Canadian Wireless Provider Response Following the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Stephen Clark

Last updated 08 October 2020

Text How Well Each Carrier is Responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic over image of a person on the phone standing inside an apartment

In this Guide

Each Carrier's COVID-19 Response
Rogers Communications
Bell Mobile Internet
Telus Health
New, Lower Cost Plans
How To Properly Clean Your Phone

Article Summary

Canadians are outside again (with masks on, of course), but with a second wave well underway what are mobile providers doing to help? The initial lockdown ended this summer, yet COVID-19 remains a part of our lives. Wireless providers have sanitation procedures in place in storefronts, donations continue to help greatly needed services stay afloat and financial help is even available if you missed a few payments.

The coronavirus pandemic has been fought by Canadians on all fronts by closing workplaces, schools, restaurants and other public spaces. Many Canadians are working from home for the first time. Some world travellers were stuck with no way home and a cell phone plan that charges them $12 per day just to stay connected. Here's what every major wireless provider has done and continues to do to help out during this unprecedented time.

What Every Carrier Is Doing in Response to COVID-19

Rogers Wireless COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Flexible payment options are available for customers suffering financial difficulty as a result of the pandemic
Rogers Ignite customers can access a variety of premium news and educational channels for free using the Rogers Ignite app or web site (mobile data charges may apply)
Storefronts are open as regional conditions allow with additional sanitation conditions in place
Home Technician services including Pro On-the-Go which brings your new device to your home within hours will be conducted with no-contact delivery to the doorstep, and a new remote process helps customers get set up
Rogers Pro On-the-Go program expanded to many new municipalities
Fido and Chatr storefronts are open, but customers are encouraged to use online or telephone customer support services
More information about COVID-19 and what changes Rogers has made to regular service can be found on their site

Bell Mobility COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Storefronts are open for walk-in service as regional conditions allow, but appointments are recommended
Flexible payment options are available for Bell and Virgin Mobile customers through self-serve tools or by speaking with a representative
Bell TV subscribers can access a wide selection of premium channels on free preview, including news channels and educational content using the Bell Fibe TV website, Android app or iOS app (mobile data charges may apply)
Bell Let's Talk initiative has created a $5 million fund to help organizations promote social distancing efforts and mental health
Bell donated $1 million to Kids Help Phone to address the need for additional support
Nearly all locations have reopened with additional sanitation procedures in place
A FAQ page has been posted on the company’s site addressing Bell’s response across all services

Telus COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Consumer and small business customers financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can be provided flexible payment options
Nearly all storefronts and mall kiosks have reopened with only critical services available at select locations
Telus Health offers Babylon, a free app that helps you identify symptoms and even connect residents in Ontario, BC and Alberta with a licensed doctor by video chat Google Play – Apple Store
The new Telus Talks Health podcast discusses the COVID-19 pandemic and how to limit the emotional impact on your life
Telus posted the company’s response and FAQ about the COVID-19 pandemic on their site

Freedom Mobile COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Freedom Mobile reopened many stores to assist customers with emergency needs
Nearly all dealer and partner locations are open and can be located on Freedom Mobile's Find A Store page, but call ahead to confirm
Freedom Mobile will offer flexible payment arrangements for customers suffering financial hardship
Any updates to Freedom Mobile’s COVID-19 response will be posted on their site

Videotron COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Storefronts have reopened, but have additional safety procedures in place and may only offer limited services
Fizz Mobile has posted about COVID-19, but there are no changes to their rates
Videotron has posted a response to COVID-19 and the page will be updated regularly

SaskTel COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Storefronts are open but call ahead
Through the Crown Utility Interest Deferral Program, customers will not incur late fees for six months, and 0% interest payment plans for repayment over 12 months will be made available
Information about the virus and steps SaskTel is taking to respond to customer needs can be found on their web site

CityFone and SimplyConnect COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Flexible payment options will be made available for those finding difficulty in paying their bills
Cityfone has up-to-date messaging on their web site, and SimplyConnect also have a page mirroring information for their customers

Eastlink COVID-19 Pandemic Response

travelPack purchases can be refunded if you cancelled your trip
No services will be suspended or cancelled as a result of late payments
Flexible payment solutions will be made available
No service suspension fees to small businesses who need to temporarily close
Full updates available on the Eastlink web site

Tbaytel COVID-19 Pandemic Response

The Tbaytel Store has reopened with extra sanitation procedures in place
All changes in service can be found on Tbaytel’s COVID-19 Update page

Xploremobile COVID-19 Pandemic Response

Storefronts are open, but may have reduced hours
Any additional changes to service will be reported on their web site

Special Mention: Rogers Communications

Rogers was one of the first companies to act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. So far, the company has committed to eliminate data caps for home internet, waive all long distance and roaming charges, offer flexible payment plans to customers in financial strife, and offer free collaboration software to business customers.
Update June 1, 2020: Rogers and Jays Care has committed to supporting Food Banks Canada with 8 million meals through the Step Up to the Plate initiative. Rogers Centre in Toronto, the home to the Blue Jays, will store 6,000 pallets of food for distribution across Canada

Special Mention: Bell Mobile Internet

Bell is also taking care of small business customers. The company has added extra capacity for mobile internet customers with Turbo Hubs, Turbo Sticks and MiFI devices. Every qualifying customer will receive an extra 10GB plus $10 credit to existing plans for the current and next billing cycles.

Data charges from before March 19th will still be charged, but it's good to know you can depend on your Bell mobile internet to keep you connected while you work from home. If you are subscribed to mobile internet as a consumer (instead of a small business), this will still apply for you.

Special Mention: Telus Health

Babylon is a free healthcare mobile app from Telus Health, and it’s available to install on Android and iOS devices. Using advanced AI, it can help to diagnose your symptoms and potentially connect you to a licensed doctor by video chat.

The new Telus Talks Health podcast launched, and the first episode discusses the COVID-19 pandemic. The 23-minute episode speaks with psychiatrist and author, Dr. Diane McIntosh, about how to stay calm, cope with social distancing and manage your mental health while in self-isolation.

Telus has also committed $10 million toward purchasing new medical equipment, including ventilators that have been in high demand as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding will also go towards supporting frontline healthcare workers and isolated Canadians like seniors.

Reduced Prices on Popular Plans

Every wireless provider has released a statement detailing their COVID-19 pandemic response. At WhistleOut, we've also noticed that some popular plans have had prices reduced making them more affordable for Canadians during this uncertain time. There are new, lower monthly rates for basic talk and text plans and wireless plans that include a few gigabytes of data. Consumers that find themselves working away from the office can now find cheaper unlimited data plans.

Talk and Text Plans $25 and Under

Freedom Mobile has been offering Canada's cheapest talk and text plan with unlimited nationwide minutes for a while. Many carriers now have talk and text plans for $25/month or less.

#1	Videotron	Videotron 65GB All-Inclusive Cell Phone Plan Unlimited data Deal: Holiday Offer! Waive the $50 activation fee when you subscribe to a mobile plan with data + Get $10/mo. off when you bring your own device $5/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$5/mth + $50 Upfront	Go
#2	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes & Text Messaging Plan No Data Included $12/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$12/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#3	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $30 4G LTE 10GB CA-US plan 10GB at 4G LTE speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Limited-time Offer! Get $15/mo. off for 6 months with new activations on this plan + $5/mo. credit for your next 12 months $15/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$15/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#4	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $15 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 250MB 250MB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $0.75/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $15 + $5 Upfront Go	$15 + $5 Upfront	Go
#5	Chatr Wireless	Chatr Wireless $19 Nationwide Talk & Text plan 500MB data Deal: Get 500MB bonus data when you sign up with Auto-Pay $19 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$19 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#6	Lucky Mobile	Lucky Mobile $19 Unlimited Canada-wide Calling Plan 500MB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $19 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$19 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#7	Koodo Mobile	Koodo Mobile $19 Prepaid Base Plan 500MB at 4G Speed up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive 500MB bonus data per month with Automatic Top-Up $19 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$19 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#8	Bell	Bell Monthly $20 Prepaid Voice 2GB data Deal: Get 2GB bonus data with Automatic monthly top-up options $20 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$20 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#9	PC Mobile	PC Mobile $20 Unlimited Talk & Text 1GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 1GB bonus data with Auto-Allowance+ Get 20,000 PC Optimum points after 2 months of service $20 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$20 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#10	Fido	Fido $20 Talk & Text Plan No Data Included $20/mth Go	$20/mth	Go

Smartphone Plans

Koodo, Virgin and Fido are offering plans with talk, text and data for only $45/month, but keep looking through WhistleOut's smartphone search results... Cityfone and SimplyConnect offer 5GB of data and 800 minutes of nationwide talk on $40 monthly plans. Sign up for two years and Cityfone or SimplyConnect will even throw in a Motorola moto g smartphone. Yup, totally free. No upfront cost or extra monthly charges.

#1	Videotron	Videotron 65GB All-Inclusive Cell Phone Plan Unlimited data Deal: Holiday Offer! Waive the $50 activation fee when you subscribe to a mobile plan with data + Get $10/mo. off when you bring your own device $5/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$5/mth + $50 Upfront	Go
#2	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $30 4G LTE 10GB CA-US plan 10GB at 4G LTE speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Limited-time Offer! Get $15/mo. off for 6 months with new activations on this plan + $5/mo. credit for your next 12 months $15/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$15/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#3	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Minutes & Text Messaging + 6GB Data 6GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $19/mth + $5 Upfront Go	$19/mth + $5 Upfront	Go
#4	Koodo Mobile	Koodo Mobile $22 Unlimited Canada-Wide Calling Plan 5GB at 4G Speed up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive 1GB bonus data per month with Automatic Top-Up $22 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$22 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#5	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $23 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 6GB 6GB at 4G speeds up to 100Mbps Deal: Receive $1.15/mo. in points value with Public Points + Get a FREE eSIM or $5 off on a physical SIM with new activation on this plan $23 + $5 Upfront Go	$23 + $5 Upfront	Go
#6	Bell	Bell Monthly $24 Prepaid Voice and 4GB Data 6GB at 4G speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 2GB bonus data with Automatic monthly top-up options $24 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$24 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#7	Lucky Mobile	Lucky Mobile $27 Unlimited Canada-wide Calling Plan 25GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get your third month free with new activation on this plan $27 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$27 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#8	Chatr Wireless	Chatr Wireless $27 Nationwide Talk, Text & 4G Data plan 20.5GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Holiday Offer! Get 1 month's fee in credit with new activations on this plan + Get 500MB bonus data when you sign up with Auto-Pay $27 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$27 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#9	PC Mobile	PC Mobile $29 Unlimited Talk & Text + 20GB Data 25GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Receive 5GB bonus data with Auto-Allowance + 20,000 PC Optimum points after 2 months of service $29 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$29 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#10	Fido	Fido $29 Data, Talk & Text Plan with 20GB 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $29/mth Go	$29/mth	Go

Unlimited Data Plans

Office buildings are closed; many of us are working from home for the first time. You can't always depend on broadband internet, so be prepared with one of the premium unlimited data plans launched just last year. Not sure how unlimited data works in Canada? You're not alone. Read our popular unlimited data guide and learn if these new plans can help you stay connected during a crisis.

#1	Bell	Bell Monthly $29 Prepaid Voice and 20GB Data 25GB at 4G speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 5GB bonus data with Automatic monthly top-up options $29 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$29 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#2	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $40 5G Unlimited 50GB CA-US plan Unlimited 55GB full-speed data at 5G Deal: Holiday Offer! Receive 5GB Roam Beyond data on this plan + Get $5/mo. off for 18 months when you activate on this plan $35/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$35/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#3	Rogers	Rogers Infinite 50GB Non-shared Student Plan 50GB full speed data at download speeds up to 250Mbps $44/mth Go	$44/mth	Go
#4	Telus	Telus Essential Unlimited 75 5G+ Unlimited 75GB at 5G speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Limited-time Offer! Get $5/mo. off when you activate on this plan and enroll with pre-authorized payments $45/mth Go	$45/mth	Go
#5	SaskTel	SaskTel Promo Nationwide 50 BYOD 75GB data at download speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Holiday Offer: Get 25GB/mo. bonus for 24 months with this plan + Waived $60 Activation fee when you shop a device online $55/mth Go	$55/mth	Go

Keep Your Phone Clean of Coronavirus

You can use your shirt sleeve to get smudges off your smartphone display, but to disinfect it you will need to clean it properly. Our U.S. sister site has a useful guide that answers a lot of your questions about Coronavirus and how disgusting your cell phone screen gets (spoiler: it’s really gross), and how you can get it clean.