Let's be real for a second. Picking a phone plan in Canada feels a bit like doing your taxes—confusing, slightly annoying, and you’re always worried you’re overpaying. If you've been looking at Rogers cell phone packages lately, you’ve probably noticed they’ve rebranded everything. It's not just "Small, Medium, Large" anymore. Now we’re dealing with 5G+ speed tiers, "Infinite" data that technically has a limit, and roaming deals that change depending on which country you're standing in.
Honestly, the "best" plan doesn't exist in a vacuum. It depends on whether you're a data hoarder, a frequent flyer to the States, or just someone who wants a cheap second line for their kid.
The New Speed Tiers: 5G vs. 5G+
Rogers basically split their plans into two lanes. Think of it like a highway.
The 5G+ Essentials plans are the "entry-level" versions of their premium lineup. You get access to the 5G network, but your speed is capped at 250 Mbps. Now, don't let the "cap" scare you. 250 Mbps is plenty. You can stream 4K video, jump on a Zoom call, and scroll TikTok simultaneously without a hitch. Most people won't even notice they aren't on the faster tier unless they are downloading massive 50GB game files on the go.
Then you have the 5G+ Popular and Ultimate plans. These are the "no limits" (well, mostly) lanes. You get speeds up to 1 Gbps. It is lightning fast. If you live in a major hub like Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal, you’ll actually see those speeds.
What most people get wrong about "Unlimited"
Rogers calls these "Infinite" plans. You get a bucket of "Max Speed" data (like 60GB, 100GB, or even 250GB). Once you hit that limit, your data doesn't shut off. You won't get hit with a surprise $100 overage bill. But—and it's a big but—your speed drops to 512 Kbps.
At 512 Kbps, the internet becomes a bit of a ghost town. Emails work. Basic Google Maps works. But trying to stream Netflix? Forget about it.
Breaking Down the Current Rogers Cell Phone Packages
Prices change, but the structure is pretty consistent. As of early 2026, here is how the landscape looks for someone bringing their own phone (BYOD).
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- The Budget Play: You can often find a 5G Essentials line starting around $70 for 60GB of data.
- The Family Sweet Spot: This is where Rogers actually gets competitive. If you add a second, third, or fourth line, the price per person drops fast. We're talking as low as $30 to $45 per additional line depending on the current promotion.
- The Power User (Ultimate): For about $105, the Ultimate plan is massive. 250GB of data, and it includes roaming in 64 international destinations.
If you are a Rogers internet customer at home, always ask for the bundle discount. They rarely advertise the absolute lowest price upfront; they want you to link your accounts to shave $5 or $10 off the monthly bill.
International Roaming and "Roam Like Home"
If you travel, this is where Rogers can either be your best friend or your bank account's worst enemy. The standard Roam Like Home rates have climbed. It’s now $16 a day in the U.S. and $18 a day internationally.
That adds up. Fast. A ten-day trip to Europe is an extra $180 on your bill.
However, if you have a Rogers Red Mastercard, you get 5 days of Roam Like Home for free every year. It’s a nice perk if you already use the card. Also, if you’re on the high-end 5G+ Ultimate plan, you might get 50% off those daily rates, or the roaming might be baked into the plan entirely for specific countries. Always check the fine print before you land in London or New York.
The "EXT" Mystery
Ever look at your phone and see "Rogers-EXT" instead of just "Rogers"? Don't panic. Canada is huge, and Rogers doesn't have towers everywhere. They have "Extended Coverage" agreements with other carriers. It doesn't cost you extra, but there are limits. If more than 50% of your usage over a few months is on "EXT," they might give you a nudge to switch to a carrier that actually covers your area.
Financing: To Buy or To Lease?
Rogers has two main ways to get a new iPhone or Samsung.
- Financing: You pay the full price of the phone over 24 months at 0% interest. At the end of two years, the phone is 100% yours.
- Save & Return: This is basically a lease. Your monthly payment is much lower (sometimes $10-$20 cheaper), but at the end of the 24 months, you have to give the phone back in good condition. If you want to keep it, you have to pay a "buyout" amount, which is usually several hundred dollars.
Pro tip: If you're the type of person who drops their phone constantly, Save & Return is risky. If the screen is cracked when you try to return it, you’ll be on the hook for the full remaining value anyway.
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Actionable Steps for Your Next Move
If you're looking to switch or upgrade your Rogers cell phone packages, don't just click "buy" on the first thing you see.
First, audit your data usage. Most people pay for 100GB but only use 15GB. Check your phone settings to see your actual monthly average. You might be able to drop down to a cheaper Essentials plan without noticing any difference.
Second, check for RPP (Rogers Preferred Program) discounts. If you work for a large company, a hospital, or the government, you likely qualify for a "corporate" rate. These aren't usually public, so you have to enter your work email on the Rogers RPP portal to see the real deals.
Third, never pay the $80 connection fee. If you go into a store, they’ll try to charge it. If you set up your plan online, it’s almost always waived. That’s eighty bucks you can keep in your pocket for literally 15 minutes of clicking.
Finally, if you're a traveler, look into the Canada+US+Mexico plans. If you spend more than a week across the border every year, the extra $10 or $20 a month for the "roaming-included" plan is significantly cheaper than paying the $16 daily fee.