No matter how you feel about them, Canadians cannot escape a mobile activation fee. In case you’re unaware, mobile activation fees refer to how much you must pay for activating an account with a new provider. For example, if Virgin Plus’ mobile activation fee is $50, you’ll pay $50 to join their service, in addition to your mobile plan and if your purchase is made online the fee is waived..
Additionally, if you end up buying a tablet, hotspot or other technology from a provider, you’ll have to end up paying their activation fee. Fortunately, these fees are not outrageously expensive, and some carriers don’t even have any activation fees at all! However, we understand how annoying unexpected fees can be. This brief article should prepare you for any activation fee
Fees to Activate SIM Card
As we mentioned previously, mobile activation fees are charged in addition to your phone plan, as well as fees to activate SIM Card. SIM cards are the tiny chips in your phone that gives your mobile device its identity. Without a SIM card, you cannot send or receive any text messages or calls. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most important pieces of your cellphone. As such, many providers will charge a small fee for providing or activating your personal SIM card.
Currently, pay as you go plans are very popular within Canada. These plans encourage Canadians to try out various different providers until they find the perfect one. As such, they must swap out their SIM card every month. Fortunately, SIM card fees are cheaper than activation fees. It usually costs $10 CAD to order a SIM card online or purchase one in person. However, some carriers don’t charge a thing for SIM cards, while others charge for both mobile activation and a new card. To avoid any confusion, we’ve gathered the extra fees you should expect when signing up for a new provider.
Koodo :
- Activation Fee: $50 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SSIM Card: $5 or free depending on your plan
Chatr Mobile :
- Activation Fee: $0
- SIM card: $10
Fido:
- Activation Fee: $50 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SIM card: $0
Videotron :
- Activation Fee: $45
- SIM card: $0
Telus :
- Activation Fee: $50 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SIM card: $0
Virgin Plus :
- Activation Fee: $50 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SIM card: $0
Bell :
- Activation Fee: $50 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SIM card: $0
Rogers :
- Activation Fee: $45 if purchased in person, this charge is dropped if purchased online
- SIM card: $0
As you can see, Canada’s providers include a wide range of fees for SIM cards and mobile activation fees. Make sure you reference this page when you’re thinking of switching providers or mobile plans. Finally, if you need help finding a new phone plan, we at Planhub can save you hours of research. Our website will scan the internet and compare the country’s cheapest mobile plans depending on your location and budget.
