{"id":3413,"date":"2021-06-18T23:22:39","date_gmt":"2021-06-19T06:22:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/SUMMALAI.COM\/?p=3413"},"modified":"2021-06-18T23:22:42","modified_gmt":"2021-06-19T06:22:42","slug":"cell-phone-coverage-in-canada-who-is-the-best","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/SUMMALAI.COM\/?p=3413","title":{"rendered":"Cell Phone Coverage in Canada: Who is The Best"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stop trusting carrier coverage maps and find out which networks offer the best coverage from those using them everyday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By: JON STONE<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Having access to all the features of a modern smartphone is amazing — until you don’t have a signal or Wi-Fi available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This makes coverage an essential element in choosing the best cell phone service provider<\/a> for your needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But coverage is a tricky thing to estimate…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your phone model, where you’re located, and even how many other people nearby are using their phones can all impact how you phone performs when connected to your local cellphone network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So how can you determine the best carrier based on coverage near you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You have a few options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrier coverage maps<\/a> look great, but are often only an an estimate of coverage in your area. If you look in the fine print, most are quick to disclaim that there are no guarantees to accuracy or service quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Third-party coverage maps (including OpenSignal<\/a> and RootMetrics<\/a>) are a bit better. They collect information from volunteers using their phones as they move throughout your area. This means you can rely on the data to be a little more representative of what you might expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reports from major mobile research companies are great for noticing bigger trends and seeing if any networks have obvious problems — often at a national or state level. But they’re not as good for finding information tailored to your region unless you live in a major city.https:\/\/e80df84c9b69b3ddf9e9c888b8288022.safeframe.googlesyndication.com\/safeframe\/1-0-38\/html\/container.htmlHowever, if you compare the data offered by each format, you can piece together a good idea of what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since most people don’t exactly get excited about spending hours collecting and comparing data, we\u2019re breaking down everything there is to know about coverage with Canada’s big — and not so big — cell phone companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the Canadian mobile market is a bit difficult to rank…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, there is no single carrier with the best coverage for everyone. Large carriers tend to offer similar service at higher prices while smaller ones offer varied packages with limited coverage and much lower prices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, this is less of a ranking and more an explanation of options. However, it offers a great starting point for figuring out the best carriers and services available in your area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Carriers & Networks Explained<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you can know what to expect from the various carriers out there, you have to understand that while there\u2019s a huge range of different carrier options<\/a>, most of them are using only a handful of different networks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Major carriers in Canada include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Bell<\/a><\/td>
Rogers<\/a><\/td>
Telus<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

So what about the rest of those companies you see?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They\u2019re known as MVNOs — or mobile virtual network operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They actually use the same networks as the Big Three listed above. They just lease access to the bigger network and charge you accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most are even owned by one of the Big Three, including:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Main Carrier<\/strong><\/td>MVNO<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Bell<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Lucky Mobile<\/a>, Virgin Mobile<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Rogers<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Chatr Mobile<\/a>, Cityfone<\/a>, Fido Mobile<\/a>, Primus Wireless<\/a>, SimplyConnect<\/a>, Zoomer Wireless<\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Telus<\/strong><\/a><\/td>Koodo Mobile<\/a>, Public Mobile<\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While most MVNOs offer similar coverage, be sure to check the carrier\u2019s plans and terms to ensure that you\u2019re able to use the full capabilities of the network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many MNVOs limit speeds, de-prioritize traffic during peak hours, or provide access to only select frequencies of the main network.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while coverage might be identical, features might be different.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Confused yet? It\u2019s understandable\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it also goes to highlight just how hard it is for the average person to find good, reliable information about coverage in their area from different providers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Who Has the Best Coverage?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking at data from OpenSignal<\/a> and other industry experts, there are some obvious brands which stand out — even with all the carriers<\/a> in the Canadian market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

#1. Bell<\/a> & Telus<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

So before we get into the specifics here, we want to point out an important fact:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bell<\/a> and Telus<\/a> have an agreement that allows them to seamlessly use each others’ network. This is more than roaming, it’s a built-in part of how their network operates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s Bell<\/a>…<\/p>\n\n\n\n