Setting Up Utilities, Internet and a Phone in Canada

Once you have a place to live, the next job is making it work: lights, heat, water, internet and a phone. For most newcomers the tricky part is not choosing a plan but proving you are a reliable customer when you have no Canadian credit history yet. This guide walks through what to set up first, how deposits and billing usually work, the difference between contract and prepaid mobile, how to compare plans, and the consumer rights that protect you under Canada\'s telecom rules.

If you are still searching for a home, read our guide to renting your first apartment in Canada first, and budget realistically using our overview of the cost of living in Canada for newcomers.

What to set up first

Tackle services in order of how badly you need them on day one. A simple priority list keeps you from paying for things you cannot yet use.

• Electricity, gas and water: In many rented apartments, heat and water are included in your rent, while you pay for electricity (and sometimes gas) separately. Ask your landlord exactly which utilities are your responsibility before you sign anything.
• Internet: Most newcomers need home internet quickly for banking, job hunting and government services. It usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks to schedule an installation, so arrange it early.
• Mobile phone: A working Canadian number helps you receive verification codes, book appointments and apply for jobs. You can often get a phone running the same day.

The Government of Canada\'s settling-in pages confirm that you arrange utilities, phone and internet through private companies, and that buying several services from one provider (a bundle) can lower the total cost.

How billing and deposits work without credit history

Canadian providers often check your credit before opening an account. Because credit bureaus such as Equifax and TransUnion generally only hold your Canadian financial history, a recent arrival usually has a thin or empty file. Providers may respond in a few common ways.

• Security deposit: You may be asked for a refundable deposit, returned later once you have shown a record of on-time payments.
• Prepaid or no-contract options: These skip the credit check because you pay in advance.
• Proof of identity and address: Bring your passport, immigration documents, and any lease or bill in your name to speed things up.

Paying utility, internet and phone bills on time is also one of the simplest ways to start building a Canadian credit history. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada notes that payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so set up automatic payments where you can.

Contract vs prepaid mobile

The two main ways to get a Canadian mobile plan suit different situations.

Prepaid

You pay for a set amount of talk, text and data in advance. There is usually no credit check and no long-term commitment, which makes prepaid a practical first step for newcomers. The trade-off is that per-gigabyte costs can be higher and you top up manually.

Contract (postpaid)

You are billed monthly and may finance a phone over time. Contracts can be cheaper per gigabyte and often bundle a device, but they typically require a credit check and may involve a deposit if you have no history. Read the terms before signing, especially anything tied to a financed phone.

How to compare plans

Prices and promotions change constantly, so compare current offers rather than relying on what a friend paid last year. The Government of Canada runs a free tool to compare mobile and internet plans by price, data and coverage. When you compare, check the points below.

• Total monthly cost including taxes and any one-time setup or activation fees.
• Data, talk and text limits and what happens, and what it costs, when you go over them.
• Coverage where you live, work and travel.
• Contract length and any early-cancellation terms.
• Bundling discounts if you take internet and mobile from one provider.

Your consumer rights

Canadian telecom customers are protected by rules from the CRTC, the federal regulator. Knowing them helps you avoid surprises and push back on unfair charges.

• Wireless Code: Your contract must be in plain language, extra data and roaming charges are capped to prevent bill shock, and you can cancel after two years with no cancellation fee even if you agreed to a longer term.
• Internet Code: Similar protections apply to home internet, including clearer contracts and rules that make it easier to understand charges and switch providers.
• Complaints: If a provider will not resolve an issue, you can escalate to the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS), an independent body the CRTC points customers to.

Newcomer setup checklist

• Confirm which utilities are included in your rent and which you must open yourself.
• Open electricity and gas accounts before or on move-in day to avoid service gaps.
• Book internet installation early as appointments can take days or weeks.
• Start with prepaid mobile if you have no credit history, then switch to a contract later.
• Bring ID and immigration documents to every sign-up appointment.
• Use the government plan-comparison tool before committing.
• Set up automatic on-time payments to avoid late fees and build credit.
• Keep copies of every contract so you can check terms against your rights.

Setting up the basics can feel overwhelming in your first weeks, but tackling it in order, using free government comparison tools, and knowing your rights will save you money and stress. Start with what you need on day one, lean on prepaid options while your credit history grows, and keep your paperwork organized.