Moving to a new country can be a frightening experience, and one of the first things you’ll need to sort out is a reliable cell phone plan. If you’re a Nigerian newbie in Canada, this guide is for you. We’ll explore some of the cheapest and most dependable cell phone plans available in Canada.
Understanding the Canadian Mobile Market
The Canadian mobile market is dominated by three major network operators: Bell, Rogers, and Telus. However, there are also several smaller providers, known as flanker brands, that offer cheaper plans. These include Chatr Mobile, Fido, and Lucky Mobile. Think of these as the pawns in our chess game, smaller but still very important.
If you’ve used phone plans elsewhere, particularly in Nigeria or Europe, It’s frustrating how Canadian phone plans can feel like a different universe compared to what you were used to. Monopolies and lack of competition certainly play a role. But let’s focus on finding better deals! Here are some affordable cell phone plans in Canada:
Cheap Plans for Newbies
Chatr Mobile
Owned by Rogers, Chartr is cheaper, offering plans for around $15/month without internet. If you’re looking for a better deal, consider porting your number to Chartr. Their $29/month plan is budget-friendly (no internet, though). But it’s an option if you have Wi-Fi access.
Fido
Known for reasonable prices, they offer $25/month for 30GB with unlimited calls and messages. Consider their 250MB Basic Plan at $15/month, offering 250MB data at 3G speed, 100 Canada-wide outgoing call minutes, and unlimited incoming calls. Fido and Virgin offer competitive plans. Fido’s $34/month plan with 50GB of data, and plans ranging from $23/month to $45/month is a good choice for cost-conscious users. Virgin has affordable options too, but keep an eye out for changes in their offerings.
Lucky Mobile
Their 100-minute Canada-wide calling Plan costs $15/month and includes 100 outgoing minutes, unlimited incoming minutes, international texts, and 250MB of data monthly with Automatic Top-Up. Their $25/month plan (tax included) gives you 1GB of data. If you need more, the $34/month plan has your back. As some would say, Fido and Lucky Mobile offer similar prices, but you’ve had luck with Fido’s low $23 plan.
Public Mobile
Their Unlimited Canada-US Talk + Text + 50GB plan on the nationwide Telus network is a steal at $34/month (with tax). While there are no smartphone options, the 5G data is impressive. Again their $25/month plan with tax is a solid choice for budget-conscious users. You can customize your plan based on your needs.
Freedom Mobile
This plan is like a first-class flight, with 60GB of data, unlimited nationwide data, talk and text, unlimited Canada-wide calling and incoming calls, unlimited global text, picture and video messaging, and the fastest available data speed. It costs $65 per month. While their $55/month plan is cheap it is also considered expensive by some.
Koodo Mobile
Koodo, despite its occasional billing issues, remains a popular choice. Consider their $40 Prepaid Base Plan, which offers a whopping 75GB of 4G data for $40/month. Great value for heavy data users.
Virgin Mobile
Virgin (owned by Bell) may still be a viable option. They offer a $29/month plan with 20GB and 200 minutes to call Nigeria for free. Their recent change in international call policy may disappoint you resulting in unexpected charges. Alternatively, explore other providers like Fido, Chatr, or Lucky Mobile.
The Struggle with Plan Renewals
Remember the days in Nigeria when you could still receive calls without an active plan, Canadian providers require timely renewals. You appreciate Nigeria’s straightforward approach, where you subscribe whether you like it or not. Here, if you don’t renew, you lose both incoming and outgoing call privileges.
General Recommendations
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
The best way to get a better deal is to bring your own device (BYOD). Avoid financing phones through your carriers. It often ties you to expensive plans. Instead, buy your phone outright (maybe during Black Friday) and strut away with a sweet deal.
Buying your phone outright and getting a SIM card with a separate plan can save money compared to bundled phone financing plans.
Avoid phone financing plans that often come with higher monthly costs.
WhatsApp and SmileVoice
Using WhatsApp for calls is a smart move to save on international charges. The SmileVoice app is another alternative.
Look for Prepaid Plans
Prepaid plans can be a good option for those who want to avoid monthly commitments. They offer more control over spending and avoid surprise bills.
Promotions and Student Deals
Shop during promotions. Companies often introduce discounts or win-back deals during student resumption periods. Keep an eye out for special offers. Introductory offers can lead to higher prices later on. Be sure to read the fine print and understand the long-term cost of the plan.
The Secret to Getting the Best Deal
Loyalty doesn’t pay off in the Canadian telecom market. Porting between providers allows you to choose a cheaper plan with another provider or take advantage of promotions. Some providers may offer better deals to win back customers leaving.
Unfortunately, Canada does pay high phone tariffs compared to other advanced nations. Consider smaller providers as they offer lower prices than the major players (Bell, Rogers, Telus). Don’t bundle home internet with phone plans to avoid long-term commitments.
Use WiFi whenever possible. This can help minimize data usage and lower your monthly bill.
Late payments can lead to line suspension and additional penalties. Stay on top of due dates.
Some small cities have local networks offering pay-as-you-go plans (e.g., 5GB for $25). These are advisable if you have Wi-Fi at home, work, and school.
While we’ve explored some of the cheapest options, the cheap plan for one person might not be the best for another. Consider your needs such as how much data you use, and how often you make calls before signing up for any plan. It’s always a good idea to compare different plans and providers to find the best fit for you.
