Getting started
Telecom 101 in Canada
There is no such thing as a truly national provider in Canada. Each of the 10 provinces has a unique mix of regulations and companies providing a wide variety of telephone related services such as wireline (fixed line), Long Distance, Internet, wireless (cell phone service), VoIP, satellite, IP-based and cable TV.
BellCanada was a government owned monopoly for the telecommunication sector since its foundation in 1888 until the mid 1980s, when the telecommunications industry in Canada was deregulated. BellCanada has kept a geographic focus in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario but the deregulation opened the door for many other carriers to participate in the telecommunications business.
Despite the openness of the Canadian local and long distance phone service, many people have stuck with their traditional landline supplier, even though they may be able to save money by switching to an alternate provider.
Also in this section
- Getting started: Telecom 101 in Canada
- Choosing a provider: Local and long-distance calling plans
- Getting Connected: How to get a phone line in Canada
- Calling: How to use the phone in Canada
- Dialing Area codes: The most important prefixes in Canada
- Cell phones : Canadian mobile phone operators
- Cell phone rates: What to consider when choosing a calling plan
- Calling cards: How to save money on international calls
- Choosing: Choosing a prepaid calling card
- How to use: Using an international phonecard
- Internet access: How to get an Internet connection at home
