Which mobile operators offer services in Calgary?

As Alberta's largest city and an important economic center in western Canada, Calgary has access to all major mobile operators in the country. The Canadian mobile market is highly concentrated, with approximately 90% of Canadians using the services of the four largest national telecommunications companies or their subsidiary brands. For newcomers from Ukraine, it is important to understand the specifics of this market and the mobile communication options available in Calgary.

Major national operators (“Big Three”)

Rogers Wireless

Rogers is one of Canada's three largest telecommunications operators and offers the widest range of mobile services in Calgary. The company owns and operates its own transmission network, which provides coverage for most of the country. In Calgary, Rogers offers a variety of plans with unlimited calls, text messages, and high-speed internet access via its 5G+ network.

Rogers stands out for its 5G infrastructure, which has been launched in over 130 cities across Canada, including Calgary. The company offers both postpaid plans with long-term contracts and no-contract options. A popular feature of Rogers is its Trade-Up program, which allows customers to trade in their old device for a new one at a discount.

Rogers' coverage in Alberta is approximately 60.61% of the territory, slightly behind Bell and TELUS. However, the company provides reliable coverage in all major urban areas of Calgary and its surrounding areas.

TELUS Mobility

TELUS is another leading mobile operator in Canada and has a particularly strong presence in the western provinces, including Alberta. The company was founded in 1990 after the privatization of Alberta Government Telephones and quickly became a major player in the market. TELUS is headquartered in Vancouver and has invested heavily in fiber optic infrastructure to connect British Columbia and the rest of the country.

In Calgary, TELUS offers a variety of mobile plans, including a line of 5G+ Complete plans with no rate increases for five years. This is particularly appealing to customers who want predictable mobile costs. TELUS also offers family discounts of up to $15 per line when activating four lines.

An important feature of TELUS is that it shares cell towers with Bell in Western Canada. This means that TELUS' coverage in Alberta is identical to Bell's and covers 69.11% of the province. According to comparative studies, the TELUS network typically performs slightly faster than Bell, although the difference may not be significant for most users.

Bell Mobility

Bell Mobility is one of the oldest and largest mobile operators in Canada. The company was founded in the late 1800s by Alexander Graham Bell and remains at the forefront of telecommunications technology. Bell owns the largest 4G network in Canada and provides coverage to over 99% of the country's population.

In Calgary, Bell offers a wide range of rate plans, including the Elite series with different data levels and features. The company is particularly proud of its 5G+ network, which provides download speeds of up to 2 Gbps in select areas. Bell also offers unique international roaming capabilities through its Roam Better program, which allows customers to use their home plan in over 200 international destinations.

Bell has the most extensive 4G LTE network coverage of any carrier in Canada and never falls back to 2G technology. In February 2015, the company launched LTE Advanced, the world's fastest and most advanced wireless technology, in select communities across Canada.

Freedom Mobile

Freedom Mobile occupies a unique position as Canada's fourth national carrier, although its coverage is more limited than the “Big Three.” The company positions itself as the most affordable option for 5G+ plans, with rates starting at $29 per month.

In Calgary, Freedom Mobile provides coverage through its own network within the city and its major suburbs. The company offers plans that include Canada, the US, and Mexico, which may be particularly attractive to users who travel frequently to the United States. Freedom also guarantees that plan prices (before discounts and credits) will never increase as long as the customer keeps their plan.

However, it is worth noting that Freedom Mobile's coverage in Alberta is only 0.78% of the province's territory, which is significantly less than other carriers. This means that outside of major urban areas, users may experience coverage issues or need to roam on partner networks.

Mid-range subsidiary brands

Fido (Rogers)

Fido is a subsidiary of Rogers and operates on the same network, providing similar coverage at more affordable prices. In Calgary, Fido offers a variety of postpaid and prepaid plans with good value for money. Fido customers have access to the same reliable Rogers network, including 4G LTE coverage, but at a lower price.

Koodo Mobile (TELUS)

Koodo Mobile is a subsidiary of TELUS and uses its network to provide services. The brand is aimed at younger users and offers flexible plans without long-term contracts. In Calgary, Koodo provides the same coverage as TELUS, including access to the 5G network where available.

Koodo is known for its easy-to-manage bills and no hidden fees. The company also offers a self-service program that allows customers to easily manage their plans through a mobile app or website.

Virgin Plus (Bell)

Virgin Plus, formerly known as Virgin Mobile, is a subsidiary of Bell and operates on its network. In Calgary, Virgin Plus has stores in major shopping centers, including Sunridge Mall and North Hill Centre. The company offers “high-data plans” and membership programs, and positions itself as a leader in customer service in Canada.

Virgin Plus offers both mobile services and home internet and television, allowing customers to receive bundle discounts when they combine services.

Budget carriers and prepaid services

Chatr Mobile (Rogers)

Chatr Mobile is Rogers' prepaid brand, positioning itself as Canada's best prepaid provider. There is a Chatr store in Calgary's Marlborough Mall, offering affordable and flexible mobile solutions with no credit checks, long-term contracts, or commitments.

Chatr plans start at $15 per month and include fixed monthly rates with no surprises or additional overage charges. The company uses the Rogers network, providing coast-to-coast coverage with 3G and 4G speeds.

Chatr offers a variety of plans, including options with 10 GB, 30 GB, 60 GB, 80 GB, and 90 GB of data, all with unlimited calls within Canada and international texting. Some plans also include international calls to select countries.

Public Mobile (TELUS)

Public Mobile is a prepaid brand of TELUS that offers 5G services with no activation fees, no contracts, and the same price every month. The company positions itself as Canada's first 5G subscription carrier.

Public Mobile is known for its minimalist approach to customer service — all account management is done through a mobile app or online forums. This may not be for everyone, but it allows the company to keep prices low. Users can also earn Public Points for simply being a subscriber, which can be used to reduce payments or purchase additional services.

Lucky Mobile (Bell)

Lucky Mobile is a prepaid subsidiary of Bell, founded in December 2017. The company operates on the Bell Mobility network and offers extensive coverage reaching a significant portion of Canada's population. Lucky Mobile plans start at $19 per month and include unlimited calls within Canada, unlimited text messages, and various data allowances.

Lucky Mobile offers free activation with eSIM and does not require long-term commitments. The company also has an auto-reload program that provides bonus data with select plans.

PC Mobile

PC Mobile is a prepaid carrier that uses the TELUS network and provides coverage to 97% of Canada's population. A unique feature of PC Mobile is the ability to earn PC Optimum points for every dollar spent on mobile services.

The company offers plans with unlimited talk and text across Canada with no domestic roaming charges. PC Mobile can be purchased at grocery stores and select Shoppers Drug Mart locations, making it convenient to top up your account while shopping for everyday items.

Regional and Specialized Carriers

SaskTel

Although SaskTel is Saskatchewan's provincial carrier, it has limited coverage in Calgary through partnership agreements. SaskTel has network sharing agreements with TELUS and Bell, where they do not need to build towers in Saskatchewan, and SaskTel can use their towers outside the province.

SaskTel customers can use their phones in Calgary without roaming charges, but this is considered usage on the Bell or TELUS networks. Data speeds and call quality are typically the same as on your home network.

Specialized and niche providers

SkyChoice

SkyChoice is a local telecommunications provider in Calgary offering mobile, phone, internet, and TV services. The company uses Canada's largest network to provide coverage in both urban and rural areas around Calgary.

SkyChoice offers plans with 10 GB, 20 GB, 70 GB, and 120 GB of data, all with unlimited nationwide calling, international calling to 30 countries, and international texting. The company also provides access to a mobile hotspot and uses the strongest 5G or LTE towers.

7-Eleven SpeakOut Wireless

7-Eleven SpeakOut Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that operates on the Rogers network through a network of 7-Eleven stores across the country (except Quebec). It is a “no contract” company that offers simplified mobile phone services without contracts, monthly bills, or commitments.

There are several 7-Eleven stores in Calgary that offer SpeakOut SIM cards and refill services. Rates include calls within Canada for 35 cents per minute, free incoming calls, and text messages for 20 cents.

Good2Go Mobile (formerly Petro-Canada Mobile)

Good2Go Mobile, formerly known as Petro-Canada Mobile, is a prepaid carrier that uses a national 4G HSPA+ network covering over 90% of the Canadian population. The company does not require contracts, credit checks, or hidden activation fees.

Starting in 2025, Good2Go Mobile is offering a free switch to Lucky Mobile due to the shutdown of 3G networks in Canada. This is part of a broader trend in the telecommunications industry to upgrade network infrastructure.

Infrastructure and coverage in Calgary

Network technologies

Calgary has access to the latest mobile technologies, including 5G, 4G LTE, and HSPA+. Major carriers (Rogers, TELUS, Bell) provide 5G coverage in many areas of the city. Freedom Mobile also offers 5G+ coverage in Calgary with theoretical peak download speeds of up to 900 Mbps.

Bell and TELUS share telecommunications towers in Western Canada, which means identical coverage for both carriers in and around Calgary. This partnership allows both companies to provide reliable coverage at a lower capital cost.

Coverage quality

According to independent research, all major carriers provide reliable coverage within Calgary and its major suburbs. Rogers has 60.61% coverage of Alberta, while Bell and TELUS cover 69.11% of the province. Freedom Mobile has more limited coverage with 0.78% of Alberta's territory, but provides good coverage within major urban areas.

Users in Calgary generally report good network quality from all major carriers, although there may be some dead zones in certain buildings or remote areas.

Recommendations for newcomers

Choosing a carrier

For newcomers from Ukraine settling in Calgary, choosing a mobile carrier should be based on several key factors:

  • Budget: If price is a major factor, consider prepaid options such as Chatr Mobile, Lucky Mobile, or Public Mobile. These carriers offer good value for money without long-term commitments.
  • Coverage and reliability: For those who need the best coverage and speed, Bell, TELUS, or Rogers would be the best options. Bell and TELUS have identical coverage in Alberta thanks to their shared infrastructure.
  • International needs: If you need international calling or roaming, consider plans from major carriers that offer more robust international options.

Prepaid vs. postpaid

For newcomers, prepaid plans are often the best initial choice because:

  • No Canadian credit history required
  • No long-term contracts
  • Easier to control spending
  • Easy to change plans or carriers

Once you have established credit in Canada, you may want to consider postpaid plans, which often offer better prices per gigabyte and access to the latest smartphones with financing.

Practical tips

  • Activation: Most carriers offer online activation or in-store activation. eSIM options are becoming increasingly popular and allow for faster activation without a physical SIM card.
  • Documents: To activate a mobile plan, you will typically need proof of identity (passport, driver's license) and a Canadian address.
  • Language of service: All major carriers offer service in English, and some also offer French. Ukrainian language support is not usually available, so be prepared to communicate in English.

Calgary offers a wide selection of mobile carriers and plans for all needs and budgets. From premium services from major carriers to affordable prepaid options, newcomers can find a solution that best suits their needs in this dynamic Canadian city.