Overview

• Current promotions include Rogers at 60 GB for $60 with autopay, a near-identical Telus offer, and Bell at 100 GB for $55 with internet bundling or $70 for mobile only when you bring your own phone.
• Advisers point to flanker brands such as Fido, Virgin Plus and Koodo as cheaper options that offer easy online plan changes but less phone-based customer support.
• Staying on a family or shared plan can be more economical than moving to a standalone contract, according to bill negotiation specialists.
• Students traveling between home and school may benefit from premium brands that provide wider network coverage, which can justify higher monthly costs.
• The biggest financial risk stems from financing expensive new devices, so students are encouraged to consider bring-your-own-device or certified used phones and to watch for roaming, international calling and extreme overage charges.