Back-to-school: Best cell phone plans for students
As students across the country gear up to get back-to-school, one question hangs over their heads: Which phone should I get for the new year? Fortunately, most Canadian providers have some great offers when it comes to cell phone plans for students. This article will be focusing on the best cell phone plans for students. These deals are great for university students on a budget, students who need large amounts of data and international students who only need a plan for a few months. Without further ado, here are our selections for the best back-to-school phone plans.
Back-to-school cell phone plans for students
There are affordable phone plans for students, but they can be hard to find. If you’re looking for the best cell phone plans for students, here’s what you need to know:
You may have more options than ever before. In recent years, the number of carriers offering mobile service has skyrocketed. This means it’s easier than ever before to find an affordable option from a reputable company that offers great customer service and quality products.
Bell
- iPhone 14 for $19.62/ mo. (save $360)
- Samsung Galaxy S23 for $12.30/mo. (save $739.84)
- Google Pixel 7 Pro $21.21/mo. (save $661)
Telus
- iPhone 14 for $19.17/mo. (save $670 upfront with Bring-it-back)
- iphone 14 Pro Max for $32.63/mo. (save $810 upfront with Bring-it-back)
- Samsung Z Flip5 for $16.67/mo. (save $1205 upfront with Bring-it-back)
- Pixel 7 for $0 upfront (save $936 upfront with Bring-it-back)
Videotron
- Samsung Galaxy S23 for $7/mo. (save $38.75/mo)
- Google pixel 7 for $0/mo. (save $33.25/mo.)
- iPhone 14 Plus for $21.50 (save $30.50/mo.)
Rogers
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 for $15/mo. (save $12.71/mo.)
- Samsung Galaxy z Fold5 for $65/mo. (save $23.50/mo.)
- iPhone 14 Pro for $19.99/mo. (save $15/mo.)
Check out a few cheap student phone plans
Fizz
- 20 GB – Canada plan with unlimited talk and text for $39/mo. – View offer
Fido
- 20GB – Unlimited Talk & Text for $39/mo. – View offer
Public Mobile
- 20GB – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) plus unlimited international text and picture messaging for $39/mo. – View offer
Koodo
- 20GB – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) for $39/mo. – View offer
Virgin Plus
- 20GB – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) and unlimited international texting from Canada for $39/mo. – View offer
Best back-to-school phone plans with heavy data
Many students need a phone plan that will allow them to make calls, send text messages and connect to the internet. However, data is essential for many students and this is where many providers will come unstuck. Whether you need it for social media, gaming or just keeping in touch with family back home, having access to the internet through your phone can be invaluable. This section will present the best data plans for students.
If you are someone who uses their phone a significant amount you may be used to paying data overage fees. Paying these every month can quickly consume a large part of your budget. For these reasons, here are a few plans that will offer you enough data and will let you browse the Internet worry-free.
Fido
- 30GB of 4G LTE for $45/mo. – View offer
Public Mobile
- 40 GB – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) plus unlimited international text and picture messaging $50/mo. – View offer
Koodo
- 40 GB – unlimited Talk & Text (CAN-US) for $55/mo. – View offer
- 60 GB – unlimited Talk & Text (CAN-US) for $70/mo. – View offer
Virgin Plus
- 40 GB – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) and unlimited international texting from Canada for $50/mo. – View offer
- 60 GB at 5G speeds – Unlimited Talk & Text (Canada-wide) and unlimited international texting from Canada for $65/mo. – View offer
Do you need a new phone?
If you are in the market for a new phone plan you may also want to take a look at the devices that providers have on sale. Many Canadian providers like Bell, Rogers and Telus offer new phones and refurbished phones at discounted prices during the back-to-school season. However, these phones come with a 2-year payment agreement and if you wish to end your plan sooner, you will need to pay your phone balance in full.
International vs National plans
If you are going to be travelling in Canada or internationally you should also pay attention to the plan you select. By selecting a Canada-wide phone plan you will not be charged when travelling outside of your respective province. This type of plan is perfect for students who want to travel worry-free and avoid roaming charges. On the other hand, students with family in the US might want to choose a plan that includes Canada-US calling to be able to stay in touch. Finally, if you are planning to travel abroad as a student, we recommend that you check out our article on eSims. These can be the perfect alternative to paying for pricey travel packages that many Canadian providers offer.
Additional perks
As a student, you may also want to consider the additional perks that certain mobile providers offer. Providers like Virgin Plus and Fido are known to offer exclusive deals for their clients. On Fido’s app, clients have access to weekly contests and deals like gift cards and more. Some providers also have special promotions for the back-to-school season like free Airpods, so make sure to keep your eyes open for them!
Coverage
Finally, if you are going to be travelling outside of the city to visit your cottage or if you simply go to school outside of the metropolitan area we recommend you verify which providers offer their services in those regions. On Planhub you can check each provider’s coverage map! This will help you avoid any bad surprises like losing service every time you go to the countryside.
The Best back-to-school internet deals
Bell
- 1.5 Gbps – $70 for students and $60 if paired with mobile – View offer
Telus
- 250 Mbps for $75 (was $105) – View offer
- 500 Mbps for $85 (was $115) – View offer
Rogers
- 1.5 Gbps for $55 (was $89.99) – View offer
Fizz
- 400 Mbps for $59 –View offer
Conclusion
Students have had a rough 2 years. Before entering a year of a (hopefully) normal educational experience, ensure you’re well equipped. Our list of providers and stores offers some of the best back-to-school phone plans for students. Regardless of your academic level, we hope you find something that helps you save big. If you didn’t see the right plan for your needs, make sure to visit Planbub.ca to find one! Finally, if you think we missed one of the best cell phone plans for students, make sure to leave us a comment!