The PC Mobile 20GB plan, priced at just $29, is the best student cell phone plan for 2024. This plan offers a generous amount of data, plus an additional 5GB bonus data when you enable auto top-up. You’ll also have access to Bell’s 5G network, with download speeds of up to 250Mbps, which is faster than many home broadband plans.
If you’re an international student, you’ll benefit from unlimited international texting, which is included in the plan. Plus, when you sign up with PC Mobile, you can earn 20,000 PC Optimum points after two months of service, and up to 10% of every top-up back in PC Optimum points. Every 10,000 points equals $10 worth of free rewards, making this plan even more attractive.
If this plan doesn’t meet your specific needs or isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are other great options available for students that you can explore.
| Carrier | Price | Features | Best for… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roger | $50/mth | *60GB High Speed Data *Spam Call Detect | Students requiring large amounts of data |
| Telus | $35.00/mth | *5GB High Speed Data *Speeds up to 2Gbps | Students requiring high-speed 5G internet |
| Virgin Plus | $28/mth | *3GB Data | Students seeking a rewards program to maximize savings |
| Chatr | $30/mth | *1GB Data *Unlimited Canada-wide Talk *Unlimited Text to Canada, US & International | Students searching for a cost-effective solution for unlimited international SMS messaging |
| Public Mobile | $50/mth | *60GB Canada-US Data *Eearn Public Points *Unlimited Canada-US wide minutes and messaging *unlimited international text and picture messaging | Students who frequently need to stay in touch with contacts in the US |
| Bell | $44/mth + | *100 GB data of non-shareable data at 5G speed *Unlimited texting in Canada and internationally *credit the $60 Connection Service Fee | Students requiring large amounts of data |
| Videotron | $50/mth + | *150 GB data at 5G speed *Unlimited texting in Canada and internationally *Free 5G network access *Price for life | Students requiring large amounts of data |
Current Student Plan Deals Sep 2024
- Public Mobile: $34/mth 50GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
- Rogers: $50/mth 75GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
- Telus: $50/mth 75GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan (Quebec Only)
- Virgin Plus: $45/mth 50GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
- Chatr: $40/mth 40GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
- Bell: $44/mth 50GB/100GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
- Videotron: $50/mth 55GB - 150GB Unlimited 5G Mobile Plan
Best Student Cell Phone Plans in Canada
For students, finding an affordable cell phone plan with sufficient data and features can be a challenge. Many carriers in Canada offer student-friendly plans tailored to budget-conscious users. Below is a detailed comparison of some of the best student cell phone plans available, including carrier information, pros, cons, and customer reviews.
Pros and Cons of Student Plans
Pros
- ✔ Affordable pricing for students on a budget
- ✔ Special deals and discounts for students
- ✔ Flexibility in plan options, including data and talk
- ✔ No long-term contracts required
- ✔ Often includes perks like streaming services or data bonuses
Cons
- ✖ Limited features compared to regular plans
- ✖ Data may be capped or throttled after a certain limit
- ✖ Fewer international options or roaming features
Who is a Student Plan Right For?
Student cell phone plans are designed specifically for young people who need affordable and flexible plans to balance their schoolwork, social life, and limited budgets. These plans are particularly suited for:
- Students who don’t want to commit to long-term contracts
- Users who need a decent amount of data but don’t want to overspend
- Individuals who prefer prepaid or monthly pay-as-you-go options
- People who want perks like free streaming services or bonus data
- Budget-conscious students with tight financial constraints
Fido
Fido is a subsidiary of Rogers and offers a variety of affordable plans that cater to students. It is known for its reliable network coverage, flexible data options, and occasional promotions targeting young users. Fido’s student plans often come with added perks like Spotify trials or extra data.
| Plan | Price | Data | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5GB Student Plan | $40/month | 5GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
| 10GB Student Plan | $50/month | 10GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
Pros
- ✔ Strong network coverage
- ✔ Affordable data plans
- ✔ Extra perks like free streaming trials
- ✔ Flexible data options for students
- ✔ Good customer service
Cons
- ✖ Pricier compared to smaller carriers
- ✖ Limited international options
- ✖ Data throttling after the cap
Virgin Plus
Virgin Plus, operating on Bell’s network, offers some of the best deals for students in Canada. Known for excellent customer service and affordable pricing, Virgin Plus also provides students with special discounts, bonus data, and member benefits for various lifestyle perks, including streaming services and retail discounts.
| Plan | Price | Data | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6GB Student Plan | $45/month | 6GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
| 10GB Student Plan | $55/month | 10GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
Pros
- ✔ Great customer service
- ✔ Competitive pricing
- ✔ Member benefits and discounts
- ✔ Good coverage on the Bell network
- ✔ Flexible data and talk options
Cons
- ✖ Limited international roaming
- ✖ Throttled data after the cap
- ✖ Slightly higher pricing for additional features
Koodo Mobile
Koodo Mobile, a subsidiary of Telus, is another strong choice for students looking for affordable and flexible plans. Koodo is known for its excellent coverage, competitive pricing, and no fixed-term contracts. Students can benefit from special deals and promos throughout the year.
| Plan | Price | Data | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4GB Student Plan | $35/month | 4GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
| 8GB Student Plan | $50/month | 8GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
Pros
- ✔ Excellent coverage on the Telus network
- ✔ No fixed-term contracts
- ✔ Competitive pricing
- ✔ Good value for data
- ✔ Simple, transparent pricing
Cons
- ✖ Customer support can be slow
- ✖ Fewer perks than other providers
- ✖ Limited international roaming options
Public Mobile
Public Mobile is a low-cost carrier owned by Telus that provides budget-friendly prepaid plans with no contracts. It’s an excellent option for students who are looking to save money and don’t mind using a self-service platform. Public Mobile offers customizable plans where students can pick their preferred data, talk, and text options.
| Plan | Price | Data | Talk & Text |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GB Student Plan | $25/month | 1GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
| 5GB Student Plan | $40/month | 5GB | Unlimited Canada-wide talk & text |
Pros
- ✔ Budget-friendly options
- ✔ Customizable plans
- ✔ Reliable Telus network
- ✔ No contracts or credit checks
- ✔ Self-service platform
Cons
- ✖ No customer support hotline
- ✖ Slower data speeds in some areas
- ✖ Limited roaming options
Conclusion
Choosing the right student cell phone plan depends on your needs and budget. Providers like Fido, Virgin Plus, Koodo, and Public Mobile offer student-friendly plans with competitive pricing, solid data options, and added perks. While each carrier has its strengths and weaknesses, students should prioritize flexibility, affordability, and the amount of data they need. Whether you’re looking for a prepaid plan or a low-commitment monthly plan, there’s an option for every student in Canada.
FAQ
What are the most affordable student cell phone plans in Canada?
The most affordable student cell phone plans in Canada typically come from providers like Fido, Virgin Plus, and Koodo. These carriers often offer special discounts, bonus data, and flexible payment options for students. Plans can start as low as $25 per month, depending on the features included.
Do student cell phone plans in Canada include unlimited data?
Which providers offer the best discounts for students?
Fido, Virgin Plus, and Koodo are known for offering some of the best discounts for students. These providers frequently run back-to-school promotions and offer exclusive deals that include bonus data, waived fees, or discounts on new phones. It’s advisable to check their websites or visit stores for the latest student offers.
Can international students in Canada get special cell phone plans?
Yes, many Canadian providers offer special cell phone plans for international students. These plans often include options for calling and texting to international numbers, as well as flexible contract terms that cater to the needs of students studying abroad. Providers like Public Mobile and Chatr are popular choices for international students due to their affordable prepaid plans.
