Upon arrival in Canada, there is a first initiative anyone would take – it is often to contact a loved one, check for directions to their new apartment, home or hotel, or share their new adventure on the internet. To do any of this, it is evident that you need a mobile phone.

Another worry would be how to sort out some utility bills like internet or tv. The year is 2022, and what is a phone without internet access? You will also need some TV services to provide entertainment in your new environment. Nevertheless, it may be hard to know the exact cost of all these as newcomers.

This article focuses on how to get a cell phone, the prices of TV, cell phones, and having internet access. It focuses on Winnipeg’s biggest internet providers, payment plans, and costs. Follow closely.

How Much Does A Cell Phone Plan Cost Inn Winnipeg?

You may be surprised that the price of a cellphone in Winnipeg is higher than in any country you may have previously lived in. This does not rule out some good plans, but be ready for a higher payment. Similarly, getting an appropriate data plan for the latest Samsung or iPhone is on the high side.

You cannot conserve data in this age and expect to use your phone effectively. You may spend quite a lot on a phone plan in Canada. Here is some quick facts you should bear in mind;
According to an analysis in 2019, a government report analyzing pricing companies estimated the cost of a phone plan with data of 5GB to be between $57 to $101 per month.

The real question today is, what will 5GB of data do to you? It may not sustain you for three days. If you are a lover of Netflix or Hulu, you could consume it all within a day. Here are some facts that compare the price of phone plans in Canada with other developed countries.

CountryPrice
Australia$22.35
UK$24.75
Italy$26.80
France$33.09
Germany$41.08
US$59.90
Canada$74.42

 

NB: This data dates as far back as 2019.

It is 2022 already, and the prices have not dropped as you would have hoped. Canada has a more expensive plan in the market – their prices double or even triple that of other countries. As of 2020, the Canadian government slashed the price of phone plans by 25 percent for the next two years.

This price slash has helped reduce the price of data, but Canada remains one of the most expensive countries in the world. Canada’s three commonest phone providers are Rogers, Bell, and Telus. The three phone providers offered $45/month for 6GB of data for a start. It is essential to know that prices are not constant as phone and location can influence this price.

Should I buy my device via a provider or bring my own device?

People always contemplate the process known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) or purchasing via a provider. Many people use BYOD because they already have devices from previous locations or contracts. A phone through a provider requires a Canadian credit check and a financial history.

With BYOD, you only have to sign up with the provider. Generally, it is a more affordable option. Getting the phone via a provider will make them want to offset the cost via substantial upfront fees. Sometimes, they share the phone’s cost over payments for a timeframe. A contract often bonds the payment plan.

However, if you do not have a device, you will need to purchase one through the provider or find a used online.

How much should I budget for a phone?

Of course, the cost of getting a new phone is dependent on the type of phone. Some cell phones do not have internet capability. Nevertheless, getting a smartphone will require more funds.

Due to the high cost, many people prefer to get their phone from a provider. The reason is that they would rather have an installment payment that spreads over months rather than a large amount upfront. Getting the latest model from Apple or Samsung may require as much as CAD 1,400.

What is the rate for the BYOD plan?

For texting, calling, and data, the plans for BYOD are way affordable. Let us examine different smaller providers in Canada.

Koodo

koodo logoWebsite

As of April 2021, getting the new iPhone 12 using the Koodo phone plan is a common choice for Canadians. The system operates a TAB payment for their plan. This plan requires that you pay $583 as an upfront payment while the rest can be spread across a timeframe – $33/month for 24 months. Subsequently, the regular payment is added to your phone bill.

You can only stop the services or get a new phone having paid the rest of what is left in your tab. However, there is no contract, as you can change providers when you want to. At the same time, there is no penalty for it.

Many systems like Fido and Virgin are similar to Koodo.

Remember that these are last year’s prices and that this article will be updated yearly.

FIDO

Fido logoWebsite

 

If you already have a phone, here are the available Fido plans for you:

Phone Plan

For iPhone 12 mini
Full price: $1,037
Your financing: $16.75/month

For Samsung Galaxy S22
Full price: $1,358.00
Your financing: $30.84/month

For Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Full price: $1,055.70
Your financing: $25.00/month

For Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Full price: $1,330.00
Your financing: $25.00/month

For Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
Full price: $1,000.00
Your financing: $15.oo/month

Data Plan
2 GB – $37.50/month
4 GB – $41.25/month
6 GB – $45.00/month
8 GB – $55.00/month
10 GB – $60.00/month
15 GB – $65.00/month

You can check their website for more phone deals.

VIRGIN MOBILE

virgin mobile logo

Website

You can get internet of 25 MBPS at $70/month on Virgin Plus or pay $20/month for 12 months.

Data deals

3G Data Plans

250 MB – $15/month
3 GB – $35/month

4G LTE Plans

2 GB – $37.50/month
4 GB – $41.25/month
6 GB – $45/month
10 GB – $60/month
15 GB – $65/month

Their phone deals

iPhone 11 – pay $29.12 per month for 2 years
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G – pay 24.58 per month for 2 years

Bigger Brands In Winnipeg

In Winnipeg, the big fish are Telus, BellMTS, and Rogers. Let us compare their prices.

TELUS

telus logoWebsite

Telus has different plans for residents of Manitoba. Here are the different plans and their rates;

– Easy Roam plans

Premium – $65/month Premium – $70/month
Premium – $75/month
Premium Plus – $80/month

– Can-U.S. plans

Premium – $75/month
Premium – $80/month
Premium – $90/month
Premium Plus – $90/month

Nb: This plan is for 6GB data in Canada.

– BYOD plan: $50/month to enjoy 3GB of shareable data, easy roam, and unlimited nationwide calling
– Smartphone: $55/month to choose a device, enjoy 6GB shareable data, easy roam, and unlimited nationwide calling.

BELLMTS

bellmts logoWebsite

BellMTS has unique plans for residents of Manitoba. Here are the different plans and their rates:

– MyPlan

BYOD or Voice-only or Data Light – $25/month
Premium Smartphone Plan- $35/month
Premium Plus- $45/month

The starter includes the following features:

  • Unlimited messaging via text, video, and pictures
  • Call display
  • Voicemail lite
  • Free access to Wi-Fi hotspots (Bell MTS)
  • Unrestricted international messaging from Canada

– Other packages:

Long distance charges for Canada-wide calling – $20/month
6 GB Canada-wide data – $20/month
10 GB Canada-wide data – $30/month
Flat Rate Canada-wide data – $35/month
Flat Rate Canada-wide data with Tethering – $45/month
Voicemail upgrade – $7/month
Can-US long distance calling – $15/month

ROGERS MOBILITY

rogers logoWebsite

Rogers Mobility supports BYOD. However, it provides a special phone payment plan for residents of Winnipeg. You do not have to pay any upfront payment to own a phone.

Their phone plans go thus:

– For Samsung Galaxy S22

Offer A
Full price: $1,222.20
Your financing: $25.75/month

Offer B
Upfront payment: $380.00
Full price: $1,358.00
Your financing: $15.00/month

– For Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

Offer A
Upfront payment: $655.00
Full price: $2,038.00
Your financing: $25.00/month

– For iPhone 13

Offer A
Upfront payment: $290.00
Full price: $1,130.00
Your financing: $35.00/month

Offer B
Full price: $1,021.50
Your financing: $40.01/month
Credit: $2.56/month

– For iPhone 13 Pro

Offer A
Upfront payment: $430.00
Full price: $1,438.00
Your financing: $42.00/month

– iPhone 13 Pro Max

Offer A
Full price: $1,593.00
Your financing: $46.80/month
Upfront payment: $470

You can check their website for other phone deals.

Their plans

Rogers Mobility plans feature unlimited data, plan perks, no data overages, and 5G access. Examples of this package include:

Infinite 25 GB
Price: $85/month and 65/month for additional lines

Infinite 45 GB
Price: $95/month and $75/month for additional lines

Infinite 50 GB
Price: $105/month and $65/month for additional lines

Infinite 175 GB
Price: $155/month and $155/month for additional lines

Infinite 10 GB
Price: $55/month for additional lines

TV AND INTERNET PROVIDERS

Shaw and BellMTS are two major TV and internet providers in Winnipeg. Let us examine their plans.

SHAW

shaw logoWebsite

Shaw is famous in western Canada. Its major features are:

  • Voice remote
  • Universal search
  • Shaw Go WiFi
  • TSN & Sportsnet

Their popular bundles include:

Fibre+ 300 and Total TV for 150/month
After 24 months, you would pay $185/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 300 Mbps download speed, up to 114 channels, and 2 TV players.

Fibre+ 500 and Total TV for $129/month
After 24 months, you would pay $190/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 500 Mbps download speed, up to 114 channels, Fibre+ Gateway 2.0 modem, and 2 wireless 4k TV Players

Fibre+ 750 and Total TV for $160/month
After 24 months, you would pay $195/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 750 Mbps download speed, up to 114 channels, Fibre+ Gateway 2.0 modem, and 2 wireless 4k TV players.

Fibre+ Gig and Total TV for $165/month
After 24 months, you would pay $200/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 1 Gbps download speed, up to 114 channels, Fibre+ Gateway 2.0 modem, and 2 wireless 4k TV players.

Fibre+ Gig 1.5 and Total TV for $185/month
After 24 months, you would pay $250/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 1.5 Gbps download speed, up to 114 channels, Fibre+ Gateway 2.0 modem, and 2 wireless 4k TV players.

BELLMTS

bellmts logoWebsite

BellMTS is another top TV provider in Canada. The TV has specialty channels for its users to enjoy. Other features are:

  • Adorable 4k Whole Home PVR
  • Unlimited internet usage
  • Download speeds of about 50 Mbps
  • WiFi supported

Their data plans include:

Good Deal at $124/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 50 Mbps download speed, top specialty channels, and 4k Whole Home PVR.

Better Deal at $144.90/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 500 Mbps download speed, top specialty channels, and 4k Whole Home PVR.

Best Deal at $164.90/month
Features include: unlimited data usage, about 940 Mbps download speed, top specialty channels, and 4k Whole Home PVR.

You can check their website to learn more about the terms and conditions. In all your getting in Winnipeg, ensure you get a good deal for your data, phone, or TV.

 

REFERENCES
– (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.telus.com/en/mb/business/phone-plans/manitoba-shareable-data-plans
– (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.virginplus.ca/en/plans/postpaid.html#!/BYOP/research
– (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.shaw.ca/bundles/plans
– A newcomer’s guide to understanding Canadian cell phones | Moving2Canada. (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://moving2canada.com/cell-phone-plan-in-canada/
– Bell MTS Wireless rate plans | Bell MTS. (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.bellmts.ca/small-business/wireless/rate-plans/bell-mts-wireless-rate-plans
– Cell Phones, Mobile Plans, Tablets, Accessories, and Mobility | Rogers. (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.rogers.com/mobility
TV + Internet | Bell MTS. (2022). Retrieved 6 July 2022, from https://www.bellmts.ca/personal/bundles/tv-internet