Quick question, is there a difference between cell & data coverage for Videotron & Fido mobile networks?
I'm with fido, considering changing.
Big difference. Fido uses the Rogers network, Videotron has their own network which runs on different frequencies - and is only in Quebec and Ottawa. (Rest of Canada = roaming)
Load up this page to see the map
http://www.videotron.com/residentiel/mobile/couverture#tab/cat2360088
Uncheck everything except 4G HSPA+ 21mbps. That's the only part of the map that is relevant.
They'll probably have slightly worse coverage than Fido/Rogers in some rural areas, but urban coverage is probably comparable.
They also use 1700Mhz AWS frequencies, which as far as I know penetrate buildings less effectively than Rogers/Fido 850Mhz. Some phones are also not compatible with 1700Mhz.
HSPA+ speeds will likely be better on Videotron because they rolled out the network after Rogers did. I usually have LTE turned off, so this is a positive point in favor of Videotron.
This is my 2c, I've never been with Videotron.
Short answer:
- Not all phones are compatible with both networks.
- Rogers/Fido will probably have better reception
- Videtron will have a faster HSPA+ (non-LTE) network, which means better speeds when you can't reach an LTE tower.
