[Mapped] In Canada, mobile data costs 115 times more than in Israel
In Canada, we frequently complain about the high cost of mobile data plans. But how true is that? We sought to find out the answer, by comparing the price of mobile data in Canada with other countries around the world.
Good to know
This data is collected annually by Cable.co.uk, based on the analysis of a representative sample of 5,000 cellular packages from 233 countries and territories around the world.
Canada in the top 20 most expensive mobile data countries in the world
The analysis of mobile data prices around the world shows huge disparities between countries and territories. With an average price per GB of $7.75 in 2022, Canada is the 19th most expensive country in the world for mobile data.
- With the same standard of living, only South Koreans ($16.36 for 1 GB of mobile data), Swiss ($9.61) and New Zealanders ($8.77) pay more for their mobile data than Canadians
- As a comparison, 1 GB of mobile data costs 26 times more in Canada than in France ($0.3), and even 155 times more than in Israel ($0.05)
- The world record for the most expensive mobile data charged goes to the unfortunate inhabitants of the island of St. Helena, who in 2022 paid an average of $53.6 for a GB
Among the cheapest mobile data countries in the world, Israel holds an enviable first place, with an average mobile data cost of $0.05 per GB found over the year 2022. Italy ($0.16 per GB) and France ($0.30) are also in the top 10 - two markets characterized by an opening up to competition that seems to have driven prices down.
With Sasktel on the market, Saskatchewan has the cheapest mobile data of Canada
While it seems clear that Canadians pay a lot for their mobile data compared to many other countries, there are also differences within the country itself. The latest available data from the Government of Canada shows that:
- Saskatchewan is the province where the price of a mobile plan is the most affordable: $16 on average. This result is due to the presence of the operator Sasktel, which allows to compete with the monopoly of the three historical players of the market (Telus, Rogers and Bell)
- Ontarians were paying an average of $24 for their package in 2021, one of the best prices in the country
- Alberta residents paid an average of $30 for their mobile plan in 2021, one of the most expensive in the country, tied with Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island ($30)
Source: Government of Canada
Good to know
What kind of package are we talking about exactly? The Government of Canada report from which the above figures were taken defines it as follows: "this is essentially the cost of purchasing 1 GB of stand-alone data on a mobile wireless smartphone plan".
Methodology
In addition to its expert editorial line around insurance and financial products, HelloSafe explores broader topics relating to global consumption in Canada and around the world. The aim is to decipher certain complex subjects for consumers and to provide everyone with the latest information. It is within this framework that HelloSafe regularly carries out studies on trends relating to current personal finance in Canada.
The map at the top of this page was created based on data shared by the Cable.co.uk site for the year 2022. This data was compiled from a sample of over 5,000 mobile plans analyzed by the site worldwide. The figures for the price of a mobile plan in Canadian provinces are taken from the Canadian government's "Canadian and International Wireline, Wireless and Internet Price Comparisons" report.
About HelloSafe Canada
HelloSafe is a leading platform for comparing financial products (insurance, credit, investments) in Canada. Powered by its unique and powerful technology, HelloSafe provides users with dozens of free and anonymous comparison tools, calculators and expert, up-to-date content. Its platform empowers users to make the best decisions for their wallets and find the right products at the right prices for them.
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Nolwenn Abolivier
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