Bell vs Rogers vs Telus: What's the Difference?

By Kevin Kearney

Last updated 30 November 2023

Text Who's the Best Top Tier Mobile Carrier over roadsigns pointing to Bell, Rogers and Telus

Contents

In this guide:

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: How Do They Compare?
Network Coverage and Reliability
Customer Service
Get the Most Value
Regional Carriers: Freedom Mobile, Videotron, SaskTel, and More
Which Carrier is Best?
FAQs

Bell, Rogers, and Telus are the country’s three largest wireless carriers, providing service to over 97% of Canadians. Telus, in our opinion, is the best carrier in Canada, thanks to its large 5G network, excellent customer service, and competitive pricing.

But there’s more to the market than just the Big Three. Canada is also home to several regional carriers that offer affordable plans and reliable coverage to select areas. There are also numerous flanker brands that provide cheap plans and cell phone deals.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know in order to choose the best carrier for you. Read on to learn the difference between Bell, Rogers, and Telus, and understand the best way to find a great plan.

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: How Do They Compare?

Bell, Rogers, and Telus are the three nationwide telecommunications companies serving Canada with telephone, internet, cable television, and wireless service. Canadians often complain that the differences between Bell, Rogers, and Telus are nonexistent, with the carriers simply offering similar plans at similar rates.

All three offer premium services and, by extension, some of the most expensive cell phone plans in the country. Bell, Rogers, and Telus are independent networks that operate their own nationwide 4G and 5G cellular networks despite sharing towers.

You can check out the best cell phone plans in Canada or preview the most popular plans from the Big Three below.

#1	Rogers	Rogers Infinite Extra Canada+US Plan Unlimited 75GB at speeds up to 1Gbps Deal: Get $15/mo. off this plan for 24 months when you bring your own phone $50/mth Go	$50/mth	Go
#2	Bell	Bell Monthly $30 Prepaid Voice and 5GB Data 10GB at 4G speeds up to 150Mbps Deal: Get 5GB bonus data with Automatic monthly top-up options $30 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$30 Per 1 Month Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#3	Telus	Telus Unlimited 150 5G+ Can-US Unlimited 150GB at 5G+ speeds up to 2Gbps $100/mth Go	$100/mth	Go

Rogers Communications Inc. and Shaw Communications Inc.

In 2021, Rogers Communications made a bid to buy Shaw Communications, a regional carrier serving Alberta and British Columbia operating on the Freedom Mobile network. The Competition Bureau argued the sale would limit competition, raising already high prices for consumers. In an attempt to silence its critics, Rogers agreed to sell Shaw’s Freedom Mobile unit to Videotron, a regional carrier for Quebec. As of April 2023, the merger was finalised with government approval.

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: Network Coverage and Reliability

While Bell, Rogers, and Telus are all nationwide carriers, each carrier has subtle differences in what they offer and where they operate.

In Canada, where you live dictates your cellular service. 5G is still mostly limited to urban centres while 3G is the fastest you’ll find in some of the remote areas of the country. Telus’ 5G and 4G network is the largest of the Big Three and reaches the most Canadians, though Bell’s network is not far behind.

The Big Three's network coverage

Carrier	5G coverage	4G LTE coverage	Total network coverage
Bell	70% of Canadians	99% of Canadians	36% of the map
Rogers	70% of Canadians	97% of Canadians	28% of the map
Telus	70% of Canadians	99% of Canadians	37% of the map

If you’d like to see a coverage map of each carrier’s network, you can check out our guide to wireless coverage in Canada or select one of the Big Three in the coverage map below.

Click to Activate Interactive Map

Coverage information is collected from carriers and other third party sources. This is approximate coverage only and does not include indoor coverage. Actual speed and performance depends on your location and device. Local conditions and things like natural and artificial physical features of an area all affect your reception. Coverage © Mosaik

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: Customer Service

Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer customer service and support over the phone, on social media, and through virtual assistants on their websites. In 2022, Telus was rated Canada’s Most Respected Mobile Service Provider by DART Insight and Communications with Koodo and Fido rounding out the top three.

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: Get the Most Value

The best way to get the most value from the Big Three is to seek out their bundles, cell phone deals, and flanker brands.

Bundling services

The Big Three offer bundles of their internet, cable, streaming services at discounted rates. Bell, Rogers, and Telus all provide bundling options that will make watching sports, TV, and movies a breeze.

Unfortunately, none of the three carriers allow you to bundle wireless coverage. Still, if you’re already paying for multiple services or looking to add one to your household, you might want to start by seeing what Bell, Rogers, and Telus offer for internet connectivity.

#1	Bell	Bell Gigabit Fibe 3.0 Fibre 3/3 Gbps $110/mo Go	$110/mo	Go
#2	Rogers	Rogers Ignite Internet 150 Cable 150/30 Mbps $59.99/mo Go	$59.99/mo	Go
#3	Telus	Telus PureFibre Internet 250 Fibre 250/250 Mbps $80/mo Go	$80/mo	Go

Cell phone deals

Although Bell, Rogers, and Telus are considered premium carriers known for their more expensive plans, they’re also known for some of the best cell phone deals in Canada. We’ve compiled guides to the best cell phone deals from Bell, Rogers, and Telus, so you can score hot prices on the latest smartphones, like the iPhone 14, Google Pixel 7, and Samsung Galaxy S23.

Find some of the most popular cell phone deals available from the Big Three below.

Samsung

Galaxy S23 5G 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 10MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

54 Plans from $15/mth + $1,197.94 Upfront

Choose

54 Plans from $15/mth + $1,197.94 Upfront

Samsung

Galaxy S23+ 5G 256GB

6.6 inch display
Rear Cameras: 12MP, 50MP, 10MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

102 Plans from $15/mth + $1,729 Upfront

Choose

102 Plans from $15/mth + $1,729 Upfront

Google

Pixel 7a 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Camera: 64MP
Front Camera: 13MP

Choose

24 Plans from $34/mth + $702 Upfront

Choose

24 Plans from $34/mth + $702 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 13 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

66 Plans from $34/mth + $873.72 Upfront

Choose

66 Plans from $34/mth + $873.72 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 14 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

104 Plans from $34/mth + $1,027 Upfront

Choose

104 Plans from $34/mth + $1,027 Upfront

Samsung

Galaxy S23 FE 5G 128GB

6.4 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP, 8MP
Front Camera: 10MP

Choose

100 Plans from $34/mth + $1,074 Upfront

Choose

100 Plans from $34/mth + $1,074 Upfront

Google

Pixel 8 128GB

6.2 inch display
Rear Cameras: 50MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 10.5MP

Choose

116 Plans from $34/mth + $1,108 Upfront

Choose

116 Plans from $34/mth + $1,108 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 15 128GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 48MP, 12MP, 12MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

89 Plans from $34/mth + $1,161 Upfront

Choose

89 Plans from $34/mth + $1,161 Upfront

Apple

iPhone 14 256GB

6.1 inch display
Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

49 Plans from $34/mth + $1,181.52 Upfront

Choose

49 Plans from $34/mth + $1,181.52 Upfront

#10

Apple

iPhone 14 Plus 128GB

6.7 inch display
Rear Cameras: 12MP, 12MP
Front Camera: 12MP

Choose

89 Plans from $34/mth + $1,181.52 Upfront

Choose

89 Plans from $34/mth + $1,181.52 Upfront

Flanker brands

Canada is home to several flanker brands, or smaller carriers owned by Bell, Rogers, and Telus and operating on their respective networks, much like the popular Mobile Virtual Network Operators (or MVNOs). Flanker brands’ plans are cheaper, offering less data and slower speeds than the Big Three. Despite those downsides, flanker brands’ affordability, prepaid options, and excellent coverage make for fantastic alternatives to Bell, Rogers, and Telus.

Signing up with one of these brands can save you a bundle.

Bell owns Virgin Mobile and Lucky Mobile
Rogers Wireless owns Fido and Chatr
Telus Mobility owns Koodo and Public Mobile

Interested in trying out an alternative? Find some of the most popular plans from flanker brands below.

#1	Public Mobile	Public Mobile $34 Unlimited Canada-Wide Talk + Text + 50GB Unlimited 50GB at 5G full speeds up to 250Mbps Deal: Get $1.70/mo. in points value with Public Points + Receive a FREE eSIM with new activation only $34 + $10 Upfront Go	$34 + $10 Upfront	Go
#2	Fido	Fido $15 Basic Plan with 100 Minutes + 250MB 250MB data $15/mth Go	$15/mth	Go
#3	Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile)	Virgin Plus (previously Virgin Mobile) $39 Plan with 20GB Data and Unlimited Minutes 20GB at 4G speeds up to 150Mbps $39/mth Go	$39/mth	Go
#4	Koodo Mobile	Koodo Mobile $15 - No Tab/BYO Plan with 250MB Data 250MB at 3G speed up to 3Mbps $15/mth + $10 Upfront Go	$15/mth + $10 Upfront	Go
#5	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

Regional Carriers: Freedom Mobile, Videotron, SaskTel, and More

In limited parts of Canada, regional carriers operate independent cellular networks that span one portion of the country. They often partner with Bell, Rogers, or Telus to provide their customers nationwide service. Prices are often cheaper yet come with limitations, mainly that you must live within the carrier’s primary coverage area to subscribe.

Here are some of the most popular regional carriers and where you can find them:

Freedom Mobile: Urban areas of Ontario, Alberta, and B.C.
Shaw Mobile: Urban areas of Alberta and B.C.
Videotron: Quebec
Fizz: Quebec
SaskTel: Saskatchewan

#1	Freedom Mobile	Freedom Mobile $50 5G Unlimited 100GB CA-US plan Unlimited 100GB full-speed data at 5G Deal: Student Deal! Get $10/mo. off for 24 months when you activate on $50/mo. plan after Digital Discount + 3rd line Offer: $10/mo. credit when you activate a 3rd line with this plan $30/mth + $45 Upfront Go	$30/mth + $45 Upfront	Go
#2	Fizz	Fizz Unlimited Canada + USA Minutes & Text Messaging + 20GB Data Plan 20GB data at download speeds up to 150Mbps $33/mth + $15 Upfront Go	$33/mth + $15 Upfront	Go
#3	SaskTel	SaskTel totalSHARE Nationwide Unlimited Full speed data Deal: Receive $20/mo. off your bill when you bring your own phone or buy a phone at full price + $5/mo. off for 24 months when you sign up $65/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$65/mth + $50 Upfront	Go
#4	Eastlink	Eastlink $15 Starter Data 250MB Plan 250MB at 5G speeds $15/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$15/mth + $50 Upfront	Go
#5	Videotron	Videotron 30GB All-Inclusive Canada-US Cell Phone Plan 35GB data Deal: Get $5/mo. off when you bring your own device + Receive an additional 5GB/mo. data with compatible phone only $60/mth + $50 Upfront Go	$60/mth + $50 Upfront	Go

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: Which Carrier is Best?

Bell, Rogers, and Telus all offer nationwide coverage, 5G service, and a comprehensive suite of services. Rogers is by far the best when it comes to 5G coverage, but Bell and Telus have the best network coverage footprint in Canada.

Overall, thanks to its coverage, customer service, and diversity of plans, Telus is the best carrier of the Big Three.

Check out our guide to the best Telus cell phone plans, the best Telus prepaid plans, or browse the carrier’s most popular plans below.

#1	Telus	Telus Nationwide Talk & Text 15 250MB data Deal: Get a bonus 250MB data when you sign-up with auto-payment options and use the promo code 250AUTO $15 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$15 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#2	Telus	Telus Nationwide Talk & Text 15 250MB data Deal: Get a bonus 250MB data when you sign-up with auto-payment options and use the promo code 250AUTO $15 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$15 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#3	Telus	Telus Nationwide Talk & Text 25 500MB data Deal: Get a bonus 500MB data when you sign-up with auto-payment options and use the promo code AUTO500 $25 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$25 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#4	Telus	Telus Nationwide Talk & Text 25 250MB data Deal: Get a bonus 250MB data when you sign-up with auto-payment options and use the promo code 250AUTO $25 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$25 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go
#5	Telus	Telus Nationwide Talk, Text & Data 35 18GB data Deal: Receive 15GB/mo. bonus data + Get extra 2GB data when you sign-up with auto-payment options and use the promo code QCBONUS15 $35 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront Go	$35 Per 30 Day Top-up + $10 Upfront	Go

Bell vs. Rogers vs. Telus: FAQs

Are Rogers and Bell the same?

No, Rogers and Bell are not the same. Rogers is owned by Rogers Communications Inc. and Bell is owned by Bell Canada Inc. Both carriers operate on their own independent networks.

Is Telus owned by Rogers?

No, Telus is not owned by Rogers. Telus is owned by the Telus Corporation and Rogers is owned by Rogers Communications Inc.

Does Telus use Rogers or Bell towers?

Yes, Telus and Bell share some of the same cell towers. That’s part of the reason why both carriers have been able to build wireless networks that reach 99% of Canadians.

Which carriers offer 5G in Canada?

Bell, Rogers, and Telus all offer 5G in Canada, with 5G networks that reach 70% of Canadians. A number of regional carriers also offer 5G connectivity. Videotron offers it to residents of Montreal, while Shaw and SaskTel offer it in select areas of Saskatchewan.

Are Bell, Rogers, and Telus an oligopoly?

No, Bell, Rogers, and Telus are not technically an oligopoly. While it’s been suggested that Bell, Rogers and Telus are colluding with one another to keep cell phone plan rates high for Canadians, there’s no evidence to prove collusion.

The Government of Canada, however, agreed with its citizens, stating in 2019 that prices were too high and began working to address consumers’ concerns. In 2021, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) established a policy to encourage more Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). In 2022, the CRTC announced they’d reduced wireless plans by 25%.

The success of these efforts is debatable. The CRTC’s requirements for MVNOs prohibit real competitors from entering Canada’s market and critics have highlighted that the reduction of cell phone plan costs is not as impressive as the Government has made it out to be.

Can I bundle services with my mobile phone?

No, none of the Big Three allow you to bundle services with your mobile phone. They do, however, offer bundles of their internet, cable, and streaming services, driving down your overall monthly payment.

Who is the best carrier in Canada?

Telus is the best carrier in Canada, thanks to its coverage, customer service, and diversity of plans. While Bell and Rogers also offer nationwide coverage, 5G service, and a comprehensive suite of services, Telus' plans are the overall best for Canadians.