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Mobile Syrup

Introducing MobileSyrup’s telecom news round up [July 30 – Aug 5]

Welcome to MobileSyrup’s telecom roundup, a recap of all the important telecom news over the past week.

From quarterly reports to government announcements, this was a busy week in Canadian telecom.

Business news

Over the past week, we saw a barrage of quarterly reports from the leading telecom companies in Canada.

Telus reported it added 247,000 mobile and fixed customers in its second quarter of the year. 93,000 of the new customer came from mobile phone connections as the company saw its subscriber base increase by 4.2 percent year over year.

BCE reported growth in its wireless services as well, adding more than 110,000 mobile phone net subscribers. This figure increased 140 percent year over year. The company’s president and CEO also touched on the Rogers outage, saying Bell uses separate wireless and wireline networks, a move Rogers only recently announced. 

Unlike its counterparts, Québecor’s revenue was in the negative. The company reported $1.12 billion in revenue in Q2 2022, down $16 million (1.4 percent) from Q2 2021. Revenue for its telecommunication services decreased 1.7 percent.


Infrastructure

Bell announced earlier this week that it would roll out 8Gbps symmetrical internet speeds in September. The update will first be available to select Toronto residents. Information on 8Gbps plans by other providers is available here.

More on Bell-related news, Northwestel has launched high-speed fibre internet in two fly-in communities in the Northwest Territories. Customers in Fort Good Hope and Tulita will see speeds up to 300Mbps.


Policy/Government

OpenMedia and Leadnow are calling on the government to end Canada’s telecom monopoly. The two non-profit advocacy agencies have obtained 28,000 signatures through a petition.

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) announced it would allocate $20.5 million towards 10 wireless and internet projects through the Broadband Fund. The investment will support 35 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Quebec.

The Government of Ontario announced it would work to bring high-speed internet to 266,000 homes and businesses. The Province has signed eight agreements with service providers, including Bell, Cogeco, Xplornet, and Rogers.


Deals

To end things off, here are some telecom deals you might want to check out.

Quebec residents, this one is for you. Koodo, Fido, and Virgin Plus are offering $45/15GB and $55/20GB plans. Check out the details here.

Koodo has brought back its ‘Data Days.’ Customers can add between 1 and 10GB of data addons for a reduced price. More details are available here.

That wraps up this week’s edition. Let us know what you think of this new column in the comments below and what you would like to see going forward.

Image credit: Shutterstock

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Mobile Syrup

Government of Ontario pledges to bring high-speed internet to 266,000 homes and businesses

The Government of Ontario has signed contracts with eight service providers to bring high-speed internet access to hundreds of communities across the province.

The service providers include Bell, Bragg Communications, Cogeco Connexion, Community Network Partners, Eh!tel Networks Inc., North Frontenac Telephone Company, Xplornet Communications Inc., and Rogers.

The agreements will bring access to 266,000 homes and businesses in 339 municipalities.

“Our government is ensuring every community in Ontario has access to reliable high-speed internet,” Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure, said.

In a press release, Bell said the partnership will allow the company to bring its fibre network, with download speeds up to 3Gbps, to communities. In a separate press release, Cogeco acknowledged it has begun to work on its projects.

Image credit: Shutterstock 

Source: Government of Ontario

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Mobile Syrup

CRTC’s Broadband Fund to pay $20.5 million for 10 wireless and internet projects

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has allocated millions of dollars to 10 projects that will improve wireless and internet services in Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba, and Quebec.

The projects will see fourth-generation mobile wireless access (known as LTE or LTE-A) rollout across 425 kilometres of roads and highways. The funds will also support improved internet and mobile wireless access to 2,250 households in 35 communities.

The CRTC allocated $20.5 million through the Broadband Fund, a pool of money that supports mobile wireless and internet access projects in underserved areas.

Bell received funding for four projects that will benefit Manitoba and Quebec.

Sichuun Inc., with Naskapi Imuun Inc. and Redline Communications Inc., received funding for one project to benefit Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Sogetel Mobilité inc. received funding for one project benefiting Quebec. Telus received funding for four projects, also for Quebec.

Construction for most of the 10 projects will start later this year or early 2023.

The CRTC first started accepting applications for the fund in 2019. With this announcement, the CRTC has committed $226.5 million to upgrade services in 205 communities.

The 10 projects reported here are the results of the CRTC’s second round of applications.

“Since the first funding announcement from the Broadband Fund in 2020, more communities, households, and roads have access to better and faster internet and voice services. These services are an important part of Canada’s public safety infrastructure,” Ian Scott, CRTC’s chairperson and CEO, said.

Source: CRTC

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Mobile Syrup

Bell partners with Ontario government to expand fibre internet footprint

Bell has entered a partnership with the Government of Ontario to give 117,000 homes in the province access to its fibre internet.

Bell will invest $650 million under Ontario’s Accelerated High Speed Internet Program (AHSIP). The government is investing $484 million.

Under the AHSIP auction, Bell won lots in BracebridgeCarleton PlaceFrench River, Hastings Highlands, Huntsville, Kenora, Madoc, McKellar, Mississippi Mills, Nipissing, Renfrew, Sundridge, Thunder Bay and Timmins.

Bell will deploy its network to 80,000 homes under the program by 2025. The broadband giant will further fund fibre deployment to 37,000 homes and businesses surrounding its AHSIP build.

Once completed, residents and businesses will have access to 100 percent fibre connections with download speeds up to 3Gbps.

“Bell is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario on this historic initiative to bring our all-fibre broadband network to even more hard-to-reach communities across the province,” Mirko Bibic, Bell’s CEO, said.

The company has plans to expand its fibre footprint in 2022 and connect 900,000 homes and businesses across the country. Bell has already announced expansions in several locations, including Kingsville, Ontario, and dozens of communities in New Brunswick.

Source: Bell

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Mobile Syrup

Iqaluit residents reportedly without internet services for the past 24-hours

Iqaluit residents are reported to be without internet services.

According to the Nunatsiaq News, internet services provided by Northwestel and Bell were impacted at 11am ET on August 3rd.

City residents have taken to Twitter to confirm services are still not back.

Nunatsiaq News reports customers contacting Northwestel were being played an automated message stating there was a disruption to DSL internet in the city.

MobileSyrup has reached out to Bell and Northwestel and will provide an update when available.

Image credit: Northwestel 

Via: Nunatsiaq News

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Mobile Syrup

The history of network connectivity in Canada

With 5G rolling out across nearly all corners of Canada, now is a great time to look back at the history of cellular standards in the country. Going back all the way to 1G, these standards have significantly impacted the way we’re able to connect with friends, family and colleagues.

Over more than 40 years, wireless cellular technology has evolved and innovated. This brief history will look at the ways each generation impacted mobile phones and smartphones. Historically, each decade introduces a new wireless standard, ushering in better services and practices for Canadians.

1G

The first generation of wireless cellular technology is the first and only true analog standard.

At the time, 1G was revolutionary for connectivity. It was primarily utilized for voice communications. Download speeds, when applicable, are said to have been as low as 2.4Kbp. However, users faced a number of issues during the 80s and 90s, including limited coverage and low sound quality. Additionally, 1G didn’t support encryption, allowing radio scanners to listen in on calls.

While not surprising, it’s worth noting that 1G is not supported any longer in Canada. The switch to digital telecommunications impacted the ongoing support of 1G around the world. Russia is one of the few remaining countries to still use 1G today.

2G

2G marked the transition from analog to digital, entering a new era for security and connectivity.

  • Launched in 1991 in Finland. Introduced the Global System for Mobile (GSM) network.
  • Arrived in Canada in 1992.
  • Brought digital encryption into the fold, increasing security for calls.
  • Offered data services, SMS text messaging, and multimedia messaging.

As expected, 2G was a fairly sustainable upgrade over its predecessor. 2G improved on sound quality while introducing speeds of roughly 40Kbps. 2.75G Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network made it possible for maximum speeds of 384 Kbps. Due to its ability to transfer data and send text, 2G is what set the course for basic smartphone functions we still use today.

In 2017, Code-division multiple access (CDMA) began to shut down in remote areas. In 2018, carriers began announcing that 2G would face a wider shutdown in Canada. As of late 2021, carriers such as Bell and Rogers no longer support 2G.

3G

3G superseded 2G in several ways, leveraging data transferring capabilities and streaming. Although it pales in comparison to today’s connectivity standards, 3G marked a new age of wireless for Canadians.

  • Launched in 2001 in Japan by NTT DoCoMo, using the GSM/EDGE network.
  • Standardized vendor network protocols, introducing international roaming.
  • The launch of the iPhone 3G helped adoption within Canada in 2008.
  • Transfer capabilities increased roughly four times of 2G.

Blackberry and Apple were key players using  3G during the early to mid-2000s. 3G helped make many smartphone innovations possible. Internet browsing and music streaming became mainstays thanks to data transferring speeds of ~2Mbps. It was during the age of the 3G standard that emails on mobile devices became possible and popularized. Keeping up with traditions, voice quality and standardized communications improved too.

3G is still supported in Canada. However, carriers are expected to begin sunsetting the standard by the end of 2025. 3G is also used in other regions such as the UK, Austria, and Australia.

4G LTE

The dawn of 4G marked the introduction of Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) and later Long Term Evolution (LTE). 4G LTE leverages increased bandwidth speeds and capacities to support modern smartphone usage seen around the world.

  • First commercial use was in South Korea in 2006.
  • In 2011, Rogers launched the first LTE wireless network in Canada, with Bell quickly following the same year.
  • Adoption was propelled thanks to Apple’s iPhone 6 and Samsung’s Galaxy S4.
  • HD Video streaming became possible and a widely used feature.

Originally, 4G did not meet the International Telecommunication Union-Radio communications sector (ITU-R) requirements for speed. Therefore, the ITU-R allowed LTE to fall under 4G as it was able to provide a minimum of 12.5Mbps. Over time, these speeds increased to what we see today, which in Canada is around 55.5Mbps.

4G LTE was a more invested transition than its predecessors. Smartphone manufacturers had to develop and release devices specifically made to support 4G. LTE opened up the doors to online and cloud-based gaming on smartphones. More users can also utilize a network in populated areas without a major decrease in performance.

Many areas in Canada continue supporting 4G LTE to this day. Though, advancements under this standard have reached their ceiling.

5G

5G is the current form of mobile telecommunication used across Canada, providing improvements to bandwidth and latency. This standard is still in its infancy, therefore, many areas of Canada are awaiting access to the technology.

  • First adopted by South Korea in 2019.
  • Split into three categories: low-, mid- and high-band 5G.
  • Was brought to Canada in 2020.
  • 5G is already available in major Canadian cities ie: Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, etc.
  • Samsung Galaxy S20 and iPhone 12 are among the first smartphones to utilize 5G.

As demand for better performance and efficiency rises, 5G aims to better the mobile networking experience. The technology is still new and it remains to be seen what impact the new standard will have. However, 5G is already proving to provide faster speeds, with upwards of 169Mbps on average.

Most recently, select carriers began supporting mid-band 3500MHz spectrum. Once deployed, 3500MHz spectrum will make more 5G benefits available to Canadians, such as decreased latency when streaming content or playing games. Additionally, 5G will enable more reliable coverage in populated areas such as sporting arenas and music venues. Vehicle autonomy, drones, and other emerging sectors in technology will also be able to tap into the potential of 5G.

Beyond 5G

While much of Canada and the world is still in the midst of adopting 5G, 6G is already in the works. A lot of discussion around 6G is conjecture at this point. However, China and Japan are currently in the throws of testing what could become 6G networking in the future.

This article is part of our The Future with 5G Series. A full-length documentary on 5G airs on BBC Earth Canada August 26th. 

The story is sponsored by Bell. MobileSyrup publishes sponsored posts. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.

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Mobile Syrup

The Big Three race to offer the fastest home internet in Canada

Picking a provider for at-home fibre internet services can be a difficult task. Cost, location, and available speeds are some of the factors that play a role. It also isn’t helpful when Canada’s largest telecom companies come out with one announcement or another claiming to rule the game.

The latest stream of announcements involves delivering upload and download speeds of 8 Gigabits per second (Gbps).

Back in April, Rogers announced that it completed fibre broadband tests to deliver up to 8Gbps of symmetrical speeds. Earlier this week, Bell followed suit with a similar announcement.

To help you stay up to date with the information, MobileSyrup has put together a guide to give you a roundup of everything you need to know about the deployment of 8Gbps speeds.

Rogers

The Toronto-based telecom giant said 8Gbps symmetrical speeds would be available through Ignite Internet this summer for customers in parts of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. But with only mere weeks left in the hottest season of the year, Rogers has yet to provide any further details on the matter.

“Rogers has not yet released further updates to our plan for 8Gbps. In our previous release, we had indicated availability in the Summer of 2022 and that’s what we are working towards. More information on the plan will be shared closer to its release time,” a spokesperson told MobileSyrup.

Rogers’ fastest speeds currently under Ignite Internet are symmetrical speeds of 2.5Gbps in parts of Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. More information is available on Rogers’ website. 

Bell

Bell recently announced it would introduce 8Gbps symmetrical speeds in September in parts of Toronto, where download speeds will be five times faster and upload speeds 250 times faster than cable technology.

“New 8Gbps speeds will be available starting in September in select areas of Toronto, and later rolling out in other parts of the country. We’ll share more information about specific locations closer to the time of availability,” a Bell spokesperson told MobileSyrup.

Bell currently offers 3Gbps download and upload speeds under Fibe Internet. Anyone interested in the service can visit their website to check if the offer is available to them.

Telus

At this time, Telus hasn’t made plans to launch 8Gbps symmetrical speeds (if it has any) public. But past instances have told us it’s likely the company isn’t too far behind from launching something similar.

For example, all three companies were quick to announce the rollout of the 3500MHz spectrum to their respective customers, making announcements in close succession.

At this time, Telus” fastest internet speeds include download speeds up to 1.5Gbps and upload speeds of 940 megabits per second (Mbps), according to their website. To note, 1 Gbps equals 1,000 Mbps.

Telus did not respond to requests for comment ahead of publication.

This story will be updated with more information as it becomes avalable.

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the changes to Canadian mobile rate plans this week [August 4- August 10]

With over 13 wireless providers in Canada, it can be difficult to keep track of the latest promotions and cell phone rate plan changes. 

MobileSyrup will compile the latest weekly rate plan deals every week. You can also check out our guide on plans across Canada to find the right plan for you.  You can compare from 47,842 options and 13 providers in Canada to find the best option.

It’s worth noting that rate plans are always subject to change and that we’ll do our best to keep this list updated as accurately as possible.

Canadian carrier rate plan changes this week

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Get 10 GB of data for just $40/mo in QC
  • Get an unlimited Canada/U.S. plan for your business for just $65/mo. in QC
  • Get 10 GB of shareable data, plus an additional 5 GB on Canada’s best network for just $50/mo in QC
  • Get 500MB bonus data/mo. with automatic monthly top-up options with the $25, $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid plans
  • Get 3 lines with 90 GB of shareable data for an average of $53.33/mo in QC, and 150GB for $68.33/mo in MB & SK and $78.33/mo in Main Regions.

Ongoing deals:

  • Get iPhone 13 Pro Max for as low as $10/mo. With Device Return Option and trade-in of an iPhone 11.
  • Get bonus Crave Mobile for 24 months with Unlimited Share Plans Ultimate 40 and 50 in QC and Ultimate 45 and 50 in main regions.
  • Get 10GB of unlimited data for $45 in MB & SK and for $55/mo in main regions.
  • Special online offer – Get AirPods when you purchase select iPhones.
  • Save $25/mo. for every team member you add to your account.
  • Switch your business to Canada’s best 5G network and get a credit of $200 per line.
  • Get an unlimited 50 GB plan for just $95/mo. on Canada’s best 5G network in Main regions and for $85/mo in MB & SK
  • Save up to $185 on a Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series smartwatch.
  • Buy a new phone online and save $50
  • Connect your other devices and enjoy unlimited data from $10/mo.
  • Get 3 months of Apple TV+ when you buy an iPhone or iPad.
  • limited time offer – Get 3 months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an Apple Watch
  • Trade in your old device and save. Get a credit up to $700 when you trade in your old phone.
  • Get Crave Mobile for 24 months when you activate or upgrade to a new unlimited Ultimate plan.
  • Pay even less per month with the Device Return Option.
  • Various phone accessories on sale
  • Trade in your device and get a minimum $100 towards a new one.
  • Pair Bell mobility with your Bell service and get 20GB of data for just $50/mo. in QC and for $65/mo. in ON.
  • Save $20/mo. for every family member you add to your account.
  • Get up to 500 MB bonus data/mo. when you sign up for Automatic Monthly or Automatic Monthly/Low Balance Top-Up option on eligible plans.

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Activate a line, save up to 30 percent at TSC
  • Get the Google Pixel 6a for only $24.95/mo for 24 months, $0 down on approved credit and 0% interest with Fido Payment Program and select plans.
  • Best-in-class deal: Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G for less!
  • Save up to $35 per month for 12 months on Fido Home Internet when you pair with a Mobile plan. (ON)

Ongoing deals:

  • Back-to-school deal: 8GB for $40/mo
  • Save up to $25/mo for 12 months on Fido Home Internet
  • Get your certified pre-loved phones starting from just $3/month.
  • Fido postpaid customers get new deals and giveaways, with Fido XTRA.
  • Get 5 extra hours of unlimited data every month at no extra cost. Available with Data, Talk & Text plans.
  • TABLETS AT $0 DOWN AND 0 percent INTEREST with financing on select plans for $10/month when you add a line to your account.
  • Trade in select devices and get a minimum credit of $100
  • One Month Free Service when you invite your friends and they join Fido.

Browse Fido cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get 100 GB bonus per year along with $15 monthly savings with all-Inclusive 20GB, 40GB and 50GB plan
  • Enjoy the new Google Pixel 6a Magic Eraser feature, which makes it easy to edit your pictures.

Ongoing deals:

  • For study and entertainment, the most secure Wi-Fi with Helix Internet is available from $60/month.
  • Get 10 GB bonus per year in Canada with Basic 6GB, 10GB and 15GB Canada plan
  • Save $10 with a Mobile plan combined to an Internet service
  • Save $17/month on the high-performance, Unlimited 100 Internet plan
  • Unlimited 60 Internet + TV App Basic service at $65/month, plus Club illico and Vrai offered 6 months.
  • Take advantage of all the benefits of Helix internet starting from $60/mo.
  • The new Vrai platform is offered for 6 months when you add it to your Mobile plan via the QUB app.
  • Play online unhindered thanks to Helix high-performance Unlimited 400 Internet. Only $70/month!
  • Add the TV App Basic service plan to any Internet plan for only $5 more per month.
  • Does your teen want to be connected? Give in with a 10 GB plan at $20 per month. Combine it with two All-Inclusive Mobile plans and save more thanks to the multiline discount
  • Access a host of movies, series and youth content with Club illico mobile included in our All-Inclusive Mobile plans
  • Monthly savings on various smart phones
  • Save big when you buy a new phone! It’s easy—bring in your old device and save up to $500
  • Take advantage of monthly discount with multiline $5 to $15 per line each month (depends of number of lines)
  • Sale on phone cables, chargers and audio accessories
  • Subscribe to the QUB musique Family plan at the exclusive rate of $9.99/month for 24 months

New deals:

  • Limited time offer Tab Plus Plans : Promo on $60 (includes 10GB + bonus 5GB of data) in main regions
  • Get the new Google Pixel 6a for as low as $25/month with the Tab.
  • Promo on Bring your own phone plan : $27, $40, $45 and $55/month plan (QC)
  • Promo on Bring your own phone plans : $27, $55 and $60/month plan. (main regions)

Ongoing deals:

  • Limited time offer Tab Plus Plans : Promo on $45 and $55/month(includes 15GB + bonus 5GB of data) in QC
  • Get a $150 visa gift card with Certified Pre-owned iPhone XS Max, XR & XS
  • Get the Galaxy A53 5G for $0 on Tab Plus
  • For a limited time when you refer your friend to Koodo, you can both take $25 off your bill.
  • Get bonus 500MB data per month with Automatic Top-Up on all prepaid Base plans except $15 plan which comes with 250MB bonus per month.
  • Prepaid SIM cards are now $10 for a limited time 

Browse Koodo cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Score the ultimate Samsung S22 128GB + Galaxy Buds2 bundle for only $12.17/mo for 24 months with financing on a Rogers Infinite plan with Upfront Edge when you return your device within 2 years.
  • Get the new Pixel 6a for only $24.95/mo
  • Get iPhone 13 128GB for $0/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within 2 years and when you trade in an iPhone 11 or with $480 down
  • Get the Samsung Galaxy S22 128 GB for $0/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you trade in an Samsung Galaxy S20 or with $240 down. In-store only.
  • Get $10/mo off Rogers Infinite 45GB+ plans for 12 months. Online only.
  • Get the iPhone 13 128GB for only $20/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within 2 years

Ongoing deals:

    • Get a Samsung Galaxy S22 128GB for only $5/mo. for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within 2 years
    • Get iPhone 13 Pro and AirPods Pro bundle for $33/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge
    • Get iPhone 13 Pro 128GB for $5/mo for 24 months with financing and Upfront Edge when you return your device within 2 years and when you trade in an iPhone 11 or with $480 down
    • Student mobile plans starting at just at $45/month in MB, SK & QC and $55/mo in main regions
    • Limited time offer on Infinite 20GB plan for $65/month and $45/month for additional lines in QC
    • Back-to-school savings – Ignite Internet starting at $54.99
    • Unlimited data from $45/mo per line in MB, SK & QC and $55/mo in main regions.
    • Refer your friends and save up to $300 per year
    • Stay connected anywhere with the new plan for data-only mobile internet. Get 50GB/mo for $120/mo, then pay only $10 for every 10 GB above this plan limit for the first 3 months.
    • Promotional data plan for individual plans on $45/mo 6GB plan, $50/mo 10GB plan and $55/mo 15GB plan.(QC)
    • Save on your Rogers bill with Cash Back Rewards, with the no annual fee RogersTM Platinum Mastercard.
    • Activate or upgrade on a $75/mo or higher Rogers Infinite plan and get our most premium perks (QC) and $90 for main regions.
    • Sign up for Disney+ through Rogers and get 6 months on select Rogers Infinite plans

Browse Rogers cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Save up to $801 on iPhone 13 family with Bring-It-Back
  • Bring your own device and save $10 monthly on 5G+ plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Act Fast to save $100 on PureFibre Gigabit Internet now $89/mo. (BC&AB)
  • Time to treat yourself to an Apple Watch, starting from $10 per month.
  • Join TELUS and get AirPods on us with your iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max.
  • Save up to $1,560 on Galaxy S22 series with Bring-It-Back
  • Upgrade your pad and get an Amazon Echo Show worth $100, for $0 in main regions
  • Save $20/mo. on LivingWell Companion Home
  • Get a TCL 30 XE 5G for only $9 per month.
  • Enjoy AirPods (2nd generation), a magical connection to your iPhone 13.
  • Trade-in and save up to $730 on iPhone 13 family
  • Save $40 on all SmartWear devices
  • iPhone 13 + Apple Watch Series 7. More powerful together.
  • Save up to $289 upfront on Google Pixel 6 Pro with Bring-It-Back
  • Charge and protect your phone for less than $50.
  • Earn a reward worth $50 when you refer a friend to TELUS
  • Get Stream+ for as low as $20 per month on select Unlimited plans
  • Join the TELUS Exclusive Partner Program and save more.
  • Save $10 per month with the ultimate online protection. (ON)
  • Sign up for Optik TV and Internet 75 today and get a free 55” 4K HDR TV worth $549.99.(BC &AB)
  • Get one month on us, plus a FREE $400 TELUS prepaid Visa. (BC&AB)
  • Bundle your services and get up to $40 off each month (QC)
  • Bundle a new Apple Watch with TELUS Health Companion from $54/month.
  • Save big on the flashiest phones with Bring‑It‑Back
  • Get a bonus 500MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $30, $40, $45 & $55 prepaid talk, text & data plans
  • Get a bonus 100MB of data when you sign-up for Auto Top-up on $25 prepaid talk & text plan

Browse Telus cell phone plan

New deals:

  • Get 4GB data at 4G speed with Unlimited Canada-wide minutes & Unlimited International Text and Picture Messaging for $41.25

Ongoing deals:

  • Browse up to 30x faster with the new 4G speed plans
  • Great deals on certified pre-owned iPhone 8 and XR
  • For every dollar you spend, you’ll make 15% of it back in points.
  • Reward – Welcome Present Get 5 points.
  • Earn up to 20 points per month by helping the Public Mobile community online.
  • Earn 10 points for every 12 months you stay
  • Earn 1 point for every month a friend you refer stays
  • Free Public Mobile SIM Card included with each purchase of a Certified Pre-Owned phone.

Browse Public Mobile cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Get connected starting from $15/mo.
  • Chatr Refer a Friend Program – Get up to $150 in credits over 10 months to use towards your top up.
  • Exclusive Quebec offer – Get 5GB of bonus data on plans $35+ on your second anniversary date.
  • 500MB bonus with Autopay on all Talk, Text & Data plans
  • 250MB bonus with Autopay on Talk & Text $15 Plan

Browse Chatr cell phone plans

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Get a $50 visa prepaid card with $39, $48, $53 and $53 internet plans
  • Limited time offer on $45 and $55/mo ($55 includes 15GB + Bonus 5GB of Data) data, talk & text plans.
  • Get the Samsung Galaxy A53 for $0 down and pay only $10/mo with Sweet Pay

Ongoing deals:

  • 100MB Bonus Data on the $15 prepaid plan with PPU with AutoPay option.
  • Internet + TV from $64/mo. plus get a $50 visa prepaid card
  • Value-packed mobile plans and home internet. NOW $61/Mo when you bring your own phone + free $50 prepaid card
  • 8GB for $40/mo. when you bring your own phone (QC).
  • Add a line for $15/mo. and make calls and send messages with your Apple Watch SE and leave your phone at home. Limited time offer: save $240.
  • Get 250MB Bonus Data with unlimited province wide $22 and $29 plan, & unlimited Canada wide $25 Prepaid plan.
  • Get 500MB Bonus Data with unlimited province wide $31, $35, $40, $50 and $55 Prepaid plans.
  • Get Bonus 500MB data with unlimited Canada wide $32, $34, $38, $43, $53 & $58 prepaid plans.
  • GET AN ANNUAL PLAN. Activate an annual prepaid plan with 400 local minutes and 400 global texts for $100/year when you bring your own phone.
  • Shop online and get $50 waived of connection service fee.
  • Hot phones starting from $0 down, 0% APR
  • Refer a Friend to get $50 in bill credits each when they join the Virgin Plus party.
  • Crave is available as an add-on for TV for only $20/mo. hook up today and get 2 months free
  • Get TV starting from $25/mo.
  • Get a Google Chromecast when you hook up with TV on a 6-month term
  • Get up to $700 off a hot new device when you trade in your old one.

Browse Virgin Plus cell phone plans

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Get 1.5GB of data for $19/mo. for 12 months

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 20GB of data for only $40/mo. Price includes a $10/mo. discount for 24 months and Digital Discount. New Postpaid activations only.
  • Get iPhone 12 with TradeUp on a $50/mo. plan with 20GB of data.
  • iPhone 13 is available for $19/mo. With TradeUp on a $50/mo. plan with 20GB of data. After Digital Discount. 2-year term required.
  • Activate an eligible Samsung phone on a $40+/mo. plan and get a Galaxy Tab A7 Lite with 4GB Fast LTE Data for $0/mo. for 6 months
  • Bring your own phone plans – 25GB(10+15GB Bonus) for $50/mo, 30GB(15+15GB Bonus) for $65/mo and 50GB(35GB+15GB Bonus) (Canada/U.S.) for $80/mo
  • Enjoy one free month of Visual Voicemail when you sign up in-store or online for a Freedom Phone Line
  • Get unlimited talk and text starting at $99 per year. New Prepaid activations only.
  • Add a line and get 6GB of data for $30/mo. Price includes a $5/mo. discount for 24 months and Digital Discount. New Postpaid activations only.
  • $5/mo. digital discount on the $35 & $40 on Bring your own phone plans.
  • Refer a friend and get a $25 service credit for each referral. Save up to $250 a year

New deals:

  • Save $10/mo. for 6 months when you sign up for noSTRINGS Talk, Text + Data or Unlimited plans.
  • Upgrade your device and get 15 GB of data for just $85/mo.

Ongoing deals:

  • When you subscribe to maxTV, get 50% off Crave with STARZ for your first 3 months!
  • Purchase a Wireless Device Protection Plan and get 3 months free.
  • Sign up for maxTV & Internet to get big savings. Plus, get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Save $200 on Apple Watch Series 6 GPS and GPS + Cellular.
  • Get 10% off when you buy 2 or 20% off when you buy 3 or more regular priced cases, screen protectors, and/or chargers.
  • Sign up for new wireless service and save $15/mo. on your wireless plan for 24 months.
  • Save $20/mo. off an eligible voice & data plan when you bring your own phone or buy a phone at a full price!
  • Get big savings on wireless plans, crazy fast internet speeds, and binge-worthy TV.
  • Big deals on maxTV Stream media boxes for a limited time.
  • Get up to $600 in-store credit toward a new wireless device and accessories when you trade in your old device.
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on a monthly plan and save 50% for 3 months + get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi for only $5/mo. for first 3 months
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on a 2-year contract and get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for 12 months
  • Switch to a 2-year Internet contract plan and save $10/mo. off the regular price
  • Sign up for SaskTel Internet on the infiNET 300 plan and get this special deal + get Optimum In-home Wi-Fi free for the first 12 months
  • Upgrade to the next fastest plan at no additional cost for 1 month
  • For every 5 maxTV Stream theme packs you add, you get $8 in savings
  • Sign up for Super Channel and get your first month free!
  • Sign up for maxTV and get 50% off the Filipino 5-pack for 3 months.
  • Get unlimited calling with our Anytime North America Long Distance plan—all for one low monthly price
  • Get our 10 most popular calling features, including Call Display & Name Display, for just $10/mo. Add on Voice Mail for only $2/mo. more
  • Sign up for SaskTel homePHONE and get 3 months of Home Phone Service, Feature Package, and Anytime North America long distance for free
  • Get 3 months of Apple Fitness+ free when you buy an Apple Watch.
  • Sign up for noSTRINGS Prepaid Auto Top-ups and get a $20 bonus
  • Bring your Google Pixel and save $600

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Add Mobile to your Bundle and save $15/month forever
  • Get a $50 welcome credit when you sign up for a new mobile data plan online
  • Get 3 months of Apple TV+ free when you buy an Apple device.
  • Bundle home services with Mobile and save $10/mo forever
  • Order your Bundle anytime online get $200 welcome credit

Ongoing deals:

  • Get 90GB for only $62.50/month each
  • Get student Fibre Link Internet for only $59.95/month.
  • Get the Smartphone you Want for $0 Down with easyTab
  • Save $69.95 when you DIY and save the installation fee
  • Get up to $200 When you Switch to Eastlink
  • Refer a friend to Eastlink Mobile and you both get a $25 credit.
  • Change your mobile data plan anytime for free
  • Free Whole Home WiFi Perfected with all Bundles and Internet plans
  • Bring Your Own Device and Enjoy Data Plans
  • Upgrade to a new Phone Earlier With easyUp

Browse Eastlink cell phone plans 

Noticeable price changes:

New deals:

  • Save up to 60% off selected Preloved phones.
  • Mix & match your plans from $61/month.

Ongoing deals:

  • A supercharged voicemail for IOS and Android phones, at only $2 per month
  • Enjoy a 12-month warranty on new phones and a 6-month warranty on Preloved phones
  • The higher the level you’re at, the more rewards you get to choose from to add value to your monthly plan.
  • Samsung Galaxy S21FE 5G 128GB available for 39.54/month for 24 months
  • Any unused mobile data will be rolled over to the next month.

Browse Fizz cell phone plans 

New deals:

  • Experience Fibre+ Gig speeds for only $99/mo and connect more devices with next-gen WiFi 6 tech.
  • Bill credits with : Fibre + Internet, Fibre + Internet & Mobile, and Fibre + Internet & TV
  • Get a $50 credit with Fibre+ 250 Internet
  • Special Offer: Upgrade to WiFi 6 with Total TV, starting from $129/mo

Ongoing deals:

  • Get a $100 credit when you add Total TV to Fibre+ Internet
  • Save an additional $25/mo when you add our best TV to your Fibre+ Internet and Mobile bundle.
  • Order your plan online and save an extra $50
  • Get a $25/mo Unlimited plan with 25GB Fast LTE and save hundreds on Mobile when paired with Fibre+ Gig 1.5 Internet.
  • Upgrade to Fibre+ Gig 1.5 Internet for exclusive savings on Mobile.
  • If you’re looking for a lower-level TV plan than Total TV, check out the Limited TV plan for $25/mo.
  • Rollover Data any time for just $10/GB and carry over unused data for up to 90 days

Browse Shaw cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Check online for a line-up of certified refurbished iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones
  • Free $25 account bonus & free sim card with purchase of a $100 top up OR $25 off & free sim card with purchase of a MaxWest phone and a $50 top up.

Browse cell phone plans

Ongoing deals:

  • Get an additional five percent of the value of every Top-Up in points when you sign up for Auto-Allowance or Allowance with your PC Financial Mastercard or PC Money
  • 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service
  • Get 1GB of bonus data every month when you sign up for an Automatic Top-Up option, eligible on plans that have data.

Browse cell phone plans

New deals:

  • Get 50 percent off your SIM when you buy it online.
  • Sign up for a cheap phone plan today and get 2GB/mo of bonus data for up to 8 months on select plans.

Ongoing deals:

  • A one-time $10 SIM Card charge applies for new activations.
  • Unlimited Canada-Wide & US Calling Plans that include the 5GB of bonus data- 15.5GB with automatic top-up for $50/mo, 20.5GB for $60/mo, 25.5GB for $70/mo. (QC)
  • Unlimited Canada-Wide calling plan – 1GB data with automatic top-up for $25/mo and 5GB bonus data included with the 8GB for $35/mo and 10GB for $40/mo plans(QC)
  • Get bonus data with Lucky Rewards.
  • Get 250MB/mo. of bonus data after making 6 monthly payments.
  • Unlimited Canada-Wide & US Calling Plan – 10.5GB with automatic top up for $50/mo, 15.5GB for $60/mo, 20.5GB for $70/mo. (ON, SK)
  • Unlimited Canada-wide calling plan – 1GB data with automatic top-up for $25/mo, 3GB for $35/mo, 5GB for $40/mo (ON, SK)
  • 750MB with automatic top-up for $15/mo Canada-wide data only plan, 250MB for $15/mo with 100 minutes Canada-wide calling plan (ON, SK).
  • You can now buy Lucky Mobile SIM Cards at Dollarama!
  • Get a cheap phone plan from $15/mo.
  • 500MB with Automatic Top-Up on $24, 3.5GB with Automatic Top-Up on $33, 11.5GB with Automatic Top-Up on $43 plans for QC.

Browse cell phone plans

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Bell to deliver 8Gbps symmetrical internet speeds next month

Bell says it will introduce internet speeds of up to 8Gbps starting in September. The company says the symmetrical download and upload speeds will be the fastest in North America among major providers.

The new speeds will first be available in parts of Toronto, where download speeds will be five times faster than cable technology and upload speeds will be 250 times faster. “More regions across the country to follow,” the company said in a press release.

Introducing new services in Toronto first is a move Bell makes frequently. For example, the company first gave Toronto residents in select areas access to its 3500MHz spectrum in June.

The company says it will also introduce Wi-Fi 6E in homes through a new Giga Hub modem. As the next phase of Wi-Fi advancement, it will improve speeds and provide lower latency when used on compatible devices.

Collectively, the two announcements will improve the at-home experience, Bell said.

The company will first give Ontario and Quebec residents access to the Giga Hub in September. While the company stated it will expand access to other provinces, it didn’t provide specifics.

Source: Bell

Categories
Mobile Syrup

Bell expands 5G+ access across southern Ontario

Telecom-giant Bell has expanded its 3500MHz spectrum access to cities in Ontario.

The spectrum is presented as 5G+ and is now available in Guelph, Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Barrie, and parts of Mississauga. The company initially launched the spectrum in Toronto last month and says speeds in the city are 50 percent faster.

5G+ gives customers faster services through improved speed, latency, and network capacity.

It’s available to customers in the selected areas who have a compatible device and an Ultimate plan. Bell offers two: the Ultimate 45 with 45GB of data for $85/ month and the Ultimate 50 with 50GB of data for $95/ month.

Bell will continue expanding the spectrum with plans to cover 40 percent of the country’s population by the end of the year.

“Ontario is just the beginning, and we look forward to rolling it out to more Canadians, and delivering on our promise to provide the latest technology and best experience for our customers,” Stephen Howe, Bell’s Chief Technology and Information Officer, said.

5G standalone core network

Bell says it will roll out its standalone network “soon.” As seen with the rollout of 5G+, Toronto will be the first to benefit, with enterprise customers getting access first. The move will unlock faster speeds and lower latency, eventually leading to network slicing.

Source: Bell