Halifax

๐Ÿ“ฑ

Telecommunications and Internet

Guide to setting up phone and internet services, including providers and pricing in Halifax.

Sections

1. Telecommunications and Internet Providers in Halifax

Halifax has several major providers offering mobile, broadband, and bundled services. These include:

Major Providers:

  1. Bell Canada

    • Services: Mobile, broadband internet, TV, and home phone.
    • Known for: Reliable coverage and high-speed internet.
    • Website: www.bell.ca

  2. Rogers Communications

    • Services: Mobile, broadband internet, TV, and home phone.
    • Known for: Competitive mobile plans and fast internet speeds.
    • Website: www.rogers.com

  3. Telus

    • Services: Mobile, broadband internet, and home phone.
    • Known for: Excellent customer service and mobile coverage.
    • Website: www.telus.com

  4. Eastlink

    • Services: Mobile, broadband internet, TV, and home phone.
    • Known for: Local provider with strong presence in Atlantic Canada, including Halifax.
    • Website: www.eastlink.ca

  5. Xplore (formerly Xplornet)

    • Services: Rural-focused internet services, including satellite and fixed wireless.
    • Known for: Serving rural and suburban areas around Halifax.
    • Website: www.xplore.ca

  6. Freedom Mobile

    • Services: Mobile plans.
    • Known for: Affordable mobile plans, though coverage may be limited compared to larger providers.
    • Website: www.freedommobile.ca

2. Types of Services Available

Mobile Services

  • Network Types: 4G LTE and 5G networks are widely available in Halifax.
  • Prepaid Plans: Ideal for short-term visitors or those without a credit history.
  • Postpaid Plans: Require a credit check and often come with better rates and perks.
  • Family Plans: Discounts for multiple lines on the same account.

Broadband Internet

  • Fiber-Optic Internet: Offered by Bell and Eastlink, providing the fastest speeds (up to 1.5 Gbps or more).
  • Cable Internet: Widely available and reliable, offered by Rogers and Eastlink.
  • DSL Internet: Available in some areas, though slower than fiber or cable.
  • Satellite Internet: Provided by Xplore for rural areas outside Halifax.

Bundled Services

  • Many providers offer bundles combining internet, TV, and home phone services, which can save money.

3. Price Ranges

Mobile Plans

  • Prepaid Plans: CAD $15โ€“$50/month (depending on data and talk/text limits).
  • Postpaid Plans: CAD $50โ€“$100/month (with unlimited talk/text and varying data limits).
  • 5G Plans: CAD $75โ€“$120/month (higher data caps and faster speeds).

Broadband Internet

  • Basic Plans: CAD $50โ€“$70/month (speeds up to 100 Mbps).
  • Mid-Tier Plans: CAD $70โ€“$100/month (speeds up to 500 Mbps).
  • High-Speed Plans: CAD $100โ€“$150/month (speeds up to 1 Gbps or more).

Bundled Services

  • CAD $100โ€“$200/month (internet, TV, and home phone combined).

4. Procedures to Set Up Services

Mobile Services

  1. Choose a Provider: Compare plans and coverage maps to select the best provider for your needs.
  2. Visit a Store or Online: Providers have physical stores in Halifax (e.g., in shopping malls) or allow online sign-ups.
  3. Provide Identification: Bring a government-issued ID (e.g., passport, driverโ€™s license).
  4. Credit Check: For postpaid plans, a credit check is required. New immigrants may need to provide a deposit if they lack a Canadian credit history.
  5. SIM Card Activation: Purchase a SIM card (usually CAD $10โ€“$15) and activate it in-store or online.

Broadband Internet

  1. Check Availability: Use the providerโ€™s website to check if your address is serviceable.
  2. Choose a Plan: Select a plan based on your speed and data needs.
  3. Schedule Installation: Providers will send a technician to install the service (usually within 1โ€“2 weeks).
  4. Equipment: Most providers supply a modem/router, often included in the monthly fee or available for rent (CAD $5โ€“$10/month).
  5. Contract or No-Contract: Decide whether to sign a contract (often 1โ€“2 years) for lower rates or opt for a no-contract plan.

5. Local Considerations and Tips

  1. Coverage in Halifax:

    • Halifax has excellent mobile coverage, but rural areas outside the city may have weaker signals. Eastlink and Xplore are good options for rural connectivity.
    • 5G is available in most urban areas of Halifax through Bell, Rogers, and Telus.

  2. Public Wi-Fi:

    • Free Wi-Fi is available in many public spaces, libraries, coffee shops, and restaurants in Halifax.
    • Halifax Public Libraries offer free high-speed internet access.

  3. New Immigrants:

    • If you lack a Canadian credit history, consider starting with a prepaid mobile plan or a no-contract internet plan.
    • Some providers, like Eastlink, are more flexible with new immigrants and may waive deposits.

  4. Student Discounts:

    • Many providers offer discounts for students, especially during back-to-school seasons. Check with your university or college for partnerships with telecom companies.

  5. Bundling for Savings:

    • If you need multiple services (e.g., internet, TV, and phone), bundling can save you money. Eastlink and Bell are popular for bundled services in Halifax.

  6. Seasonal Promotions:

    • Look out for promotions during holidays (e.g., Black Friday, Boxing Day) for discounts on plans and devices.

  7. Bring Your Own Device (BYOD):

    • If you already own an unlocked phone, you can save money by opting for a BYOD plan, which is cheaper than plans with a device subsidy.

  8. Emergency Numbers:

    • Dial 911 for emergencies. All mobile phones, even without an active plan, can call 911 in Canada.

6. Key Contacts and Resources

  • CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission): Regulates telecom services in Canada. Website: www.crtc.gc.ca
  • Halifax Public Libraries: Free internet access and tech support. Website: www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

By following this guide, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to set up telecommunications and internet services in Halifax, ensuring you stay connected and informed. Let me know if you need further assistance!