Cheapest Unlimited Data 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 analyse. 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

Bell, Telus, and Rogers offer nationwide coverage in Canada. As you’ll have noticed, all three of these companies directly provide plans featured in our top selections for unlimited data plans. 

The latest figures indicate that up to 98 percent of the Canadian population has mobile network access and 91 percent can access 5G. 

In perspective, most Canadians live in urban areas. As a result, these figures fail to account for more remote areas, or the fact that you won’t necessarily have access to all of the big three providers at your location. 

An exception to the rule, Eastlink, doesn’t have nationwide coverage using its own networks. Instead, it uses agreements with the “big three,” allowing it to use their infrastructure. 

What Is The Difference Between Postpaid and Prepaid Plans?

When you have a postpaid plan, as you generally will when you opt for unlimited data, you are billed after you use the service. Anything over and above the service offered gets added to your bill. 

With unlimited data plans, the chance of attracting extra costs are lower since you have both unlimited call time and unlimited data. But, beware of add-ons like roaming or international calls. 

Having a postpaid plan invariably means contracts and credit checks, but we were able to find some unlimited data postpaid plans that are not bound by term contracts. For example, the Eastlink plan we covered is contract-free.

Prepaid plans are simpler. You pay before you use the service.  You won’t ordinarily have 5G (with rare exceptions, you may) and data is limited. The service stops working when you’ve reached its limits. To get back online, you’d need to buy extra data. 

Is Unlimited Data Really Unlimited?

It’s a “yes and no” answer. Unlimited data means you can use as much data as you like without extra fees. Even so, there are limits to how much fast data you can access. 

For example, the Rogers plan we covered in this review offers 75 GB of fast data. After that, you can keep on browsing for no extra charge, but your speed will be much slower. 

When deciding whether you need an unlimited data plan, monitor your current data use to determine how much data you need. Light data users generally only need two or three GB per month. According to the Canadian Telecommunications Association, 8GB is average.  

Unlimited data plans may not be completely without limits, but they generally offer more than enough fast data for professionals on the move, dedicated mobile gamers, and those who stream video instead of downloading it via WiFi.