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Text Telus 5G Coverage, Phones and Cost over image of a woman using a smartphone outdoors

Article Summary

The Telus 5G network launched in five markets in June 2020 and continues to expand with more than a dozen municipalities that have 5G service. While you need a 5G compatible smartphone to access its full power, the 5G network gives Canadians access to next-generation communication technology. Customers need an unlimited data plan to access Telus Mobility's 5G service.


Nearly every Canadian can now sign up with a monthly plan that gives them access to Telus 5G. However, it’s considered a premium product accompanied by high monthly rates and compatible 5G smartphones, most of which cost well over $1,000.

Cell Phone Plans

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#1
Telus
Telus

Essential Unlimited 100 5G

  • Unlimited 100GB 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
$60/mth
#2
Telus
Telus

Premium Unlimited 5G+

  • Unlimited 175GB at 5G+ speeds up to 2Gbps
  • Deal: Limited-time Offer! Get $5/mo. off when you activate on this plan and enroll with pre-authorized payments
$70/mth
#3
Telus
Telus

Premium Unlimited 5G+ Can-US

  • Unlimited 200GB at 5G+ speeds up to 2Gbps
  • Deal: Limited-time Offer! Get $5/mo. off when you activate on this plan and enroll with pre-authorized payments
$90/mth

Telus 5G Phones


By the time the Telus 5G network launched, customers already had a selection of compatible smartphones from which to choose. Samsung released three models of the Galaxy S20 devices earlier this year. The LG V60 5G and Motorola edge+ were released this spring. All of these devices are considered premium smartphones with prices to match. 

Apple

Samsung

LG

  • LG V60 ThinQ 5G Dual Screen (Discontinued)
  • LG Velvet 5G 

Motorola

Google

Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G smartphone

Telus 5G Coverage


Telus customers can find 5G coverage between Vancouver Island and southeast Quebec, with pockets of coverage in cities including Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Montreal and the Greater Toronto Area. Telus plans to launch 5G coverage in more markets by the end of the year. Telus and Bell are different companies that run separate telecommunications networks, yet they share the same cell phone towers. This strategic partnership was formed when the two networks rolled out 4G LTE service nearly a decade ago, and it continues to be an advantage for them during the 5G rollout. 

One of Telus Mobility’s greatest challenges is to provide coverage throughout Canada’s vast geography. By using low band 5G frequencies, coverage becomes available throughout the rugged Rockies, across the Prairie countryside and into the far north. High band frequencies are still a few years away but will enable faster downloads and intelligent communications between new technology like smart cars.

Dice and a finger changing 4G labeling to 5G

Telus 5G Phone Plans


Telus Mobility’s Peace of Mind plans include 5G service and unlimited data at no additional cost. The cheapest plan normally costs $75/month for 10GB of full speed data, but prices and data caps can vary depending on where you live and active promotions. Simple Share and prepaid plans do not have access to Telus 5G service.

With Peace of Mind plans, customers can download at full 4G LTE or 5G speeds until they reach a monthly data cap – normally 10GB, 20GB or 50GB depending on the plan. For the rest of the billing period, upload and download speeds are throttled. You can still stream music, but you’ll lose that awesome advantage of 5G speed for other downloads. Pay $15 and Telus add an extra 3GB of full-speed access to your billing period.

Telus offers more monthly plans that feature 5G connectivity.

  • Peace of Mind Connect: Share 4G and 5G data with tablets and smartwatches for no additional fee.
  • Peace of Mind CAN-US: Take your unlimited talk, text and data south of the border at any time. While in the U.S., your smartphone only receives 4G connections, but there are no roaming charges.

Telus owns and operates subsidiary mobile carriers Koodo Mobile and Public Mobile. Both brands target low cost options for mobile connectivity, so premium services like 5G network access remains exclusive to Telus. Customers who subscribe to these carriers can still use the same 5G compatible devices but will only have access to the 4G network.

Digital brain with connectivity

Is Telus 5G Safe?


All Telus wireless broadcasts are safe as they abide by strict safety regulations set out by the government of Canada. Existing 5G signals use the same broadcast frequencies as 4G LTE. In the future, low and high band frequencies will also be used but at power levels that are within the national safety limits defined by industry experts. 

Many videos and conspiracy theories link 5G signal to a variety of harmful effects, but the scientific consensus is that cell phone tower broadcasts – including 5G signal – is safe. You can read more in WhistleOut’s potential dangers of 5G in Canada guide.


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