Videotron Review: A Complete Overview
Videotron has grown from a Quebec-focused cable television provider into Canada’s fourth-largest wireless carrier, playing a pivotal role in fostering telecommunications competition across the country. This Videotron review examines the carrier’s service quality, plan value, and overall positioning in the Canadian wireless market, helping consumers determine whether Videotron meets their mobile needs.
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media, Videotron operates its own wireless network infrastructure throughout Quebec while providing nationwide coverage through partner network agreements. With over 4.2 million mobile lines as of 2025, Videotron has established itself as a legitimate alternative to Canada’s Big Three carriers, particularly for Quebec residents seeking competitive pricing and local market expertise.
Videotron differentiates itself through aggressive pricing, multi-service bundling with its Helix internet and TV platform, and a track record of driving down wireless prices in the Quebec market. The carrier’s 2023 acquisition of Freedom Mobile under parent company Quebecor further expanded its national wireless footprint, positioning the combined entity as a genuine fourth national carrier.
Key Takeaway: Videotron plans offer excellent value for Quebec residents who benefit from the carrier’s own network infrastructure, competitive pricing, and Helix bundle savings. Customers outside Quebec can access nationwide coverage through partner networks, though the optimal Videotron experience centres on the carrier’s Quebec home territory where it operates its own towers and infrastructure.
Videotron Network and Coverage
Understanding Videotron’s network infrastructure is essential for evaluating the carrier, as its coverage model differs significantly from the Big Three carriers that operate nationwide networks.
Videotron’s Own Network in Quebec
Videotron operates its own wireless network throughout Quebec, including 4G LTE coverage across the province and 5G service in select urban centres. This proprietary network provides the best possible Videotron experience, with direct control over network performance, capacity, and upgrades.
The carrier’s Quebec network covers major urban centres, suburban communities, and an expanding number of rural and remote regions. Ongoing investments continue extending coverage to areas like Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, and Haute-Mauricie through infrastructure partnerships and tower construction.
Partner Network Coverage
Outside Quebec, Videotron customers access wireless service through partner network agreements that provide coast-to-coast coverage across Canada. Devices automatically connect to partner networks when outside Videotron’s own network footprint, enabling calling, texting, and data usage throughout the country.
All-inclusive Videotron plans typically include domestic roaming at no additional cost, meaning customers can travel across Canada without worrying about roaming charges. Data speeds and performance on partner networks may vary compared to Videotron’s own infrastructure in Quebec.
5G Network Availability
Videotron has deployed 5G service in select urban areas of Quebec, including Montreal, Quebec City, and other growing markets. The 5G rollout continues expanding as the carrier invests in next-generation infrastructure to deliver faster speeds and lower latency to its customers.
As a Quebec-focused network, 5G coverage is currently concentrated in the province’s urban centres. Customers with 5G-compatible devices and eligible plans automatically connect to 5G where available, with seamless fallback to 4G LTE elsewhere.
4G LTE Coverage
Videotron’s 4G LTE network forms the backbone of its wireless service across Quebec. The mature LTE network provides reliable speeds for streaming, video calling, gaming, and everyday smartphone usage. Coverage extends across urban, suburban, and many rural areas of the province.
The carrier continues expanding LTE coverage into underserved Quebec communities, often through partnerships with regional infrastructure providers and with support from provincial government connectivity initiatives.
Coverage by Region
Quebec (Own Network)
- Montreal, Laval, Longueuil, and the Greater Montreal Area
- Quebec City, Lévis, and the Capital-Nationale region
- Gatineau and the Outaouais region
- Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships
- Trois-Rivières and the Mauricie region
- Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region
- Expanding coverage in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Côte-Nord, and Haute-Mauricie
Eastern Ontario
- Ottawa and the National Capital Region
- Parts of eastern Ontario near the Quebec border
Rest of Canada (Partner Network)
- Nationwide coverage through partner network roaming agreements
- Coverage across all provinces and territories via partner infrastructure
Videotron vs Other Canadian Carriers
Comparing Videotron against competing carriers helps contextualize its market position and value proposition, particularly for Quebec residents choosing between Videotron and the Big Three’s offerings.
Videotron vs Bell
Bell operates one of Canada’s largest nationwide networks, while Videotron’s strength centres on its Quebec home territory. For Quebec residents, the comparison becomes more nuanced.
Bell offers coast-to-coast coverage on its own network, 5G+ access in major cities, and extensive bundling with Fibe internet and TV. Videotron counters with typically lower wireless pricing, competitive Helix internet and TV bundles, and a reputation for driving down prices in the Quebec market.
Quebec customers who primarily use their phones within the province often find Videotron’s pricing more attractive. Frequent travelers who spend significant time outside Quebec may prefer Bell’s consistent nationwide performance on its own network infrastructure.
Videotron vs Rogers
Rogers and Videotron share a historical relationship through their network sharing agreement, which has been central to Videotron’s ability to offer coverage in Quebec. Rogers provides nationwide coverage on its own network, while Videotron’s own infrastructure is concentrated in Quebec.
Videotron typically offers lower pricing than Rogers for comparable data allotments, particularly in the Quebec market where Videotron’s competitive pressure has helped keep wireless costs below the national average. Rogers provides advantages for customers needing consistent own-network coverage across Canada.
Videotron vs Telus
Telus operates a nationwide network that, through infrastructure sharing with Bell, provides extensive coverage across all provinces. Videotron’s own network is more geographically focused but delivers strong performance within its Quebec coverage area.
For Quebec residents, Videotron’s pricing advantage and Helix bundling options often provide better value. Telus appeals to customers who travel extensively outside Quebec or who prefer the consistency of a nationwide network operator.
Videotron vs Fizz
Fizz operates as Videotron’s own digital-first flanker brand, offering lower prices through a fully online, self-serve model. Both carriers use Videotron’s network infrastructure in Quebec.
| Feature |
Videotron |
Fizz |
| Network |
Videotron (Quebec) + partner |
Videotron (Quebec) + partner |
| Customer Service |
Phone, retail, online |
Online community only |
| Pricing |
Competitive mid-tier |
Budget-tier |
| Bundling |
Helix internet + TV bundles |
Internet bundles only |
| Device Financing |
Available |
Limited |
Fizz offers lower prices by eliminating traditional customer service channels and retail stores. Videotron provides the full carrier experience with phone support, retail locations, comprehensive bundling, and device financing. Budget-conscious customers comfortable with self-serve support may prefer Fizz, while those wanting traditional carrier services choose Videotron.
Videotron vs Freedom Mobile
Freedom Mobile and Videotron are both owned by Quebecor, forming the backbone of Canada’s fourth national wireless carrier. While they operate as separate brands, their combined scale strengthens Quebecor’s position in the Canadian wireless market.
Videotron serves primarily Quebec customers with its own network infrastructure, while Freedom Mobile focuses on urban markets in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Customers in Quebec should compare Videotron plans directly, while those in other provinces may find Freedom Mobile’s own-network coverage more relevant to their needs.
Device Compatibility and Technical Requirements
Videotron supports a wide range of smartphones, with some considerations for optimal network performance within Quebec versus on partner networks across Canada.
Network Band Requirements
Videotron’s network utilizes standard North American LTE bands. Most smartphones sold in Canada work on Videotron’s network, though devices programmed for Videotron’s service connect to its own network first before roaming onto partner networks.
Required LTE Bands
- Band 4 (AWS): Primary LTE band
- Band 7 (2600 MHz): Capacity band for urban coverage
- Band 12/17 (700 MHz): Extended range for rural and indoor coverage
5G Bands
- n7 (2600 MHz): Sub-6 GHz 5G
- n78 (3500 MHz): Primary 5G deployment band
Device Compatibility
iPhones from iPhone 6 and newer support Videotron’s required network bands. Recent models including iPhone 13 through iPhone 16 series also support 5G connectivity where available. Canadian iPhone models purchased from Apple or authorized retailers include full compatibility.
Android devices sold through Canadian carriers or retailers generally support Videotron’s network. Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, and other major brands work without issues. International devices may require band verification before activation.
Bringing Your Own Device
Videotron welcomes BYOD customers with plans designed for those providing their own smartphones. Devices must be unlocked and compatible with Videotron’s network bands. BYOD plans often include discounts compared to plans with device financing.
VoLTE and Wi-Fi Calling
Voice over LTE (VoLTE) provides high-definition voice calls with faster connection times on Videotron’s own network. Wi-Fi Calling extends coverage over Wi-Fi networks, useful in buildings with weak cellular signal. Both features are available on compatible devices at no additional charge.
Videotron Helix Bundles
One of Videotron’s strongest competitive advantages is its Helix platform, which integrates internet, TV, and smart home services with wireless plans for bundled savings.
Helix Internet
Videotron’s Helix internet service runs on the carrier’s fibre-optic network, offering speeds up to 2.5 Gbps symmetrical in covered areas. Bundling Helix internet with wireless plans generates monthly savings that can make Videotron’s total household telecommunications costs significantly lower than competitors.
Helix TV
Helix TV provides a modern television experience with voice-activated remotes, cloud PVR, and app-based content access. Adding TV service to a wireless and internet bundle further reduces per-service costs.
Multi-Line Discounts
Videotron offers multi-line discounts for households with multiple wireless lines, making the carrier particularly attractive for families. Combined with Helix bundle savings, multi-line households in Quebec can achieve substantial monthly savings compared to Big Three pricing.
Who Should Choose Videotron
Videotron plans serve specific customer profiles particularly well, with the carrier’s strongest value proposition centred on Quebec residents.
Quebec Residents
Customers living in Quebec benefit most from Videotron’s wireless offerings, accessing the carrier’s own network infrastructure with strong coverage, competitive pricing, and seamless Helix bundling options. Quebec is where Videotron delivers its best experience and most competitive value.
Bundle Seekers in Quebec
Households looking to consolidate wireless, internet, and TV under one provider find Videotron’s Helix platform compelling. Bundle discounts often bring total monthly costs below what the Big Three charge for comparable service combinations.
Value-Conscious Families
Multi-line households benefit from Videotron’s combination of competitive base pricing, multi-line discounts, and bundle savings. Families in Quebec seeking to minimize wireless costs without sacrificing service quality find strong value with Videotron.
Francophone Communities
As a Quebec-based carrier, Videotron provides fully bilingual service with strong French-language support across all customer touchpoints. Francophone customers who prefer conducting business in French find Videotron’s service experience naturally aligned with their language preferences.
Competition Supporters
Canadians who want to support increased wireless competition may choose Videotron specifically to strengthen the fourth national carrier’s market position. Videotron’s track record of driving down prices in Quebec demonstrates the consumer benefits of a competitive wireless market.
How to Switch to Videotron
Transferring service to Videotron follows a straightforward process, whether switching from another carrier or activating new service.
Step 1: Check Coverage and Compatibility
Verify Videotron coverage at your location using the carrier’s online coverage map. Check that your smartphone is unlocked and compatible with Videotron’s network bands. For new devices, Videotron offers smartphones through device financing programs.
Step 2: Select Your Plan
Browse available Videotron plans based on data requirements and budget. Consider whether bundling with Helix internet or TV provides additional savings. Multi-line discounts may also factor into the decision for households with multiple wireless lines.
Step 3: Gather Account Information
Number porting requires your current account number, phone number, and account PIN. Collect this information from your current carrier before starting the switch process.
Step 4: Activate Service
Complete activation online through videotron.com, by calling Videotron, or by visiting a Videotron retail location. Retail stores are available throughout Quebec and in select other locations.
Step 5: Port Your Number
Provide current carrier information during activation to transfer your existing number. Porting typically completes within a few hours, during which brief service interruption may occur. Your previous carrier cancels automatically once porting completes.
Step 6: Configure Your Device
After activation, configure device settings for optimal Videotron performance. Most smartphones handle this automatically, but manual APN configuration may occasionally be required.
Videotron History and Corporate Background
Videotron’s journey from a small cable television operator to Canada’s fourth-largest wireless carrier spans over six decades of growth and transformation.
Founding and Early Years
Videotron was founded in 1964 as Télécâble Vidéotron Ltée, northern Montreal’s first cable television network. Starting with just 66 subscribers, the company was founded by André Chagnon, who built it into Quebec’s dominant cable operator over the following decades through strategic acquisitions and service expansion.
Quebecor Acquisition
Quebecor acquired Videotron in 2000, bringing the telecommunications company under the umbrella of one of Canada’s largest media conglomerates. This acquisition provided Videotron with resources to expand into wireless services, launching its mobile offering in 2006 and its own wireless network in 2010.
Wireless Growth
Videotron’s entry into wireless was initially focused on Quebec, where the carrier built its own network infrastructure and established a reputation for competitive pricing that helped drive down wireless costs in the province. The carrier participated in major spectrum auctions, acquiring 3500 MHz spectrum and other frequencies to support 5G deployment.
Freedom Mobile Acquisition
In April 2023, Quebecor completed the acquisition of Freedom Mobile as part of the Rogers-Shaw merger process, creating Canada’s fourth national wireless carrier. The combined Videotron and Freedom Mobile entity serves over 4 million mobile customers across the country, establishing a meaningful competitive alternative to the Big Three carriers.
Current Positioning
Today Videotron operates as a fully integrated telecommunications company with wireless, internet, television, and home phone services. Ranked the most respected telecom provider in Quebec for the 19th time by Léger’s Reputation survey, Videotron continues investing in network expansion, 5G deployment, and service innovation. The Helix smart home platform and Fizz flanker brand further strengthen Videotron’s competitive position in the Canadian market.
About This Videotron Review
Stackup.ca provides independent analysis of Canadian wireless carriers to help consumers find plans matching their needs and priorities. This Videotron review reflects current service offerings, network capabilities, and market positioning based on publicly available information and industry analysis.
Our carrier reviews examine network coverage, plan pricing, feature inclusions, and overall value. We evaluate carriers from consumer perspectives, considering real-world usage rather than purely technical specifications.
Videotron plan information on Stackup.ca is updated regularly to reflect current pricing. Plan details and promotional offers may change—verify current information on Videotron’s official website before purchasing.
Stackup.ca operates independently and receives no compensation from Videotron for this review or plan listings. Our analysis aims to provide accurate, unbiased information helping Canadians navigate wireless options effectively.
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “BreadcrumbList”,
“itemListElement”: [
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 1,
“name”: “Home”,
“item”: “https://www.stackup.ca”
},
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 2,
“name”: “Cell Phone Plans”,
“item”: “https://www.stackup.ca/cell-phone-plans”
},
{
“@type”: “ListItem”,
“position”: 3,
“name”: “Videotron”,
“item”: “https://www.stackup.ca/cell-phone-plans/videotron”
}
]
}
{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “Review”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Videotron”,
“description”: “Canada’s fourth-largest wireless carrier offering competitive cell phone plans with its own network in Quebec and nationwide partner network coverage”
},
“author”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Stackup.ca”
},
“reviewBody”: “Videotron delivers strong value for Quebec residents seeking competitive wireless pricing on a carrier-owned network. With Helix internet and TV bundling, multi-line discounts, expanding 5G coverage in Quebec urban centres, and nationwide partner network access, Videotron serves as a compelling alternative to Big Three carriers, particularly for customers based in Quebec.”
}
