Cheapest Cell Phone Plans in Canada

Methodology

NetspeedCanada has no affiliations with any mobile phone provider. We use advanced data aggregation and our proprietary database to compare cell phone plans with user priorities in mind. 

Our conclusions are based on pricing, data allocation, network capabilities and coverage, and any limitations or advantages inherent in the plans we analyze. At the same time, we access public forums to examine questions like service reliability and customer service track record. 

Limitations exist. While every attempt to cover your cell phone plan selection criteria has been made, we advise you to conduct your own research using our online tool. 

Before committing to your selection, be sure to confirm questions like coverage with your shortlisted providers – especially if you live in, or frequently visit, remote areas. 

Cell Phone Carrier Coverage in Canada

Most of the cell phone carrier infrastructure in Canada is owned by the so-called “big three:” Bell, Telus, and Rogers. It’s not as limiting as it sounds, since each of these flagship brands owns subsidiary brands. 

For example, Telus owns Koodo. Freedom Mobile, previously owned by Rogers but now a Quebecor brand, is an exception to the rule. However, it partners with big-three members to provide Canada-wide service. 

In major cities, coverage is relatively complete with almost everyone enjoying carrier network coverage and choices between carrier networks. However, in more remote areas, options may be limited by coverage. 

Regardless of where you live, be sure to check service availability for your area before deciding on a plan. 

What Is the Difference Between Postpaid and Prepaid Plans?

In this article, we’ve featured reviews of low-cost plans for the budget conscious – and most of these are prepaid plans, but there is one exception: the no-frills option from Freedom Mobile. 

It’s here where you must tread lightly for fear of attracting additional costs, and differences between postpaid and prepaid plans account for it. 

When you take a prepaid plan, it only provides the data and calls you’ve paid for in advance. If you run out of data or talk time, you must consciously top up your allocation. 

But postpaid plans are paid for after you use the service, and they don’t generally stop working when you’ve reached your limit. Instead, your bill includes the plan plus any extra data or talk time you used.

There’s usually some form of alert when extra billing kicks in, but you will have to be wide awake to avoid paying more. 

Is Unlimited Data Really Unlimited?

Having looked through our selection of Canada’s cheapest cell phone plans, you may have decided that unlimited data plans, the costliest options, will suit you best. 

However, most people simply don’t need that much data – and even “unlimited” plans aren’t completely limitless. In general, they’ll provide a large amount of super-fast data, for example, 100 GB, and after that, they still offer data, but at much slower speeds. 

According to the Canadian Telecommunications Association, the average Canadian uses just less than 8GB of data per month. Based on this, Koodo’s 25 GB plan at $29 should offer you enough data, even if you’re an above-average data consumer.