Cellular Data Plans

[drasticinput]

Hello!

I have reviewed so many wireless providers from a data perspective and none of them seem to match in terms of value for the dollar. I was wondering how Canadians manage with 500mb - 1GB at 3G speeds?

I have even seen 2 yr contracts with a maximum of 3GB on a 3G network. This means, no Netflix/youtube streaming on the bus ride.

What's your secret to bottomless data usage?

 

[BC4life]

There is no secret to bottomless data usage in Canada. You have to do with the options available. Or increase your budget since you can well get a 10GB or 20GB monthly plan if you are ready to pay for it.

The best value seems to be with Freedom mobile however you need to make sure you are in their coverage zone, and deal with the spotty network at times.

 

[Jaywalker]

I will not suggest Freedom mobile at all. The coverage is shitty. I have myself opted for Rogers and paying 110$ a month for 2 connections with 7 gb of shared usage. I know it sucks- but thats how it is in Canada. Data is expensive here. Go for Rogers or Bell - They have the best network.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

Rogers , Bell and Telus are the premier service providers and offer best service. Look for offers around holidays. For ex - These providers might offer some deal around Family Day ( 18th Feb).

I used Chatr to Rogers conversion promotion. Started with $40/4GB/Unlimited Canada Call and Text with Chatr and then ported it to Rogers after 1 month with $45/4GB/Unlimited Call and Text plan.

 

[torontosm]

Hello!

I have reviewed so many wireless providers from a data perspective and none of them seem to match in terms of value for the dollar. I was wondering how Canadians manage with 500mb - 1GB at 3G speeds?

I have even seen 2 yr contracts with a maximum of 3GB on a 3G network. This means, no Netflix/youtube streaming on the bus ride.

What's your secret to bottomless data usage?

Firstly, there are no 2 year contracts any longer. You are only bound by a term if you purchase a subsidized phone, and even then you can cancel at any time and pay off the balance.

Secondly, no one is using 3G speeds unless you go with one of the deep discount brands, in which case that is your choice.

You can comfortable get a plan for up to 5GB of data and unlimited talk for around $55 a month if you shop around. I remember over Christmas, carriers were offering 10-12GB of data for $60 a month. And this is all on a 4G LTE network

 

[badar14]

Try following
https://www.publicmobile.ca/

Much better option than freedom. They use telus network and for data they have LTE and 3G both networks so the price varies according to choice.

Good Luck

 

[canuck78]

Hello!

I have reviewed so many wireless providers from a data perspective and none of them seem to match in terms of value for the dollar. I was wondering how Canadians manage with 500mb - 1GB at 3G speeds?

I have even seen 2 yr contracts with a maximum of 3GB on a 3G network. This means, no Netflix/youtube streaming on the bus ride.

What's your secret to bottomless data usage?

Wait until you see car insurance in some provinces

 

[arthurbr]

Yeah, mobile plans and car insurance are definitely expensive here.

 

[mahi2020]

freedom 45/month -- 8gig data/month

 

[heynow]

Welcome to Republic of Bell, Rogers and Telus! Unless you are with them you may have cover issues. They have their budget brands with crappy(er) networks. Its super expensive here. No way around. At times having an unlimited data plan from a US carrier on roaming in Canada works out to be cheaper than paying these big 3!.
My 2 Satoshi - Bargain hard, talk to your office folks and see if they can hook you up on their plans or somehow "manage" to get a US postpaid account

 

[spyfy]

Welcome to Republic of Bell, Rogers and Telus! Unless you are with them you may have cover issues. They have their budget brands with crappy(er) networks. Its super expensive here. No way around. At times having an unlimited data plan from a US carrier on roaming in Canada works out to be cheaper than paying these big 3!.
My 2 Satoshi - Bargain hard, talk to your office folks and see if they can hook you up on their plans or somehow "manage" to get a US postpaid account

Fido (Rogers) and Virgin (Bell) and Koodo (Telus) use the exact same networks as their big brothers. So if your Fido phone doesn't get coverage, a Rogers phone won't get you coverage either, they are literally using the exact same cell phone towers.

Agree with plans being crazy expensive, of course.

 

[mowaiskhalid]

Will the phones purchased outside US/Canada work on these networks or we must buy phones from there? e.g. I have an iPhone from the Middle East region (not locked on any network as bought in cash).

 

[torontosm]

Will the phones purchased outside US/Canada work on these networks or we must buy phones from there? e.g. I have an iPhone from the Middle East region (not locked on any network as bought in cash).

It depends on the phone itself, and the supported frequencies. Most Middle Eastern phones work in Canada without problems, but phones from certain other Asian countries (e.g., China) are more problematic as they employ bands of the spectrum that are not used in North America.

 

[SithLord]

Damn these are freakishly expensive!!

 

[xylene]

If you are new in Canada get on a prepaid network (such as Public Mobile). It has great plans (relatively) and good coverage (as it is owned by TELUS). Moreover there would be promotions such as 25$ referral credits for both, $10 discount for 6 months etc. Some of the plans are 3G, however you won't much of a difference in speed unless you are tethering.

Next wait for offers from Koodo (TELUS other flanker brand) asking you to migrate to postpaid. Wait for the right offer and jump. I am on a $40 plan with 8GB data which by Canadian standards is very cheap.
I also got an offer to add 10GB for 15 $. Which makes my plan 18GB for 55$ which is again cheap by Canadian standards.

The trick here is to keep looking for deals and jump ship when you see one. And I would never recommend contracts unless you truly want a phone you cannot afford.