Frequently Asked Questions

No. We are 100% independent. Cellulo is a comparison tool designed to serve Canadians, not carriers. We are not affiliated with the “Big Three” or any other provider, ensuring our data remains unbiased.

We track publicly available carrier pricing regularly. While we strive for accuracy, Canadian carriers may launch flash sales or regional promotions. Always confirm final pricing on the carrier’s website before completing your switch.

Flanker brands (like Fido, Koodo, or Virgin Plus) are owned by the major networks but offer lower prices. They use the exact same cell towers as their parent companies, providing the same coverage for a lower monthly cost.

Yes. Many Canadian carriers now show prices that include a $5 or $10 discount for setting up automatic payments. We clearly label these so you know exactly what your base bill will look like.

Absolutely. Under CRTC regulations, you have the right to “port” your number to any new provider. Do not cancel your current plan before switching; your new carrier will handle the transfer for you.

In Canada, “Unlimited” usually refers to “Infinite Data” plans. You get a set amount of high-speed data; after that, your speed is throttled (slowed down), but you won’t be charged overage fees.

By providing full visibility into regional providers (like Freedom Mobile or Fizz) alongside the majors, we empower consumers to switch more easily. This transparency forces all carriers to offer better deals to retain their customers.

Yes. All bring-your-own-phone plans are contract-free. You can keep your number and move to another provider whenever you want.

No. Most Canadian carriers allow you to switch online in minutes. If you’re bringing your own phone, the process is typically fully digital.

You can receive a physical **SIM by mail** or an **eSIM instantly**. An eSIM is a digital version of a SIM card that is built right into your phone, so there's no need to insert a physical card to connect to a network.

A connection fee (also called a "Setup Service Fee") is a one-time charge applied when you activate a new line or upgrade a device. As of 2026, major Canadian carriers typically charge $80 for this service.

Pro Tip: You can almost always avoid this fee by completing your activation online. Most carriers waive the $80 charge for "self-serve" transactions, whereas visiting a store or calling a representative usually triggers the full fee.

A connection fee (also called a "Setup Service Fee") is a one-time charge for activating a new line or upgrading a device. As of 2026, major Canadian carriers (Rogers, Bell, Telus) and their flanker brands typically charge $80 for this service.

Pro Tip: You can avoid this fee by completing your activation online. Most carriers waive this charge for "self-serve" transactions, whereas visiting a store or calling an agent usually triggers the full fee.

It depends on your plan. Many premium 5G plans now include "Canada-US" roaming at no extra cost.

If you have a "Canada-only" plan, you will be charged a daily roaming fee—typically $12 to $16 per day in the USA—as soon as you use data, place a call, or send a text. For frequent travelers, switching to a Canada-US plan is often cheaper than paying for just three days of roaming.

For most monthly 'Postpaid' plans, carriers will perform a standard credit check during activation. If you prefer to avoid this, you can choose a 'Prepaid' provider like Public Mobile, Lucky Mobile, or Fizz. These brands do not require credit checks because you pay for your service at the start of each month.

Most Canadian providers offer a bill credit (ranging from $25 to $50) if you are referred by an existing customer. Before you activate, ask a friend who uses that carrier for their unique referral code. Once you sign up, both you and your friend will typically receive a credit on your second or third bill.

Beyond your monthly plan, you may see a small monthly emergency service Government Fee (usually between $0.45 and $1.90 depending on your province).

Other costs to watch for include long-distance charges for calls made outside of Canada and overage fees if you are on a "Limited Data" plan rather than an "Infinite/Unlimited" plan.

5G is the modern standard, offering significantly faster download speeds and better performance in crowded areas. While 'Flanker' brands now offer 5G, they often still sell cheaper 4G plans capped at lower speeds (around 100Mbps). If you primarily use your phone for basic web browsing and social media, a 4G plan can save you $5–$10 per month without a noticeable difference in performance.

These labels represent different tiers of speed and technology.

• 5G: The standard high-speed network. Most "5G" plans in Canada are capped at speeds of up to 250 Mbps.
• 5G+: Uses the faster 3500 MHz spectrum to offer significantly higher speeds. These plans can reach up to 1 Gbps or even 2 Gbps in ideal conditions.

Beyond raw speed, 5G+ is designed to provide a more reliable connection in crowded areas like stadiums or downtown cores. Note that you need a 5G+ compatible device and a 5G+ specific plan to see that icon on your phone.