Bell 5G Coverage Map, Plans, and Speed

Bell operates one of the largest wireless networks in Canada, with coverage reaching over 99% of Canadians. Bell began offering 5G services in 2020 and currently provides 5G connectivity to over 70% of households, with prices starting at $50/month. The carrier also provides super-fast 5G+ service, which is primarily available in metropolitan areas.

We’ve been studying the telecom industry since 2008 and have been tracing the expansion of Bell 5G since its first launch. In that time, we’ve analyzed the Bell 5G coverage map and have learned which plans offer the best speeds and which ones aren’t worth the high price tags. 

Below, we’ll break down the Bell 5G coverage map, identifying the carrier’s best 5G plans, their speeds, and how to get the most from their high-speed service.

Bell 5G coverage map

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The Bell 5G network reaches 70% of Canadians, with coverage available in:

• British Columbia
• Alberta
• Saskatchewan
• Manitoba
• Ontario
• Quebec
• Newfoundland & Labrador

Coverage is especially strong in the country’s metropolitan areas, like Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, where Bell users experience continuous 5G coverage thanks to those cities’ abundance of cell towers. The carrier’s 5G network provides the same amount of coverage as its major competitors, Rogers and Telus, though its footprint differs slightly, with less coverage available in the northern stretches of the country.

To examine the Bell 5G coverage map more closely, use our interactive map above or input your address in our coverage check, which will tell you which plans are available in your neighborhood.

Bell 5G network speeds

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Bell’s 5G speeds reach up to 250Mbps, which is more than fast enough to stream music, video, and games on your phone, in addition to your normal tasks like calling, texting, or browsing the internet. It’s important to note, though, that this is peak performance for Bell 5G—those top speeds aren’t guaranteed whenever you have 5G service.

Additionally, paying for a 5G plan doesn’t mean you’ll be guaranteed 5G speeds wherever you go. If you’re ever out of Bell’s 5G coverage area, you’ll automatically be bumped down to 4G LTE service, which peaks slightly slower than 5G at 220Mbps.

Bell 5G vs. 5G+

In addition to its 5G service, Bell now also offers 5G+ in select urban areas. Bell says its 5G+ coverage provides faster connections, even in crowded areas like stadiums, malls, concert venues, and city centres. 5G+ operates on a different spectrum band, providing faster (but shorter range) wireless coverage for customers.

Bell’s 5G+ speed can reach up to 4Gbps—over 16 times its regular 5G speed. Keep in mind, though, that these speeds are theoretical: they’re what Bell says can be reached at the best time, in the best location.

Bell’s 5G+ service may be faster than its 5G counterpart, but it's not as widely available. By and large, Bell 5G+ is only available in the most concentrated pockets of its 5G coverage map. That means the most densely populated parts of the country closer to the southern border (like the metro regions of Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City) get coverage. The two exceptions are Edmonton and Halifax, which also have robust 5G+ service.

Bell 5G phone plans

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Bell offers several 5G cell phone plans with high-speed data, unlimited talk and text, and great perks like mobile hotspot and free access to streaming content on Crave Mobile. If you’re shopping for your household, you can also turn Bell’s 5G plans into family plans, where you can share 5G data across multiple lines.

Data is unlimited on all of Bell’s 5G plans, though it’s important to note that unlimited data plans limit your amount of 5G service. After you reach your monthly limit, your speeds will be throttled to 512Kbps. That’s fast enough to use the internet or navigate on Google Maps, though it’s too slow to stream music or video without experiencing lots of buffering.

You can check out the best Bell 5G plans available now below.

Bell 5G-compatible phones

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Bell offers dozens of 5G-compatible phones, including the iPhone 15, Google Pixel 8, Samsung Galaxy S23, and more. Many of the best Bell cell phone deals offer multiple ways to purchase phones, including financing devices through the SmartPay program.

You can find the most popular Bell 5G-compatible phones below.

Is Bell 5G safe?

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Bell 5G technology is completely safe. Industry experts with Health Canada recommend broadcast limitations, which are enforced by the government of Canada. Bell’s current 5G network uses technology similar to its 4G network.

While there are a lot of scary videos on YouTube about the "untested dangers of 5G," they’re without merit. The WhistleOut Canada 5G Dangers Guide will help you understand all the facts around 5G technology so you can build your own educated opinion. Our full collection of 5G guides can also help you better understand the 5G landscape in Canada.