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Although Bell is present throughout Canada, its history, like that of Vidéotron, is closely tied to Quebec. For three decades, these two giants have been competing in the telecommunications market in this French-speaking province, making numerous acquisitions. However, their influence extends beyond telecoms, as they also lead media empires.

Bell, the oldest

Established in 1880 by Charles Fleetford Size, Bell stands out as Canada’s most historic operator. Originally centered on telephone communications, Bell has since diversified its operations to encompass other sectors, including telephone equipment manufacturing and cellular services. Over time, the company has broadened its range of services to include internet, satellite television, and media, evolving into the diversified entity known today.

Videotron, the maverick

Founded in 1964 by Charles Gagnon in northern Montreal to provide television services, Vidéotron is closely tied to Quebec’s history. The company experienced rapid growth, acquiring other distributors and distinguishing itself through technological innovation. In 2000, despite Rogers’ attempt to acquire Vidéotron, the bid was blocked due to cultural sovereignty concerns. Today, the company is expanding in Western Canada and is considering acquiring Freedom Mobile to strengthen its presence.

Whether one likes Vidéotron or not, the company has a merit that benefits all Quebecers: lower telephone rates in Quebec compared to other provinces. The presence of this fourth major operator, with its own network, has forced Bell, Rogers, and Telus to lower their rates by $20 in Quebec. 

Coverage and network

Bell claims to cover 99% of the Canadian territory, while Vidéotron claims 100% coverage thanks to its collaborations with other operators in various provinces other than Quebec. Naturally, this pertains to 4G LTE technology, while 5G technology is currently being deployed and only concerns about 30% of Bell’s current customers in Canada.

Regarding call performance, whether in 5G or 5G+, the result is equivalent. Calls are not affected by the use of high-frequency millimeter waves (mmWave) with 5G+. The level of quality will be mainly influenced by your position in relation to these operators’ antennas.

Cellular packages

We would like to point out that the Bell packages we give are available in Quebec and have cheaper costs than those in other Canadian provinces.

As you can see, the prices of Bell and Vidéotron are similar. For any subscription to its Helix internet service, Vidéotron offers an automatic discount of $15. Bell strengthens its position with family packages by offering the possibility of adding additional packages with a $20 discount each. Additionally, Bell offers a two-year subscription period to Crave Mobile, its Netflix rival.

Here are a few offers from the two providers:

Internet packages

At Bell, the difference is $10. The two basic packages, Fibe 25 and Fibe 50, priced at $60 and $70 respectively, are not very fast for their price, but also for the speeds allowed by fibre. However, once you upgrade to the Fibe Gigabit 1.5 package for $80, or $10 more than Fibe 50, the speed is multiplied by 30.

Vidéotron offers a 940 Mbit subscription for $75, which was inadequate compared to Bell’s offerings. The basic 30 and 60 packages provide slightly higher speeds than Bell but at a more affordable price. Vidéotron provides you with the Helix router for any two-year commitment but in a different manner to ensure you do not terminate the contract. Should you decide to cancel, Vidéotron will charge $300 for the router. Helix terminal, but in a different form to ensure that you don’t break the contract. If you want to leave, Videotron will charge you $300 for the terminal.

Videotron continues to offer lower rates than Bell, but Bell regularly offers big discounts for any two-year commitment. This makes Bell’s rates more attractive than those of Videotron. After two years, Bell will of course apply the full rate.

Here are a few offers from the two providers:

Internet technologies of Bell and Videotron

Bell’s network has been based on fiber optics for many years. Initially, Bell mainly used a FTTP network before fully transitioning to FTTH in 2015 with Fibe packages starting at 1Gbit. Meanwhile, Videotron is sticking with cable technology. According to Videotron, the new 940 Mbps offer is supposed to be FTTH fiber optics. The 400 Mbit offer is still based on FTTP.

Cellular technology

Videotron and Bell both offer 5G, but Bell now offers 5G+. Compared to 5G, 5G+ doubles data throughput, while response time drops to 1 millisecond. This speed and response time are particularly useful in professional environments, enabling real-time remote operations or in fields such as inventory management.

What phones are offered by Bell and Videotron?

As both major operators, Bell and Videotron, have limited differences in their offerings. 

They both provide a range of key devices on the market, including brands like Apple, Samsung, TCL, and Motorola. Additionally, Bell offers Sonim and ZTE phones. 

While Videotron also includes some new LG phones in its lineup, Bell does not offer any used phones to its customers. It’s noteworthy that Bell transparently displays the total cost of its phones on its website, which is an encouraging and appreciated initiative.

Advantages and disadvantages

Bell

Vidéotron

Reputation

Vidéotron’s reputation varies among users. Some customers are satisfied with the promotional offers, customer service, and pricing, while others express dissatisfaction with unexpected price increases, the lack of billing consolidation for various services, and network issues.

Bell benefits from a strong network for its various services, as highlighted by users. However, Bell also had the unpleasant distinction of being the operator with the highest number of complaints each year to the CRTC until 2021. These complaints were mainly focused on contracts that do not adhere to agreements and billing issues. It is important to note that third-party telemarketing companies, commissioned by Bell, sold subscriptions at a lower price than allowed by Bell, leading to conflicts.

We contacted Bell to get their take on the issue: “We’ve made significant customer service improvements since 2016, including strengthening the processes in place with our authorized agents that guide them toward creating advantageous and competitive offers for customers. We’re very proud of the work we’ve done to improve our CCTS results. In fact, Bell was the only national provider to experience a decrease in complaints in the CCTS mid-year report released in early April. Bell’s complaints decreased by 6%, while industry-wide complaints increased by 12%. Bell’s share of complaints decreased by 16% year over year, and an impressive 55% since the 2017-2018 mid-year reporting period.”

According to reviews on PlanHub, customers are satisfied with the speed and stability of Bell Internet. The quality of telephony is also praised. However, customer service is criticized, as are the high charges for additional operations. There are also complaints about the rates for cellular packages.

For Videotron, reviews on PlanHub generally praise the rates and sometimes the customer service. However, they do highlight rate increases and separate billing for each service.

FAQ

Bell

How do I reach Bell Mobility by phone?

Bell can be reached by telephone at 1 800 667 0123.

Bell also provides a dedicated service for people with visual, hearing or motor impairments at 1 866 310 Bell (2355).

How do I cancel a contract with Bell?

To cancel a contract with Bell, you must contact the customer service department dedicated to the service you wish to cancel.

• The mobility service, call 1 800 667 123
• Your Internet, Fibe TV, or telephony service call 1 866 342 7367
• Your Bell Satellite TV service, call 1 888 759 3474.

How do I view my Bell Mobility invoice?

To view your Bell Mobility invoice, go to the Bell billing page and log in to your account.  MyBell – Self-service – Login

You can also download the Bell application for Android MyBell – Application on Google Play or iOS MyBell on the App Store (apple.com)

Videotron

How can I lower Videotron prices?

There are several ways to lower Videotron’s price.

• PlanHub lets you compare prices and access Videotron discounts.
• By adding a cellular package to your Internet package, Videotron will offer you a minimum $10 rebate.
• If your subscription is about to expire, you can also negotiate a new two-year commitment, which will entitle you to a discount. It’s in Videotron’s interest to keep you as long as possible because you’re worth more to them. Subscribing to a new two-year contract is therefore your assurance that you’ll stay.

How do I reach Videotron?

You can reach Videotron by telephone at 1 877 512 0911.

You can also chat with a customer support representative by following this link and clicking on Chat.  

How do I log in to my Videotron account? How do I view my Helix invoice?

The best way to reach the Videotron Customer Centre is to go to this page and select the service you wish to connect to. Then simply enter your login and password. 

Conclusion

Videotron maintains its position as an outsider compared to Bell by offering more affordable prices for both telephony and internet services. Bell demonstrates technological innovation by offering 5G+, while also having provided fiber optics for many years. With 5G+, Bell can establish alliances with reputable third-party companies, enhancing its communication and visibility. Occasionally, Bell may offer two-year commitments at prices lower than Videotron’s to attract new customers.

As for Videotron, its customer service and infrastructure can be relied upon. The company offers great flexibility in extending commitments in exchange for lower rates. While its rates are higher than those of independent providers and operators, customers are willing to pay this premium for the quality customer service. Furthermore, by opting for fiber optics, Videotron is preparing for the future.