Mobile and Internet
Mobile and Internet in Saskatoon
Table of Contents
Introduction
Access to mobile and internet services will be one of your first essential needs after arriving in Canada.
Having a fast and reliable connection will help you manage important initial tasks such as contacting organizations, job searching, and staying in touch with family.
In Canada, choosing a mobile or internet plan involves understanding a few key points.
Mobile Options in Saskatoon
Pay-As-You-Go (Prepaid) Lines
- A great option for newcomers during their first days or weeks.
- No long-term contract or credit score is required.
- You purchase a top-up (credit) and use it according to your needs.
- Ideal if you are still exploring different plans or your permanent residency status is not yet finalized.
Many companies like Lucky Mobile, Public Mobile, and Chatr offer affordable prepaid options.
Monthly Contract Plans (Postpaid)
- After stabilizing your situation and obtaining more documentation (such as a credit card or bank account), you can opt for a monthly plan.
- These plans typically include:
- Unlimited calls
- Unlimited text messaging
- A fixed amount of mobile data
- Monthly plans usually require a credit check, but in some cases, you can access them through prepayment or a security deposit.
Major providers such as Bell, Telus, Rogers, and sub-brands like Koodo, Fido, and Virgin Mobile offer a wide variety of plans.
Buying a Mobile Phone
In Canada, you can either:
- Buy a factory-unlocked phone outright.
- Or finance a device through a contract (Device Financing), sometimes with discounts or no upfront payment.
Advantages of buying a phone with a contract:
- Expensive phones are often heavily discounted or paid in installments.
- The cost of the device is spread over the contract term (usually two years).
Important note: Buying a phone on a contract commits you to the selected provider for the contract duration (e.g., 24 months).
Importance of Buying During Sales
- Stores and mobile operators offer special discounts during periods such as:
- Boxing Day (after Christmas)
- Black Friday
- Back-to-School sales
- Buying during sales can significantly reduce the cost of your phone or mobile plan.
It is recommended to use a pay-as-you-go line initially, and wait for seasonal discounts to purchase a phone or start a contract.
Home Internet
- For home internet, companies like SaskTel and Rogers provide high-speed internet services.
- Plans vary based on download speeds and monthly pricing.
- You will usually need a fixed residential address (permanent or temporary) to register for home internet service.
Conclusion
To start, prepaid mobile lines are the best and simplest option.
Once your financial situation stabilizes, you can upgrade to better monthly plans and take advantage of seasonal discounts for buying devices.
Smart planning and purchasing can significantly reduce your communication costs in Canada.
Disclaimer
The information provided in these resources is intended for informational purposes only, and its accuracy is not guaranteed. The Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of the content or any consequences resulting from the use of the provided information.
These resources are the property of the Saskatoon Iranian Cultural Association and may be freely referenced, provided that a link to the corresponding page on the Association’s website is included.
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