primarily major cities. Verify service in your location.
- Data amounts – Lower data amounts like 2-8GB are cheaper with flanker brands, while unlimited comes from the Big Three. Pick based on your usage.
- Device purchasing – Flanker brands have a limited selection for device financing, while the Big Three offer more models and options.
Understanding Phone Plans In Canada
- Plan types – The Big Three and 1st-level flankers like Fido offer both prepaid and postpaid. 2nd-level flankers like Public are prepaid only.
- Perks/rewards – 1st-level flankers highlight perks and rewards, especially for customer loyalty. Less so for other carriers.
Consider Affordability
- Affordability – For the most affordable rates on prepaid and BYOD plans with small-medium data amounts, go for the 2nd-level flankers.
- Family plans – The Big Three have the best family and group options for multi-line shared data plans.
Cost Of Phone Plans In Canada
- Canadian cellphone plans are among the most costly, particularly for data.
- The average cost for a plan with 5GB data is $45/month. More data means higher costs.
However, after years of consumer complaints, prices dropped about 25% in 2020 when the government mandated reductions. Still, Canada remains one of the most costly countries for mobile services.
BYO Vs Buying Through Provider
- BYO plans are cheaper but require an unlocked, compatible device. Buying through a provider spreads the cost over time.
- New smartphones easily over $1000. BYO plans have no contracts so you can switch anytime.
Some independent providers like PhoneBox offer very competitively priced BYOD plans. Moving2Canada has partnered with PhoneBox to provide exclusive BYOD deals to our community.
Prepaid Vs Contract
With prepaid plans, you pay upfront for a set amount of services. Once you hit your allowance, you have to top up your account to make more calls, texts, or use data. Contract plans bill you monthly for services after the fact. However, a credit check is usually required to qualify for postpaid contract plans as a new customer.
Choosing What’s Right For You
The key is identifying priorities like data amount, network coverage, and device financing options. Then, use those factors to narrow down the Canadian phone companies most likely to meet your needs at a price you’re comfortable with. Don’t hesitate to ask carriers many questions, too, so you fully understand plan details and avoid surprise fees.
Conclusion
With this overview of the phone plan in Canada and top phone plan considerations, you should feel empowered to find the right mobile provider for your lifestyle. Doing thorough research before committing to a long-term cell phone plan is important to getting connected and making the most of your wireless budget before Moving2Canda.
Grammarly and SEMrush
Plagiarism check
