Last reviewed by Canadianow editorial team: September 25, 2026. Always confirm immigration, tax, healthcare, driving, and employment rules with official sources before acting.
Canadian mobile phone plans are among the most expensive in the developed world. The good news is that competition has improved significantly since 2020, and there are now affordable options if you know where to look. This guide explains how Canadian mobile works and how to avoid overpaying.
How Canadian Mobile Works
Canada’s mobile market is dominated by three large carriers: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. These three own the major networks. Most other providers are “virtual” carriers (MVNOs) that rent access to one of these networks at wholesale rates and resell to consumers at lower prices.
The big three’s subsidiary brands also offer lower prices than the parent brands:
- Rogers → Fido, Chatr
- Bell → Virgin Plus, Lucky Mobile
- Telus → Koodo, Public Mobile
Types of Plans
- Postpaid plans — Monthly plans billed after use. Usually require a credit check. Better data allowances and often include phone financing. Not ideal when you first arrive without Canadian credit history.
- Prepaid plans — Pay in advance. No credit check required. Perfect for newcomers. More expensive per GB but no commitment.
- SIM-only plans — You bring your own unlocked phone. Much cheaper than financing a new phone through a carrier.
Best Options for Newcomers
Public Mobile
One of the best value options in Canada. Prepaid, no credit check, loyalty discounts that grow over time. Plans from around $25/month for basic data to $45/month for 50+ GB. Uses the Telus network (strong coverage).
Koodo
Telus-owned. Good balance of price and service. Tab system lets you finance a phone gradually. Prepaid options available with no credit check.
Fido
Rogers-owned. Competitive pricing, especially on data-heavy plans. Frequent promotional pricing.
Fizz
Owned by Videotron (Quebecor). Fully online, no stores, with customizable plans and referral bonuses. Available in Quebec and in other regions where Quebecor has network access — check coverage for your city.
Freedom Mobile and regional carriers
Freedom Mobile (owned by Quebecor, like Videotron and Fizz) is the main alternative to the big three in Ontario, Western Canada and parts of Atlantic Canada. Regional carriers such as Videotron (Quebec and parts of Ontario), SaskTel (Saskatchewan) and Eastlink (Atlantic Canada) are often cheaper within their regions — check coverage where you live and work.
What You Need to Get a SIM
- Prepaid: usually just a payment method, sometimes photo ID. You can often get a SIM or eSIM on arrival day.
- Postpaid without a credit check: ID, a Canadian address and a payment method (Canadian bank account or card).
- Postpaid with a credit check: the carrier looks at your Canadian credit file. If it is empty, you may be asked for a security deposit or offered a limited plan.
Many carriers, including the big three and several discount brands, offer eSIM, which you can activate before you land if your phone supports it. You do not need a SIN to get a phone plan.
Phone Plans and Your Credit History
Interpretation: a postpaid plan is an account that can appear on your credit report and help build your history if you pay on time; a missed payment can hurt it. Prepaid plans generally are not reported. Ask the carrier whether it reports to Equifax or TransUnion if credit-building is a goal. You can check your score for free with the tools compared in Credit Karma vs Borrowell.
What to Look For in a Plan
- Data — In Canada, data is still relatively expensive. Look for plans with at least 15 GB of LTE data for normal use. Many people need 30-50 GB if they use their phone as a hotspot.
- Canada-wide vs. local calling — Ensure your plan includes Canada-wide calling, not just local. Most current plans do.
- International calling/texting — If you need to call home regularly, compare add-on rates or consider a VoIP app (WhatsApp, Zoom) over WiFi instead.
- Roaming — If you travel to the US frequently, look for plans with US roaming included.
- 5G vs LTE — 5G is available in major cities. In smaller towns and rural areas, LTE is the standard. Don’t pay extra for 5G if you don’t live in a 5G coverage area.
Switching Providers
In Canada, you can keep your phone number when switching carriers. This is called number portability. The new carrier handles the switch — you do not need to contact your old carrier first. Simply sign up with the new carrier and provide your current number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my phone number from home?
No — you will get a new Canadian number. Keep your home number active (or on a cheap plan) if you need it for banking codes, and use WhatsApp or similar apps to stay reachable.
Can I get a phone plan in Canada without a credit check?
Yes. Prepaid plans from carriers like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, and Chatr do not require a credit check. You pay in advance, no contract.
Should I unlock my phone before coming to Canada?
Yes. If your phone is locked to a carrier in your home country, it won’t work with Canadian SIM cards. Get it unlocked before you leave — or buy an unlocked phone. In Canada, all phones sold since 2017 must be sold unlocked by law.
How much should I expect to pay for a good phone plan in Canada?
A reasonable plan with 30–50 GB of data, Canada-wide calling and texting, and decent coverage should cost $30–$50 per month on one of the subsidiary or discount carriers. The big three brands charge significantly more for equivalent plans.
