How to find the best mobile phone deal in Canada

Canada, with its limited competition, has some of the most expensive mobile phone rates in Europe, and Canada is no exception. But there is pressure on Providers to Reduce Prices. Prices are falling, making it easier to find a good deal on a mobile phone in Canada.  Users can find more deals with the help of new technologies like 5G and eSIM. An eSIM is similar to a SIM card and allows users to use data plans from multiple providers.

Choose the right provider to connect with your friends and family in Canada and abroad! This overview highlights Canada’s main mobile phone providers, their  “flanker brands”(or value discounts 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.  

Who are Canada’s “Big Three” Mobile Phone Providers?

Bell, Rogers and Telus are the three major national carriers and cell phone companies that want to compete with each other for your business. These are the three main national carriers and cell phone companies that are competing for your business: Bell, Telus, and Rogers. “big three”Tier one providers offer the biggest networks, coverage and a wide range of plans ranging from basic talk and texts to data-focused packages to meet unique requirements.

There are also flanker brands from each provider that appeal to customers who are value-conscious. The tier two- and three-brand flanker brands offer flexible plans at lower prices, resulting in substantial savings.

Check out the best mobile phone deals in Canada

Tier 3 Low Cost Mobile Phone Providers

The best mobile phone deal for you in Canada will depend on your budget and unique needs. You can choose from data usage, unlimited calls, high-speed connectivity or extra features like 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 can help you choose the best mobile phone plan for your needs and budget.

Consider Your Usage Patterns

You can determine the best plan based on the balance between data, minutes, features and price by analyzing your usage.

• Do you use a lot of data to stream, browse, or for social media?

• Do you rely on texting and other methods of communication or make frequent phone calls?

Discount Providers

Bell, Telus and Rogers provide the most comprehensive coverage. Discount providers may offer better options in certain regions. Check the coverage maps to see if you can get reliable connectivity in your area. In remote or rural areas, network coverage can be limited. But, you’re likely settling in a city with good coverage.

Understanding Contract Penalties

Know the length of the contract and if there are any fees or penalties if you want to terminate it early. While longer contracts offer lower monthly rates they also limit the ability to switch providers or plans.

Avoid Hidden Fees and Charges

Review the monthly plan costs and any additional fees.

Avoid providers who charge hidden fees and look for those that offer transparent pricing. Find a plan which meets your needs, and is within your budget. This will maximize your value and help you avoid overspending.

Bring Your Own Device Plans: Ensure Device Compatibility

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 for talking, texting, or 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.

Postpaid Plans 

These are monthly subscriptions, where you get a monthly bill for the services that you have already used. Postpaid plans include more features, like unlimited talk and texts and higher data allowances. Some plans include the option to finance the purchase of a new device. Most providers require a Canadian credit report for a month-long contract subscription.

Family Plans

Many providers offer family plans which allow you to share minutes, text messages and data between multiple lines. These plans are often more cost effective for households with multiple users as they include discounts for extra lines.

Pay-as-you-go Plans 

Also known by “top-up”These options allow you pay as you use, without a fixed fee. These plans are ideal for infrequent and occasional users, as they allow you to purchase airtime or data credits when you need them.

Data-focused plans 

Imagine you are a heavy streamer or mobile hotspot user. In this case data-focused plans will offer higher data allowances. They may also allow you to add extra data when needed. These plans are more expensive, but they can offer better value to data-intensive users.

International Roaming Plans

Consider plans that offer international roaming at affordable rates, or include roaming data, if you travel frequently outside Canada. This can help you to avoid expensive overage charges when using your phone abroad.

Bring Your Own Plans

BYO Plans are the most affordable for talking, texting and mobile data. This is usually the only choice for newcomers. To buy a new phone with a contract, you will need to have your credit checked. Building a Canadian Credit HistoryThis is a difficult task.

You can make an informed choice by researching, evaluating, and comparing your options. This will help you find the plan that best suits your 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, the content marketing strategist for Prepare for Canada, contributes articles on working in Canada. Her articles, which are based on her background in human resource and leadership development and what Canadian employers want, focus on how newcomers to Canada can continue their career.