Choisir le bon forfait cellulaire — un choix qui se compare.
1. Why this matters
In Quebec, mobile plans are among the most expensive in North America. Choosing well can save you several hundred dollars per year.
2. The major carriers
Three carriers dominate the market:
- Bell, Rogers, Telus — excellent coverage everywhere, high prices, reliable
3. Budget brands
Each major carrier also owns a budget brand using the same network:
- Bell → Virgin, Lucky Mobile
- Rogers → Fido, Chatr
- Telus → Koodo, Public Mobile
Same coverage, much lower prices.
4. Fizz: the local, flexible option
Fizz is a Quebec brand owned by Vidéotron. Everything is done online, without a contract, and you can adjust your plan every month.
5. How much data per month?
Plans are sold according to the amount of mobile data included:
- Light use (messaging, browsing): 5 to 10 GB
- Medium use (a bit of video): 15 to 20 GB
- Video and music streaming: 20 GB or more
Calls and texts are almost always unlimited within Canada.
6. Typical plans — by user profile
Realistic price ranges for 2026, across three usage profiles. Numbers include unlimited Canada calls, texts, and the indicated data amount.
All prices are monthly in Canadian dollars. The MVNOs (Fizz, Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile) use the Big 3 networks — entirely online service. The sub-brands (Koodo, Virgin, Fido) too, with in-store service.
- Minimalist — home plus WiFi use, students, tight budget
- Medium — active daily use, urban commuting
- Intensive — travelers in remote regions, mobile remote work
Practical reference: for 90% of newcomers in urban areas (Montreal, Quebec City, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saguenay), an MVNO plan around $35/month with 20 GB more than covers needs. Coverage is identical to the parent carrier — only customer service differs.
| Profile | MVNO | Sub-brands | Big 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimalist — 5 GB | $15–25 | $25–35 | $45–60 |
| Medium — 15–25 GB | $30–45 | $40–55 | $60–80 |
| Intensive — 50 GB+ | $55–75 | $65–85 | $85–120 |
7. Frequently asked questions
The most common questions about mobile plans: coverage of budget brands, bringing a phone from abroad, switching carriers while keeping your number, data overages, and US roaming.
Is budget-brand coverage really identical to major carriers?
Yes, entirely. Fizz uses Vidéotron-Rogers network. Public Mobile and Koodo use Telus's. Lucky Mobile and Virgin use Bell's.
The difference is only in customer service (often online-only for MVNOs) and some additional services like international roaming, sometimes less generous.
Can I get a phone plan without a Canadian credit history?
Yes. When you arrive you have no Canadian credit history, which affects which plans you can get. Prepaid plans (Public Mobile, Fizz, Chatr) require no credit check — you pay in advance and a prepaid Visa or Mastercard works. Postpaid plans from the major carriers may require a credit check or a security deposit if your history is insufficient. Start with prepaid or no-contract, then switch to postpaid once your credit is established.
Can I bring my phone from abroad to Quebec?
Yes, provided it's unlocked (not tied to a foreign carrier) and compatible with North American 4G/5G bands.
Most phones sold in Europe and Asia since 2019 are compatible, but check bands B2, B4, B5, B7, B12 and B17 in the specifications. To activate a plan, you'll need a physical SIM card or an eSIM — all Canadian brands now support eSIM.
How do I switch carriers while keeping my number?
Number porting (portability) is a right guaranteed by the CRTC in Canada. The process usually takes 1 to 3 business days.
You sign up with the new carrier mentioning you want to keep your number — they ask for your account number with the old carrier and do the transfer. Don't cancel your old plan first: cancellation happens automatically when the transfer is complete.
What happens if I exceed my included data?
It depends on the plan. Many modern plans automatically throttle to reduced data (usually 256 kbps — enough for messaging but not video) at no extra charge.
Others bill per extra gigabyte — sometimes up to $15 per GB. Always check this clause before subscribing, especially if you travel in tourist areas.
Is roaming in the US automatic?
No. Without a specific plan, US fees can reach $12 per day or $5 per minute. Most carriers offer a US Travel add-on at about $12 to $15 per day that includes calls, texts and data — activate it BEFORE departure.
For frequent travel, some plans now include Canada-US coverage at no extra cost, but check the exact conditions.
8. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Home internet and TV in Quebec — the parallel connectivity decision.
- Open a bank account in Quebec — to set up autopay for the cell bill.
- Common scams in Quebec — SMS and call scams are very common in Canada.
9. Official sources
To compare plans and know your rights:
You can also call the Office de la protection du consommateur at 1-888-672-2556.
Author's Note: Take your time to compare. If your bill is too high, you can always switch carriers while keeping your number. That's a guaranteed right in Canada.
