Fido 4G & LTE Wireless Network Canada Coverage Maps

Fido is a mid-tier carrier that runs on Rogers’ powerful network, which covers about 97% of Canadians. Fido coverage can vary depending on where you are in Canada, though. That’s why you’ll want to check out our Fido cell phone coverage maps below. Fido offers extended coverage through its budget-friendly prepaid and postpaid plans.

Fido coverage map

Since Fido operates on Rogers’ robust 4G LTE network, Fido offers the same excellent coverage as Rogers, the largest wireless service provider in Canada. Rogers has one of the strongest networks with solid reception throughout Canada, covering 97% of Canadians. The map below allows you to compare Fido’s cell phone coverage across the country. You can easily zoom in to see what cell phone coverage is like in your specific area. You’ll see that there are some dead zones where coverage, from any of the carriers, doesn’t exist. But in the majority of Canada’s urban areas, Fido provides solid coverage.

It goes without saying, but remember to check that you’ll receive Fido network coverage in the areas where you spend the most time. If you travel for work, vacation, or to see relatives, take a moment to check coverage in those areas as well. If everything looks good, you’re ready to compare Fido phone plans to find the best one for you.

Compare Fido cell phone plans

Below is a list of Fido cell phone plans available in Canada. Easily compare talk, text, and data options to choose the best option.

Does Fido offer extended coverage?

Yes, if you live within the Fido network and travel into an extended coverage area, your phone will automatically hop onto a partner network. You’ll be able to use your phone the same way you would at home on Fido’s network. The first time you travel outside of the network area, you’ll receive a text message alerting you that you’re now on extended coverage. If you travel outside the area regularly, Fido will remind you occasionally. Make sure to turn on data roaming via your device settings to ensure you connect to extended coverage. You’ll know you’ve hopped onto a partner network when you see “Fido-EXT” appear on your device. It’s important to note that extended coverage is only available for about 90% of Fido postpaid plans; prepaid customers cannot roam on partner networks.

Does the Fido network charge more for extended coverage?

No, you won’t be charged more for hopping onto the extended network to stay connected. However, your signal strength—and data speed—may vary while using this service.

Here are a few things to note when using extended LTE:

• Talk and text will work automatically once you switch on to an extended network.
• Calls may drop as you enter or exit an extended network.
• Data will work as long as your data roaming is activated.

While extended coverage is intended as an addition to Fido service, it should be used primarily for traveling or other short-term occasions. The majority of your talk, text, and data use must occur on Fido’s 4G LTE network. Fido reserves the right to restrict your extended coverage access if the majority of your monthly usage takes place on the extended network. Still, as long as it’s used as intended, Fido extended coverage will ensure you stay connected nearly anywhere in Canada.

How does Fido coverage compare to Virgin Mobile and Koodo coverage?

Koodo runs on Telus’ network and Virgin Mobile uses Bell’s network. These networks provide more physical coverage than Rogers’ network, which Fido operates on. Given that Telus and Bell use the same LTE network, so do their sub-brands. Virgin Mobile and Koodo both cover 99% of the population so they have a bit of an upper hand in terms of coverage, but not by much—Fido covers 97% of Canadians. Considering Canada’s population is over 37 million, covering 97%-99% is extremely impressive, so it really comes down to which network works the best in your particular area.

Where does Fido have the best coverage?

Fido has the best coverage in Prince Edward Island, Alberta, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, although that doesn’t mean you won’t receive great coverage in other areas as well. Check out the table below to compare Fido and Koodo Mobile and Virgin Mobile coverage by province or territory.

Keep in mind that the above chart refers only to area covered in each province, the number of people living within them.Coverage is nearly 100% in most of Canada’s major cities.

What are Fido’s LTE and HSPA+ networks and how are they used?

LTE stands for long term evolution and runs on a 4G network. LTE is faster and provides more reliable coverage than HSPA+.

While the acronyms for these two connection options sound confusing, they really aren’t. Here’s a quick breakdown of the differences that you can refer to next time they come in handy.

LTE
Long Term Evolution—or LTE—is considered a “true” 4G network. This means uploads and downloads are much faster. LTE uses a more powerful signal, meaning you can access this coverage in more places.

HSPA+

High-Speed Packet Access is a more robust and faster version of a 3G connection, meaning your data speeds will be faster than 3G but not quite 4G.

Fido’s coverage for long distance and roaming

Fido offers Fido Roam as a travel add-on to your monthly postpaid plan. You can set this up before your next exciting adventure to make sure you’re connected. Fido Roam, which costs $8/day in the US and $12/day internationally, gives you full access to the minutes, texts, and data from your postpaid plan while visiting most countries (customers on prepaid plans are not eligible for Fido Roam).

Now that you have a general sense of Fido’s coverage and you know that you can set up long-distance roaming, here’s how you can set it up on your device. To set up Fido roam, simply text ROAM to 222 on your Fido cell phone. Don’t worry, you won’t be charged immediately—you only have to pay on the days in which you use your device.

Using this option is easy: all you have to do is turn on your device’s data roaming and you’re set! Once you’re connected in another country, you’ll receive a text message confirming your roaming option. You’re then able to use the talk, text, and data from your Fido plan on your trip.