Telus, Bell, and Rogers have dominated telecommunications in Canada for years, attracting millions of customers with their experience, pricing, and coverage. While similar, each provider has its own specifics. This article compares Telus and Bell, focusing on their mobile plans. For other comparisons, check out our Bell vs Rogers article, or the upcoming one on Telus vs Rogers.
Find the plan that’s right for you!
History
Telus, founded in 1990 after the privatization of Alberta Government Telephones, quickly became a major player. It absorbed EdTel in 1995 and became a consumer brand in 1996. Based in Vancouver, Telus has heavily invested in fiber optics to connect British Columbia and the rest of the country.
Bell, on the other hand, has a much longer history. Founded in the late 1800s by Alexander Graham Bell, the company revolutionized telecommunications in Canada and remains at the forefront of technology today, offering some of the most advanced mobility, internet, and television services.
Coverage
How do Telus and Bell differ in terms of coverage? Coverage is essential for attracting customers. While both offer extensive coverage across Canada, there is an important distinction.
Telus and Bell share their cellular towers, providing nearly identical coverage, reaching 99% of Canada, including remote areas. The main difference lies in their mobile data technologies.
Each provider uses a different technology, which can affect transmission speeds. Telus is generally a bit faster than Bell, but their 5G performance is equivalent.
Bell vs Telus: Which Offers the Best 5G in Canada?
Bell stands out for its coverage in major cities, where 5G delivers impressive speeds thanks to technologies like millimeter waves. If you’re in an urban area, Bell promises top-tier performance.
Meanwhile, Telus focuses on broader coverage, including rural areas. While it doesn’t always offer speeds as fast as Bell in large cities, Telus ensures stable 5G, even in places where competitors struggle to keep up. With its Dynamic Spectrum Sharing technology, Telus is constantly improving its network to reach as many users as possible.
Cell Phone Plans
You’re probably wondering what mobile plans Telus and Bell offer. With some of the fastest and most affordable options on the market, these two providers attract many users in Canada. Here’s an overview of some of the best mobile plans from Telus and Bell:
Bell
Cell Phone Plan
50 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
BYOD
-
Ontario
Telus
Cell Phone Plan
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Ontario
Bell
Cell Phone Plan
75 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
BYOD
-
Québec
Telus
Cell Phone Plan
75 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
BYOD
-
Quebec
There are many other plans available from each provider, but we’ve chosen to present four options. If one of them catches your eye or if you want more details, feel free to perform a personalized search!
Plans with mobile phone
Need a new phone? Telus and Bell have what you’re looking for. Both providers offer the latest models from the most popular brands. You can choose to finance your device or pay for it in full. Let’s put the Telus vs Bell debate aside for a moment and explore the latest models offered by both companies.
iPhone 16
Bell
iPhone 16
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
Pay upfront: $70.00
-
Ontario
Telus
iPhone 16
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Pay upfront: $15.00
-
Ontario
iPhone 15
Bell
iPhone 15
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
Pay upfront: $70.00
-
Ontario
Telus
iPhone 15
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Pay upfront: $15.00
-
Ontario
Samsung Galaxy S24
Bell
Galaxy S24
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
Pay upfront: $70.00
-
Ontario
Telus
Galaxy S24
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Pay upfront: $15.00
-
Ontario
Google Pixel 9
Bell
Google Pixel 9
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited messages
-
Pay upfront: $70.00
-
Ontario
Telus
Google Pixel 9
128 GB
100 GB of Mobile DataUnlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Calls
-
Unlimited Messages
-
Pay upfront: $15.00
-
Ontario
There are many other plans available from each provider, but we’ve chosen to present four options. If one of them catches your eye or if you want more details, feel free to conduct a personalized search!
Roaming Services and International Plans
Bell offers the “Roam Better” service, which allows you to use your plan’s data while enjoying unlimited calls and texts in the United States for $12/day, and internationally for $15/day. You can also choose the 500MB per day option if you prefer not to use your plan’s data (with a fee of $15/day for international roaming).
Telus also provides flexible roaming options, including daily plans for the United States and international travel. For example, their U.S. plan offers data at a rate of $10/day and includes unlimited calls and texts.
Device Financing Options
When it comes to device financing, Bell and Telus offer flexible options that allow you to pay for your devices in monthly installments. These plans are often tailored to the mobile plans you choose, making it easier to manage your costs.
Customer reviews
Telus and Bell have received numerous reviews from their millions of customers. Telus is praised for its attractive pricing and data speeds, but its customer service is often criticized due to long wait times. To learn more, visit our Telus reviews page.
Bell also receives positive reviews, especially for its internet service and fiber optic pricing. However, like Telus, it faces criticism for its customer service. For more information, check out our Bell reviews page.
Pros and Cons
At this point in the article, you might still be undecided between Telus and Bell. Since their differences can sometimes be subtle, here’s a summary of the pros and cons of each provider to help you make an informed decision. Below is a comparison table to better understand what sets each company apart.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bell
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Same coverage as Telus | Does not sell used phones |
| Offers some of the best unlimited data plans | Customer service with long wait times |
| Fast and affordable fiber optic plans | Few entry-level plans available |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Telus
| PROS | CONS |
|---|
| Coverage reaching 99% of Canadians | No “free” data to avoid overage fees |
| Prepaid and traditional plans available | Customer service wait times can be long |
| Certified refurbished phones available |
FAQ Telus vs Bell
Are Telus and Bell’s coverage the same?
Yes, both companies use the same phone lines which provide identical coverage nationwide. However, customers may notice a slight difference in mobile data speed between the two companies. Typically, Bell’s speeds are faster in the East since their headquarters are in Quebec, while Telus is quicker in the West since they’re based in Vancouver.
Is Telus cheaper than Bell?
Telus and Bell’s prices are almost identical, there are very small differences between them (if any).
Do Telus and Bell require a contract?
Many plans from each provider require contracts, but they also offer a number of prepaid plans which don’t require a contract or credit check.
Can I cancel my mobile plan with Bell and Telus?
You can cancel your plan with both providers whenever you wish. Bell customers won’t have to pay a cancellation fee, while Telus users will have to pay their remaining fee plus $50 if they cancel early.
What are the cheapest plans from Telus and Bell?
For both providers, their cheapest plans cost $30 per month for unlimited talk/text and 500MB of data.
