Dear friends, few have asked for mobile company details here..posting for all..
There are basically 2 major carriers, who provide infrastructure to all other companies - BELL, ROGER
Following companies ride on BELL infra
1. Telus
2. Virgin Mobile
3. Bell
4. Koodo (low cost carrier)
The following companies ride on ROGER network
1. Roger
2. Chatr (low cost ..owned by rogers)
3. Fido (low cost)
4. There is one more..i think premium or similar name
Other than these, the following two providers offer very good packages (ride on existing rogers and bell infra)
1. Wind - good packages for voice and data - unlimited.
2. Mobilicity
But these two operators operate on bands that will not work on your phones from back home. Also, they operate on self network in small zones and then partner with big 3 (bell, rogers and telus). So. use only if your work and home are in same zone (like both in GTA).
Most companies charge minutes for incoming as well (unless the plan says incoming is unlimited).
Taxes in Canada are high - everything gets slapped at 13.5 percent. So, the bills get beefed up accordingly.
Most companies have almost similar plans. Koodo, Fido, Wind and Mobilicity have low cost plans - as these are smaller companies compared to Bell and Rogers and hence have low overheads.
We tested and tried almost all carriers by testing SIMs ourselves.
Finally, Koodo was best for us - a plan for $29 per month with 100 minutes, gave us a free phone plus $100 in store credit.
I also have chatr - unlimited voice plan for $35 but the reception is not good. If Chatr is not good for you, then Fido and Rogers will also not work best in your area. Bell network seems much better in Toronto area (we are in Brampton). So, Bell, Virgin Mobile and Koodo turned out as good option for us. When I say reception, the quality of network will heavily depend on where you are staying. So, will depend on how far the tower is from there. For us, Bell infra was nearby it seems, this may be different for your location. So, Iam not saying that Rogers is bad, it's only that it was not good for our location.
Mostly - your plans will be like 29, 35, 44, 49, 69, 80...where 29 will give you min minutes and no data and 69 and above will give unlimited voice and good data. Wind and Mobilicity is only exception. Wind gives unlimited voice and data for 35 and mobilicity gives that in 45. On an average, you will be paying like $50 per month easily on one mobile plan - inclusive of taxes.
All the best.