Article Summary
Virgin Mobile only has one option for data-only smartphone plans, but it's cheaper than what's offered by their rivals. 1GB of data is only $28/month and includes a few extras. A tablet data plan is available at a low monthly rate if you buy a new tablet for $0 down and pay installments over two years. Virgin Mobile currently doesn't offer data plans for mobile internet hotspots or LTE smartwatches like the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch.
Virgin Mobile prides itself on competitive pricing and excellent customer service. Their network covers 99% of Canadians and runs on the network run by parent company Bell. Their best deals are available if you Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP), but there are many ways to buy a new device and offset the cost over two years. If you choose to buy a new tablet and spread the cost over two years, Virgin will give you a good deal on a flat-rate data plan.
Virgin doesn't offer data plans for mobile hotspots like USB sticks and portable WiFi hubs or for smartwatches, though you can tether your phone as a mobile hotspot. Bell offers competitive data-only plans as do Rogers and Telus so you may consider one of their plans.
Smartphone Data Plan
Virgin Mobile offers a data-only smartphone plan to the Canadian market., as well as other prepaid plans with generous data and unlimited phone calls limited to your province. Competitors Fido and Koodo have low-cost data only options too, but Virgin Mobile's plan is the cheapest 1GB of LTE data at $28/month. Carriers like Public Mobile and Chatr have it cheaper, but you don't get high speed LTE.
With the data-only plan, incoming texts are free. Voicemail and call display are included, but talk time is $0.60/minute and outgoing texts are $0.30 each. Virgin also offers full talk, text and data plans that add several gigs to your monthly cap.
Tablet Data Plan
You can add a few gigabytes to any new LTE-enabled tablet purchase. If you don't have a tablet with mobile internet, Virgin has a few models to buy (including the Apple iPad) from as little as $0 down and spread the cost evenly over two years.
The deal requires you to buy a new tablet on their two-year plan. You may have a difficult time signing up for the plan if you bring your own tablet, but WhistleOut Canada confirmed that if you speak with the Virgin Mobile Member Care department on the phone then they can help get you on this plan when you have an existing account with Virgin Mobile. New mobile phone customers may also be able to get this deal upon inquiry.
Virgin Mobile Network Coverage
Because Virgin Mobile is owned by Bell Canada, the service runs on Bell Mobility's nationwide network covering 99% of Canadians. Even better, Virgin Mobile rates at or near the top of the list for best customer service in Canada every year. Buy a smartphone or tablet from Virgin Mobile, or bring your own LTE-enabled device and enjoy the best coverage in Canada.
Virgin Mobile Wireless Deals
Every week WhistleOut Canada publishes our market update so you can find the best buys from every carrier, including the newest deals from Virgin Mobile. If you're looking to buy a new smartphone, our Top Virgin Mobile Cell Phone Deals guide will find you the best price. Even if you're currently with a different carrier, your device can be unlocked for free so you can switch to Virgin (or any other Canadian wireless carrier) where your device is supported.
Related Articles
Find Better Phones and Plans
Hundreds of cell phone plans unpacked. All the facts. No surprises.