Bell MTS

Notable Features

Flat-Rate Unlimited Manitoba Data: With flat-rate data, there's no need to worry about streaming, emails or apps taking up precious data or racking up bills. There's also plans that include flat-rate Manitoba data along with an allotment of Canada-wide data for travellers.

Student Discounts: With proof of enrollment, students enjoy discounts on both monthly plans and devices with Bell MTS.

Travel Data Packages: Take the guesswork and worry out of roaming data fees with flat-rate packs for destinations around the world. Each includes a set amount of data for you to use over a 30-day period.

Total Internet Bundles: If you use Bell MTS for high-speed service at home, you can bundle your wireless plan for added savings and access to the Bell MTS Wi-Fi hotspot network at no additional charge.

Awards and Recognitions

• Due to the recent merge, a Better Business Bureau listing for Bell MTS is not available yet.

How's the Network Coverage and Speed?

While Bell MTS claims their 4G network covers 98% of Manitoba's population. Currently, within Manitoba, you'll connect to the existing MTS network. Outside of Manitoba, you'll use Bell's existing network.

This means speeds will vary depending on your location.

You can check coverage and network types in your area at their support page.

Notable considerations include:

• Flat-rate data is only available in Manitoba. Outside Manitoba, all data is metered.

Bell was ranked the fastest network in the nation in PC Magazine’s “Fastest Mobile Networks in Canada 2016” study for the third year in a row. Average national LTE download speeds measured at 59.72Mbit/sec while uploads came in at 19.27Mbits/sec.

However, the MTS network ranked third in the same study with average download speeds of 21.93Mbits/sec and upload speeds of 14.99Mbits/sec. 

Additional data from OpenSignal on the Bell network shows an average 4G download speed of 17.6Mbit/sec and 4G upload speeds of 8.5Mbit/sec. 3G download speeds clocked in at 3.4Mbit/sec while uploads averaged 1.1Mbit/sec.

Data from OpenSignal was not available for the MTS network.

Do They Charge Roaming Fees?

Most Bell MTS plans offer coast-to-coast service without the worry of roaming.

However, if you're planning to travel outside the country, roaming fees can add up fast.

For travel to the US, they offer data and voice roaming packs with prices between $5 and $35 per month.

Travelling to Mexico? Data passes run between $25 and $65 per month.

For travel to other international destinations, you'll find options ranging from $5 to $255 per month.

For additional information and specific per-use rates for popular destinations, consult their Add-ons and Travel page.

What About Long Distance Fees?

For calls placed within Canada, long distance fees will depend on your plan. Both prepaid and postpaid plans are available with Canada-wide calling for worry-free phone time.

If you choose a Manitoba-only calling plan, long distance fees will be calculated based on the location of the tower your phone is connected to at the time of placing the call.

Standard Canadian long distance rates are $0.50 per minute.

If you’re planning to call friends or family in the US, their Canada to US Long Distance calling add-on unlocks unlimited calling using your monthly minute allotment for only $15.

For rates to other destinations, consult their International Wireless Long Distance Rates page.

Does Bell Offer Wi-Fi Calling?

No. Bell MTS does not support native Wi-Fi calling or offer an app to support the feature. In an official response on their community forum, they note that the feature is not on the roadmap for the near future.

How About Voice over LTE (VoLTE)?

No. 

What is Their Tethering Policy?

According to their General Conditions Applicable to 4G Data Plans, tethering is limited to plans with an explicit Wi-Fi Hotspot feature.

The conditions state:

"The unlimited Wi-Fi that is included in customers’ rate plan offers access to landline based Wi-Fi hotspots and does not allow for unlimited access to On Device -Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots. To utilize Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots customers require a smartphone plan that offers Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot (tethering) support.”

If you wish to tether with this carrier, we’d recommend contacting them to ensure you won’t end up with any nasty bill surprises.

Do They Offer Data Rollover?

No, data top-ups, add-ons or monthly data buckets do not roll over from month to month.

Do They Offer Add-ons or Bundles?

Add-on selection at Bell MTS is limited. 

Add-on choices not covered in previous sections include:

• Premium Voicemail: For $5 per month you can use visual voicemail on iPhones and store up to 25 three-minute voicemails.
• Wireless Protection Program: Starting at $7 per month you can enjoy peace of mind against drops, spills or phone theft.

Some Bell MTS add-ons are available in bundles for additional savings. For more information on pricing and options, consult their Add-Ons and Travel page.

Do They Offer Bring Your Own Device/Sim-Only Plans?

Yes! Most carrier unlocked 3G and 4G phones will work with Bell MTS. You'll even save $10 over standard pricing for bringing your own phone.

For full details on bringing your own phone check their Why Bell MTS page.

Do They Require a Credit Check?

There are no credit checks for prepaid service. However, monthly service agreements will require a credit check. At the time of writing, this is a "hard" credit check. This means it will likely appear on your credit report.

Items needed include 1 of the following:

• Canadian Driver's Licence
• Canadian SIN Card or Letter
• Canadian Credit Card

Plus 1 of the following:

• Valid Canadian Driver’s License (Not applicable if used as one of the items above)
• Valid Canadian or Foreign Passport
• Work Visa
• Department of Defense ID
• Permanent Resident Card
• Native Indian Status Card
• CNIB Card
• Valid, Government-Issued Provincial/Territorial Photo ID
• Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)

NOTE: Credit checks from carriers that pull your credit bureau report may impact your credit score. If you're not sure the best options for your credit profile, we suggest contacting the carrier directly before attempting to obtain service.

What About Activation and SIM Fees?

Bell MTS charges a $40 one-time activation fee for every new line of service.

If you bring your own phone or tablet, you'll also need a Bell MTS SIM.

SIM kits are available for $10 through their online or retail stores.

For more information, consult their Other Charges page.

NOTE: Fees often differ between retail stores and websites. Be sure to check both before signing up or adding a line to your account to maximize savings.

Do They Charge an Early Termination Fee?

If you have a device finance agreement or term contract, you will pay an early termination fee to end services.

The Terms of Service note:

“W3.3 If you terminate this Agreement and the Service prior to the expiry of your Term, Bell MTS may charge you an early cancellation fee. If you received a Hardware Subsidy, the early cancellation fee will be calculated as set out in section H Critical Hardware Information Summary or at bellmts.ca/cancellationfee. If you did not receive a Hardware Subsidy or if your Agreement was extended for a fixed term beyond expiry of the initial Term, the early cancellation fee will be the lesser of (a) $50; and (b) 10% of the Minimum Monthly Cost for the months remaining in your Term.”

Can I Port My Number To or From Bell Mobility?

Yes! This carrier follows all Local Number Portability requirements.

To transfer your number:

• The account with the number you wish to transfer must be active
• Bell MTS must offer service in the area you wish to transfer to or from
• Number portability must be available in the area you wish to transfer to or from

In most cases, the process takes no more than 72 hours.

Will Bell MTS Unlock My Phone?

Yes! Unlocking requirements are as follows:

• The phone must be a Bell MTS phone
• You must have Bell MTS service or have been a Bell MTS customer for at least 90 days
• The phone must not be blacklisted
• The phone must be HSPA or LTE compatible
• Your account must be in good standing

According to CRTC Wireless Code regulations effective December 2017, they must unlock your phone free of charge upon request.

Their unlocking support page offers multiple ways to get started with the unlocking process.

For additional questions about Bell MTS pricing, features, and coverage, be sure to check our Bell MTS Q&A Forum. It’s filled with questions and answers from people like you looking to get the most out of their mobile service!

If you spot any errors or missing information, please let us know, it's definitely appreciated and will help make this page better for everyone.