Canada Mobile Operators: Which One is the Best?

Canada has three main Canada mobile operators – Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Known together as the “big three”, these telephone companies have built networks that reach everywhere in Canada. Because Rogers, Bell, and Telus have lots of customers and service that works all over using fast 4G, they make up nearly all of Canada’s mobile phone industry.

This comprehensive guide will provide an overview of the leading Canada mobile operators:

• Bell 
• Telus 
• Rogers

Also, include information about their Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) and any regional mobile operators. Choosing the best Canada mobile operators can be tricky with so many options for plans, phone models, network technology, and more. This guide will compare the big three networks and highlight some of the best smaller regional carriers to consider for your next wireless service.

1. List of Mobile Operators in Canada

To understand your options for acquiring mobile service in Canada, it’s helpful to know how many major Canada mobile operators provide cellular coverage nationwide, from major mobile operators to regional ones and their MVNOs.

1.1. Main Mobile Operators in Canada

The “Big Three” mobile networks in Canada refer to the three largest telecommunications companies that own nationwide mobile networks. They are:

Rogers

Rogers Communications is Canada’s largest wireless carrier with over 10 million subscribers nationwide. Rogers operates Canada’s largest LTE network covering 99% of the population. They also have an extensive network of retail stores and offer popular phone models from Apple, Samsung, Google Pixel, and more.

Some key things to know about Rogers Wireless:

• Offers unlimited talk & text plans as well as shared data buckets from 2GB to 20GB or unlimited data.
• Access to 5G networks available in select cities.
• Roaming packages available for USA & international travel.
• Range of bring your own device and financing options for new phones.
• Rogers owns brands like Fido and Chatr that offer more budget-friendly discount brands.

Bell

Bell Mobility is the second-largest Canada mobile operator with over 9 million customers. They offer coast-to-coast LTE coverage a fast-growing wing 5G network. Bell offers a wide selection of phones and connectivity options.

Key Bell Wireless features:

• Unlimited nationwide talk & global text plans.
• Data buckets from 1GB to 20GB or unlimited data.
• 5G network access in major cities across Canada.
• Affordable prepaid and financed phone options.
• Extensive roaming packages for Canada & USA.
• Bell brands like Virgin Plus and Lucky Mobile offer discounted plans.

Telus

Telus Mobility is Canada’s 3rd biggest mobile operator with 8 million subscribers. They have an extensive LTE network that covers 99% of Canadians. Telus offers flagship devices, unlimited data plans, and flexible Bring-Your-Own-Device options.

Telus wireless highlights:

• Talk & text plans and shared data buckets up to 20GB.
• 5G network available in major metropolitan areas.
• Flexible device financing on new smartphone models.
• Affordable BYOD and no-term contract options.
• Brands like Koodo and Public Mobile offer cheaper deals.

1.2. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Canada

MVNOs that don’t own their own networks can offer lower prices and more flexible plan options compared to big three (Bell, Rogers, Telus). However, not all of the MVNOs are fully separate or can use the best cellphone networks. Here are some of the top MVNOs in Canada:

These are just a few of the many MVNOs in Canada. When picking one of these companies, it’s essential to consider what you need more and how much you can pay.

You can also look at the different plans from these Canada mobile operators and compare them to get the best deal for you on WhistleOut.

2. How to Choose the Best Mobile Operator in Canada

Determining the best Canada mobile operators, however, is not an easy thing to do. There are many factors that you will need to consider best option for you depends largely on what matters most to you and your personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the Canadian mobile landscape:

• Network coverage – Take a look at the network coverage maps and see which carrier has the best network in your neighborhood, city, or places that you visit often. Generally speaking, the big 3 carriers (Bell, Rogers, Telus) have the best network nationwide.
• Compare plans and rates – Select plans that match your usual data use. Prepaid plans are cheaper for light users, while postpaid plans make sense for heavy users. See also extra options like Canada-wide free calling or data sharing.
• Evaluate customer service reputation – Search online to see which performs best in turning up when problems arise. Some may have longer wait times or less effective reps.
• WiFi calling and roaming support –  If you often call over WiFi or are outside the coverage area, make sure the network supports these features.
• Scrounge for discounts – If you’ve been with your current carrier for a long time, don’t forget to ask about promos or loyalty credit. Bring Your Phone plans can also save money for you.
• Check additional fees – Some carriers charge extra for extras such as call display, voicemail, and international rates. Know what’s included.
• Test the network – Those largely concerned with coverage should consider buying a travel SIM from each provider and testing speeds in their area of interest before they buy.

Start with the big 3. If coverage is permitting, next look to regional providers like Freedom Mobile. Of course, the best fit is dependent on your usage and priorities.

3. Best Mobile Operators in Canada – Detailed Comparison

To provide an at-a-glance view for evaluating the mobile network options in Canada, we present the latest Opensignal report about the Canadian mobile network experience:

In addition to the statistics, here are some additional subjective factors to consider when choosing a Canada mobile operator for your trip. Below is a comparison of Rogers, Bell, and Telus based on a few qualitative criteria:

• Network coverage: There is no significant difference between Bell, Rogers, and Telus regarding Availability. However, Bell network is available slightly more often than Rogers and Telus.
• Internet speed: The download speed experience award was won jointly by Bell and Telus. Their users will thus be able to enjoy similar fast speeds on both their 4G and 5G networks together.
• Voice quality: Telus tops the voice app experience, followed by Bell and Rogers.
• Price: Depending on the included data and minutes, plans may vary in cost. In general, Telus is thought of as one of the best values among the three biggest phone companies in Canada.
• Customer service:  Independent surveys consistently rank Telus as having the best customer service reputation in addressing questions and resolving problems.

So in summary, it qualitatively compares the major Canada mobile carriers Rogers, Bell, and Telus across key factors like coverage, speed, call quality, pricing, and customer service experience. Telus receives top marks in several areas.

4. Where to Buy SIM Card from Canada Mobile Operators?

You can buy Canada SIM cards for tourists in several places, depending on your preferences and convenience. Here are some good options for where to buy a SIM card for Canada as a tourist:

• At the airport – Many major Canadian airports like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal have stores from carriers like Rogers, Fido, Bell, and Telus where you can purchase directly a SIM at Canadian airports.

• Carrier stores – Head to retail stores of major Canada mobile carriers in cities to buy a prepaid SIM. They often have tourist plans. Brands include Rogers, Fido, Bell, Telus, SaskTel, etc.
• Online travel retailers – Sites like Canada SIM Cards, WorldSIM, and Roam Mobility offer mail delivery of SIMs with data plans tailored for travelers.
• Mobile retailers – Phone stores like The Source, Wireless Wave, etc. outside airports may have pay-as-you-go SIM options.

• Supermarkets – Larger grocery chains like Loblaws, and Sobeys sell bring-your-own-phone SIM starter packs.
• Drugstores – Buy a SIM starter kit from shops like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Jean Coutu.
• Canada Post – Some post offices near tourist areas might sell travel SIMs from local providers.

5. Do Mobile Operators in Canada Offer eSIM?

With compatible devices, eSIM is supported by major Canada mobile operators as well as most of their MVNOs. Canadian mobile carriers provide eSIM plans offering different data, talk, and text packages. There are various plan options for data allowance, network coverage area, and international roaming participation.

As for eSIM, you can go to the websites of individual carriers to see what they offer or use sites such as PlanHub or WhistleOut which enable side-by-side comparisons of plans offered by different providers.

For information about whether your device is compatible with eSIM, refer to the Canada eSIM Compatible Devices List.

Skip the hassle of finding a physical SIM when traveling to Canada. Purchase an eSIM plan online from Canada-esim.com for flexible data options and instant connectivity upon arrival. 

Ensure seamless connectivity throughout your trip with our Canada eSIM 7-Day plan. With options from 5GB to 20GB of fast LTE data or 1-2GB per day:

Get 500MB-2GB daily LTE data for up to 20 days of travel across Canada. Rates from just $35 with our flexible 20 Day eSIM plan: 

6. FAQs about the best Canada mobile operators

7. Conclusion

There are also many other considerations when looking for the best Canada mobile operator for your needs. Rogers, Bell, and Telus still hold a commanding share of Canada’s wireless market. To get the most for less, take advantage of low-priced brands; bring your device programs. Embrace the kind of zero-contracts with no limits you NEVER thought could exist. Thinking about plans carefully, and thinking about your usage can help you find the ideal mobile.