Finding a free cell phone plan or a free cell phone in Canada is rare, but programs exist for eligible youth and low-income seniors. Explore plan details, devices, and eligibility below.
Telus Mobility for Good – Youth Programs
Telus offers free or low-cost plans for youth who have lived experience in the child welfare system:
- 10GB 5G+ for free for 2 years, $25/month afterward, speeds up to 1Gbps.
- 20GB 5G+ for $10/month for 2 years, then $35/month, with 20GB shareable data.
Youth may redeem a $75 discount on a phone or get a certified pre-owned smartphone at no cost. Official Telus Youth Program page
Eligibility for Telus Youth Programs
To qualify:
- Have lived experience in the child welfare system and a letter of eligibility from a ministry/agency.
- Age between the provincial age of majority and 26:
- Age 18 in AB, MB, ON, PE, QC, SK
- Age 19 in BC, NB, NL, NW, NS, NU, YT
- Province-specific care requirements (e.g., in Quebec, temporary or permanent care up to 18th birthday).
Telus – Seniors & Low-Income Programs
Seniors may get a certified pre-owned Samsung Galaxy S23 FE at $0 with a 2-year term. Official Telus Seniors Program page
Plans include:
- 10GB shareable data for $25/month, speeds up to 1Gbps.
- 20GB shareable data for $35/month.
Eligibility for Telus Seniors Programs
To qualify:
- Receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) benefit.
- Provide your Old Age Security (OAS) statement, showing any net supplements (T4A Box 21).
Rogers Connected for Success
Rogers helps low-income Canadians access affordable mobile service:
- 10GB 5G mobile for $25/month, unlimited Canada talk & text, speeds up to 250Mbps.
- 15GB 5G mobile for $35/month.
Eligible customers may receive a no-cost smartphone via financing when keeping the plan for 24 months. Official Rogers Connected for Success page
Eligibility for Rogers Connected
To qualify, you must participate in one of the following programs (varies by province):
- Resettlement Assistance Program
- Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
- Connecting Families Program
- On-Reserve Income Assistance, Ontario Works (OW), Ontario Disabilities Support Program (ODSP)
- Alberta Affordable Housing / AISH
- B.C. Subsidized Housing / PWD / BCEA
- Ukrainian Evacuee Emergency Financial Support (UEEFSB) and more
Rogers Mobile Plan with Included Free Phone
Rogers offers several high-end smartphones at $0/month when paired with an eligible Ultimate plan and 24-month financing. These "free phone" offers are applied via monthly bill credits that cancel out the device cost:
- Nubia A76: Included for $0/month on financing and an essentials plan after bill credits on a 24-month term.
- Google Pixel 10 / 10 Pro: Included for $0/month on financing with Save & Return and an Ultimate plan.
Official Rogers Free Phone Page Rogers Mobile Deals
Eligibility for Free Phone Included Plans
To qualify for these offers, the following conditions typically apply:
- Ultimate Plan Subscription: You must remain on an eligible 5G+ Ultimate plan for the duration of the 24-month term.
- Bill Credits: The "free" status is maintained through a monthly credit (e.g., $30/month) that offsets the financing payment.
- Save & Return: For flagship phones (iPhone, Pixel, Samsung), the $0 price requires you to return the phone after 24 months in good condition. If you want to keep it, you must pay the "Save & Return" buyout amount.
- Credit Approval: All financing offers are subject to a standard credit check.
If you are not eligible for a free cell phone or low-income program, you can use our comparison tool to find a low-cost cell phone plan with similar or better data, speeds, and coverage at a price that fits your budget.
