📲 Cell phones, internet & power

Essential once you move here. When you arrive, you will notice cell phone coverage on the Island is different. Not a problem - we’ve got this.

📱 Cell phones

Rogers, Bell and Telus: the “Big Three” companies for long-term (2+ year) contracts. Pro: you may get more data if you shop around. Con: these plans tend to be very expensive

Fido, Virgin Mobile, Freedom: easier month-to-month cell phone providers, with decent coverage (mostly). Data is the most expensive thing for cell phones in Canada, so don’t be surprised at 4MB or 8MB/month plans.
Thinking of living outside Victoria? Ask at the grocery store, coffee shop, bike shop, etc… around where you might live. What cell phone provider are they using? Coverage on the Island is still spotty, and in some areas, Bell may have coverage, but Rogers won’t work, and Telus cuts in and out, or vice versa.

Blackapple Cellular replaces screens for most cell phones, usually within a few hours. They’re in downtown Victoria. They usually charge $100. They can also fix water damage if you dropped your phone in the ocean (we do that a lot here). blackapplecellular.com

A shock for anyone from Europe or the US. Our home internet service often does not include unlimited data use. Read any offer or contract very carefully before signing. More providers are offering better data plans, but, still.

Bell: Offers home internet by cable or DSL.
Telus: Offers home internet by cable or DSL depending on your apartment or house wiring. Usually a minimum 1-year contract. It does offer some unlimited data plans.
Shaw: One big plus is that Shaw is a huge telecommunications company, and has built wifi routers all over Victoria. If you sign up for home internet service with Shaw, you get access to “ShawOpen” wifi all over the city. If you’re looking to save on cell phone data, this might be an option. Usually a minimum 1-year contract, not unusual to see 2-year contracts.
TekSavvy: A newer low-cost internet provider, which uses Shaw’s networks. A great option for unlimited data at a really low price. Only available for some addresses/homes/apartments. Go to www.teksavvy.com and search for your address - they’ll tell you if they can provide services or not right then.

⚡ BC Hydro: If your new home does not come with power included in the rent, or if you are buying a house/condo, you’ll need to sign up for power through BC Hydro. You can set this up online.
🔥 FortisBC: If your home has natural gas, and it’s not included in the rent, you’ll need to sign up for FortisBC. You can set this up online.
🌏 Are you moving here from another country? You may be used to choosing between different utility or power companies. Here, there is only one choice for electric power = BC Hydro.