Changing mobile provider

Changing mobile providers has become much easier over the years. In most cases, you hardly need any personal contact with your old carrier; usually, you just need to find a new plan, and your new provider will handle the cancellation and the switching process for you. However, the process can vary depending on which carrier you are moving to, the terms of your current service agreement, and whether or not you want to keep your phone number. On this page, we explain what changing carriers involves and offer advice on the various steps.

How to change provider

  • Check your current status: Find out if you still have a remaining balance on your device or if you are under a fixed-term agreement. You can check this via your provider’s website or app, or by looking at your latest monthly bill.
  • Review termination fees: If you have a device balance (often called a “Tab” or “Device Savings Recovery Fee”), you will need to pay it off to switch. If you are on a month-to-month (BYOP) plan, there are no cancellation fees.
  • Choose your new plan: Find a carrier that suits you and decide whether you want a bring your own phone plan or a prepaid plan. Many carriers now offer eSIM activation, allowing you to switch instantly through their app without waiting for a physical SIM card to arrive by mail.
  • Keep your current number or opt for a new: Decide between porting your existing number or getting a new number with your new carrier.
  • Gather your info: You will need your current account number and potentially your phone’s IMEI number to start the transfer.
  • Contact the new provider: When you sign up online or in-store with your new carrier, they will initiate the transfer. Do not cancel your old service yourself if you want to keep your number; the porting process does this automatically.

The exact process of switching can vary slightly between carriers, but you will find all the necessary information on the provider’s website. As mentioned above, the approach also depends on whether you want to keep your existing number or get a new one.

If you want to keep your existing number

If you want to port your existing number to a new provider, the process is very straightforward in Canada. When you sign up with the new carrier, provide them with your current account number. They will then send a porting request to your old carrier.

You will likely receive a text message from your old provider asking you to confirm the transfer. You must respond “YES” within the specified timeframe (usually 90 minutes) to authorize the switch. If you don’t confirm, the transfer will be cancelled for security reasons.

Please note! Keep your old SIM card in your phone until you receive the confirmation text and the signal bar disappears. Only then should you swap in your new SIM or activate your new eSIM.

If you want a new number

If you want a fresh start with a new number, simply contact the new provider and sign up for a new account. Once your new service is active, you must manually contact your old provider to cancel your previous plan.

In Canada, there is no 30-day notice period required for personal mobile services. According to the CRTC Wireless Code, you can cancel your service at any time, and the cancellation should take effect immediately.

Do I need to unlock my phone if I change provider?

In Canada, all mobile devices sold after December 1, 2017, must be sold unlocked. Additionally, carriers are prohibited from charging a fee to unlock older devices. If you are using a cell phone purchased before late 2017, you can contact your original carrier to have it unlocked for free before you switch to a new network.

Can you change to another provider during a contract?

Yes, you can switch at any time. However, if you received a discount on a phone when you signed up (a subsidized device), you will have to pay the remaining device balance.

Most Canadian plans in 2026 are “no-term” for the service itself, but the phone is financed over 24 months. If you leave after 12 months, you will simply owe the remaining 12 months of device payments. Once that balance is paid, you are free to move to any carrier.

A note on device credits: If your current plan includes a monthly promotional credit toward your phone payment, keep in mind that switching will cancel all remaining credits. You will be responsible for the full, non-discounted remaining balance of the device.

Are there any cancellation fees?

In Canada, “cancellation fees” for the service itself are generally a thing of the past for consumers. Instead, you pay the remaining balance of your phone.

For example, if you bought a phone with a $600 subsidy over 24 months and you switch after 10 months, you would owe the remaining 14 months of that subsidy. Your carrier will add this amount to your final bill. Taxes (GST/HST/PST) are applied to this final balance based on your province.

Which provider should I switch to?

Which carrier you choose depends on your specific needs. It’s a good idea to assess your data usage and coverage requirements before switching.

If you are looking for lower costs and don’t need a new phone, look for BYOP deals. If you live in an area with spotty service, check coverage maps to see which of the major networks has the best towers near you. In Canada, there are “The Big Three” national carriers, but many smaller “flanker” brands offer the same network coverage at a lower price point.

Carriers sharing networks

  • Rogers: Fido, Chatr 
  • Bell: Virgin Plus, Lucky Mobile, Northwestel 
  • Telus: Koodo, Public Mobile 
  • Quebecor: Vidéotron, Freedom Mobile, Fizz

Note that some regional providers like SaskTel (Saskatchewan) or Tbaytel (Ontario) also operate their own networks or have roaming agreements with the national carriers.