It appears that Canadian carriers and wireless providers are consistently raising their ‘connection fees.’ With the most recent increases, the Big Three and their associated brands now impose a $60 connection fee on new customers.
Despite carriers’ justifications for these fees, the high costs can be frustrating and discourage customers from switching carriers, which is something Canadians should consider doing more often to secure better deals. Fortunately, there are a few strategies to avoid connection fees. Here are some tips from someone who frequently switches carriers and hasn’t paid a connection fee in years:
Opt for Online Purchases
The most reliable method I’ve discovered to evade connection fees is by purchasing services online. Nearly every provider either waives the connection fee or offers an equivalent amount as a bill credit when customers make online purchases.
Regrettably, online shopping isn’t feasible for everyone. Additionally, carrier websites can be confusing, employing complex layouts and language that make it challenging for customers to comprehend their purchase. Nevertheless, if you can navigate through the complexities, this approach can help you save money.
One cautionary note regarding providers that promise bill credits for connection fees: scrutinize your bills meticulously. Typically, these providers do not apply the credit until the second or third bill, with the possibility of forgetting altogether. For instance, when I switched to Fido on Black Friday last year, I was assured that a bill credit would appear on my third bill. However, when I received that bill, no credit was present, necessitating a call and a dispute with a representative to rectify the issue.
Be Alert for Special Offers or Deals
Similar to the aforementioned promotion, providers often bundle connection fee discounts and credits with other offers. For example, during Black Friday 2022, several providers presented a $45/50GB plan and were upfront about waiving connection fees for customers.
Select Providers with Lower (or No) Connection Fees
Not every Canadian provider imposes a $60 connection fee, so it may be worthwhile to consider signing up with one that charges a lower fee. Currently, Freedom Mobile charges $45 for its connection fee, which, while not inexpensive, is certainly better than $60. On the other hand, Telus-owned Public Mobile does not charge a connection fee, although customers are billed for their SIM card—$10 for a regular SIM or $5 for an eSIM (plus tax). There are other options available as well, so it’s advisable to explore various providers before making a decision.
If All Else Fails, Inquire
Sometimes, all you can do is ask the sales representative for assistance. The worst outcome is that they decline your request. I’ve personally taken this approach on a few occasions and had some success, although the outcome largely depends on the sales representative and your specific circumstances (in my case, I was already receiving a win-back offer, so waiving the connection fee wasn’t a significant leap).
In conclusion, it may not always be possible to avoid paying the connection fee. However, in most cases, there’s likely a workaround available if you explore your options.
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Alex Smith is a writer and editor with over 10 years of experience. He has written extensively on a variety of topics, including technology, business, and personal finance. His work has been published in a number of magazines and newspapers, and he is also the author of two books. Alex is passionate about helping people learn and grow, and he believes that writing is a powerful tool for communication and understanding.
