Telecommunications Statistics
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Telecommunications: Connecting Canadians
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Browse Statistics Canada's published data and analysis on the telecommunications industry.
Connecting Canadians: Telecommunications in Canada
Economic measures
This section provides estimates of the economic impact of the mobile telecommunications industry using the input-output model for output, jobs and value added to gross domestic product (GDP).
Share of gross domestic product
In 2020, the gross value added of the mobile telecommunication industry represented 1.3% of Canada's gross domestic product at basic prices. This includes value added from the industry itself, its supply chain and impacts on spending from wages generated by the production (directly and indirectly) of the industry. More information on share of gross domestic product
Output
In 2022, the total output generated by the mobile telecommunications industry was 50.9 billion dollars. This includes revenue from the industry itself, its supply chain and impacts on spending from wages generated by the production (directly and indirectly) of the industry. More information on output
Gross value added
Gross value added is a measure of the contribution to gross domestic product (GDP). The contribution to GDP by the mobile telecommunication industry was 29.5 billion dollars in 2022. This includes value added from the industry itself, its supply chain and impacts on spending from wages generated by the production (directly and indirectly) of the industry. More information on gross value added
Jobs
In 2022, the number of jobs created by the mobile telecommunications industry is estimated to be 159,900. This includes jobs created by the industry itself, its supply chain and impacts on spending from wages generated by the production (directly and indirectly) of the industry. More information on jobs
Spending and prices for cellular services
This section includes information on the amount spent by households and the prices paid by consumers for cellular services.
Monthly spending on cell phone services
In 2021, households across all income quintiles spent approximately $109 per month on cell phone and pager services or 1.8% of total monthly expenditures after tax. More information on monthly spending on cell phone services
More information on monthly spending on cell phone services
| All quintiles | Lowest quintile | Second quintile | Third quintile | Fourth quintile | Highest quintile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total monthly expenditures after tax | $6,193.25 | $3,131.25 | $4,179.92 | $5,627.92 | $7,489.50 | $10,510.92 |
| Monthly expenditure on cell phone and pager services | $109.00 | $55.25 | $78.75 | $111.08 | $133.33 | $166.50 |
| Cell phone and pager services expenditure as a percentage of total expenditures | 1.8% | 1.8% | 1.9% | 2.0% | 1.8% | 1.6% |
Description - Monthly cell and pager service expenditure, by household income quintile, 2016-2021
- This is a line graph that shows monthly average expenditures for cell phone and pager services based on the lowest, highest and all household income quintiles from 2016 to 2021. The data labels display the values in Canadian dollars, with the percentage of total expenditures shown in brackets.
- It has a vertical axis showing the monthly expenditures for cell phone and pager services, ranging from $40 to $200 in increments of $20.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, from 2016 to 2021 in one year increments.
- The lines show that in 2016 the average monthly expenditure for cell phone and pager services was $92.08 (1.6%) across all quintiles and increased to an average of $109.00 (1.8%) in 2021.
- The three most recent data points for average monthly expenditure for cell phone and pager services are $166.50 (1.6%) for the highest quintile, $55.25 (1.8%) for the lowest quintile and $109.00 (1.8%) across all quintiles in 2021.
What is it?
Monthly spending on cell phone services as a percentage of total expenditure is monthly cell phone and pager services expenditure divided by total monthly expenditures after tax and expressed as a percentage.
Expenditures refer to the values of the amounts that buyers pay, or agree to pay, to sellers in exchange for goods or services that sellers provide to them or to other institutional units designated by the buyers. The buyer incurring the liability to pay need not be the same unit that takes possession of the good or service. It is common for government units or non-profit institutions serving households to pay for goods or services that the sellers provide to households.
Household refers to a person or group of persons who occupy the same dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada or abroad. The dwelling may be either a collective dwelling or a private dwelling. The household may consist of a family group such as a census family, of two or more families sharing a dwelling, of a group of unrelated persons or of a person living alone. Household members who are temporarily absent on reference day are considered part of their usual household.
Income used in the survey of household spending is from the previous year. For example, reference year 2019 uses revenues from 2018.
Last updated: June 2024
Source:
Table: 11-10-0223-01, Household spending by household income quintile, Canada, regions and provinces
Other information:
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada - More affordable telecom services
This webpage provides information that helps Canadian consumers make informed decisions on mobile and wireless services. It includes service plans price comparisons (talk, text and data) for different mobile service providers for each province.
Monthly change in the cellular services price index
Consumer prices for cellular services decreased by 12.8% in August 2024 compared to August 2023. More information on monthly change in the cellular services price index
Annual average change in the cellular services price index
On an annual average basis, consumer prices for cellular services declined 11.9% from 2022 to 2023, while the all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3.9% over the same period. More information on annual average change in the cellular services price index
More information on annual average change in the cellular services price index
Description - The cellular services index and all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), annual average indexes and percent changes, 2017-2023
- The title of the chart is "The cellular services index and all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), annual average indexes and percent changes, 2017-2023."
- This line chart illustrates how the annual average cellular services index and the annual average all-items CPI have changed over time.
- The two index lines are presented with an index reference period of 2017=100.
- The horizontal axis displays the years, from 2017 to 2023, by increments of one year.
- The vertical axis displays the index values for both series, ranging from 50 to 120, in increments of 10.
- Annual average percent changes between consecutive years are indicated beside the corresponding line segments.
- From 2017 to 2023, the cellular services index declined from 100.0 to 57.6 (-42.4%). During the same period, the all-items CPI rose from 100.0 to 120.5 (+20.5%).
- Between the two most recent years in the chart (2022 to 2023), the cellular services index fell from 65.4 to 57.6 (-11.9%) and the all-items CPI increased from 116.0 to 120.5 (+3.9%).
What is it?
The cellular services index measures the change in prices experienced by consumers for cellular services. These services include local and long distance voice calls, text messaging and internet access on a cellular device. The index is part of the telephone services sub-group of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
To display both indexes with the same reference period in the chart, the all-items CPI line uses a reference period of 2017=100, which differs from other publications.
Due to rounding, the values in the chart may not match the values in other publications.
Last updated: June 2024
Source:
Table 18-10-0005-01, Consumer Price Index, annual average, not seasonally adjusted
Spending and prices for Internet access services
This section includes information on the amount spent by households and the prices paid by consumers for Internet access services.
Monthly spending on Internet access services
In 2021, households across all income quintiles spent approximately $74 per month on Internet access services or 1.2% of total monthly expenditures after tax. More information on monthly spending on Internet access services
More information on monthly spending on Internet access services
| All quintiles | Lowest quintile | Second quintile | Third quintile | Fourth quintile | Highest quintile | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total monthly expenditures after tax | $6,193.25 | $3,131.25 | $4,179.92 | $5,627.92 | $7,489.50 | $10,510.92 |
| Monthly expenditure on Internet access services | $73.83 | $53.92 | $67.42 | $76.33 | $80.08 | $91.42 |
| Internet access services expenditure as a percentage of total expenditures | 1.2% | 1.7% | 1.6% | 1.4% | 1.1% | 0.9% |
Description - Monthly Internet access services expenditure, by household income quintile, 2016-2021
- This is a line graph that shows monthly average expenditure for Internet access services based on the lowest, highest and all household income quintiles from 2016 to 2021. The data labels display the values in Canadian dollars, with the percentage of total expenditures shown in brackets.
- It has a vertical axis showing the monthly expenditure for Internet access services, ranging from $30 to $90 in increments of $10.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, from 2016 to 2021 in one year increments.
- The lines show that in 2016 the average monthly expenditure for Internet access services was $49.50 (0.9%) across all quintiles and increased to an average of $73.83 (1.2%) in 2021.
- The three most recent data points for average monthly expenditure for Internet access services are $91.42 (0.9%) for the highest quintile, $53.92 (1.7%) for the lowest quintile and $73.83 (1.2%) across all quintiles in 2021.
What is it?
Monthly spending on Internet access services as a percentage of total expenditure is monthly Internet access services expenditure divided by total monthly expenditure after tax and expressed as a percentage.
Expenditures refer to the values of the amounts that buyers pay, or agree to pay, to sellers in exchange for goods or services that sellers provide to them or to other institutional units designated by the buyers. The buyer incurring the liability to pay need not be the same unit that takes possession of the good or service. It is common for government units or non-profit institutions serving households to pay for goods or services that the sellers provide to households.
Household refers to a person or group of persons who occupy the same dwelling and do not have a usual place of residence elsewhere in Canada or abroad. The dwelling may be either a collective dwelling or a private dwelling. The household may consist of a family group such as a census family, of two or more families sharing a dwelling, of a group of unrelated persons or of a person living alone. Household members who are temporarily absent on reference day are considered part of their usual household.
Income used in the survey of household spending is from the previous year. For example, reference year 2019 uses revenues from 2018.
Source:
Table 11-10-0223-01, Household spending by household income quintile, Canada, regions and provinces
Monthly change in the Internet access services price index
Consumer prices for Internet access services decreased by 1.8% in August 2024 compared to August 2023. More information on monthly change in the Internet access services price index
Annual average change in the Internet access services price index
On an annual average basis, consumer prices for Internet access services declined 3.0% from 2022 to 2023, while the all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased 3.9% over the same period. More information on annual average change in the Internet access services price index
More information on annual average change in the Internet access services price index
Description - The Internet access services index and all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), annual average indexes and percent changes, 2017-2023
- The title of the chart is “The Internet access services index and all-items Consumer Price Index (CPI), annual average indexes and percent changes, 2017-2023.”
- This line chart illustrates how the annual average Internet access services index and the annual average all-items CPI have changed over time.
- The two index lines are presented with an index reference period of 2017=100.
- The horizontal axis displays the years, from 2017 to 2023, by increments of one year.
- The vertical axis displays the index values for both series, ranging from 95 to 120, in increments of 5.
- Annual average percent changes between consecutive years are indicated beside the corresponding line segments.
- From 2017 to 2023, the Internet access services index decreased from 100.0 to 98.3 (-1.7%). During the same period, the all-items CPI rose from 100.0 to 120.5 (+20.5%).
- Between the two most recent years in the chart (2022 to 2023), the Internet access services index fell from 101.4 to 98.3 (-3.1%) and the all-items CPI increased from 116.0 to 120.5 (+3.9%).
What is it?
The Internet access services index measures, through time, the cost of a constant level of Internet access purchased by consumers. The current consumer profiles used to track prices reflect the most popular types of high-speed services. The index is part of the communications sub-group of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
To display both indexes with the same reference period in the chart, both indexes use a reference period of 2017=100, which differs from other publications.
Due to rounding, the values in the chart may not match the values in other publications.
Source: June 2024
Source:
Table 18-10-0005-01, Consumer Price Index, annual average, not seasonally adjusted
Labour
This section provides information on earnings, employment, and trends in education levels and labour productivity in the telecommunications sector.
Employment level
In 2023, the wired and wireless telecommunications industry employed 100,640 people. More information
More information on employment level
![Number of employees, wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) [NAICS - 5173], 2018-2023](/sites/default/files/images/2024-06/subject-telecommunications-indicator-employment-level-2023-eng.png)
Description - Number of employees, wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) [NAICS - 5173], 2017-2023
- This is a bar graph that shows employment level in the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry based on the 2017 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
- It has a horizontal axis showing the years, 2018 to 2023 in 1-year increments.
- It has a vertical axis showing the employee counts, from 90,000 to 120,000 in 5000 (number of employees) increments.
- The bars show that in 2018 there were 110,872 employees in the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry, and there were 100,640 employees in 2023. The bars show that employees in this industry is decreasing over the years.
- The three most recent data points for the employment level in the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) industry was 101,546 in 2021, 102,309 in 2022, and 100,640 in 2023.
What is it?
- Employees
- Persons receiving pay for services rendered in Canada or for an employer paid absence, and for whom the employer is require to complete a Canada Revenue Agency T4 slip. These persons may work on a full-time, part-time, casual or temporary basis.
Employee count in this graph is the sum of employees paid by the hour, salaried employees and other employees. - Wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) (NAICS 5173)
- This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and video entertainment services to their customer premises and/or to mobile telecommunication devices over network facilities operated by them. These establishments can own a network, lease a network or combine leased and owned facilities and their networks can integrate various technologies.
Source: June 2024
Source:
- Survey of Employees Payroll and Hours
- Table 14-10-0202-01 Employment by Industry, Annual
Average weekly earnings
In 2023, the average weekly earnings for the wired and wireless telecommunications industry was $1,691, or $87,920 on an annual basis. This is higher than the service industry average weekly earnings of $1,146, or $59,573 on an annual basis. More information on average weekly earnings
More information on average weekly earnings
Description - Average weekly earnings, in dollars
- This is a grouped bar chart that shows the average weekly earnings for workers services industries and wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except Satellite) over time.
- It has a vertical axis showing the dollar amount, from 0 to 1,800 dollars in 200-dollar increments.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, 2019 to 2023 in 1-year increments.
- The bars show that in 2019 the average weekly earnings for workers in service producing industries was $972 and increased to a maximum of $1,146 in 2023. The average weekly earnings for workers in the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) was $1,279 in 2019, increasing to $1,691 in 2023.
- The three most recent data points for average weekly earnings for workers in service producing industries are $1,080 in 2021, $1,109 in 2022, and $1,146 in 2023. The three most recent data points for average weekly earnings for workers in the wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) are, $1,437 in 2021, $1,574 in 2022, and $1,691 in 2023.
What is it?
- Average weekly earnings
- The gross taxable payroll of an employee, including pay for overtime.
- Wired and wireless telecommunications carriers (except satellite) (NAICS 5173)
- This industry group comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and video entertainment services to their customer premises and/or to mobile telecommunication devices over network facilities operated by them. These establishments can own a network, lease a network or combine leased and owned facilities and their networks can integrate various technologies.
- Service-producing industries
- Service producing industries include the following codes of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS): trade (41-45N), transportation and warehousing (48-49), information and cultural industries (51), finance and insurance (52), real estate and rental and leasing (53), professional, scientific and technical services (54), management of companies and enterprises (55), administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (56), educational services (61), health care and social assistance (62), arts, entertainment and recreation (71), accommodation and food services (72), other services (except public administration) (81) and public administration (91).
Source: June 2024
Source:
- Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours (SEPH)
- Table 14-10-0204-01 Average Weekly Earnings by Industry, annual
Education level
In 2023, the percentage of persons employed in the telecommunication industry with a bachelor’s degree or above was 41.0%, up from 25.8% in 2003. More information on education level
More information on education level
Description - Persons Employed in the Telecommunication Industry with a University Degree, Percentage
- This line chart shows the percentage of persons employed in the telecommunications industry that hold a bachelor’s degree or above, over time.
- It has a vertical axis showing percentages, from 20 to 45.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, from 2003 to 2023, by increments of one year.
- The percent of persons employed with a bachelor’s degree or above was 25.8% in 2003 and steadily increased to 41.0% in 2023
- The three most recent data points were 42.7% in 2021, 42.0% in 2022 and 41.0% in 2023.
What is it?
This percentage represents the share of the total persons employed in the telecommunication industry that have a bachelor’s degree or above.
- Telecommunications (NAICS 517)
- This subsector comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing telecommunications and/or video entertainment services over their own networks, or over networks operated by others. The establishments of this subsector are grouped into industries on the basis of the nature of services provided (fixed or mobile), the type of network used to deliver those services (wireline or wireless), and the business model they employ (facilities-based or resale).
Last updated: September 2024
Source:
Labour Force Survey (LFS), Employment by Industry 517 – Telecommunications, Educational Attainment, Canada, Provinces and Territories, Annual, 1998 to 2023
Share of women in executive positions
In 2020, women held 16.4% of director board seats and 26.8% of officer positions in the telecommunications industry. More information on Share of women in executive positions
More information on Share of women in executive positions
Description - Share of women board directors and officers in the telecommunications industry, 2016-2020
- The title of the chart is "Share of women board directors and officers in the telecommunications industry, 2016-2020."
- This chart displays the share of women in executive positions (directors and officers) in the telecommunications industry and all industries over time.
- The vertical axis displays the percentage of women in executive positions.
- The vertical bars represent the percentage of women in executive positions in the telecommunications industry, while the horizontal lines represent the percentage of women in executive positions across all industries.
- The horizontal axis displays years, from 2016 to 2020, in increments of one year.
- From 2016 to 2020, the share of women board directors in the telecommunications industry decreased from 17.0% to 16.4% (-3.5%). During the same period, the share of women in director seats across all industries increased, from 17.8% to 20.5% (+15.2%).
- From 2016 to 2020, the share of women officers in the telecommunications industry increased from 24.2% to 26.8% (+10.7%). During the same period, the share of women officers across all industries also increased, from 29.0% to 31.4% (+8.3%).
What is it?
The share of women in executive positions measures the proportion of women board directors and officers for companies that conduct business in Canada. Diversity on boards may be measured by various demographic factors, such as: gender, age and racialized groups. Diverse boards may provide different perspectives on topics, which may enable better decision-making.
Executive
An executive is a person who occupies a leadership and decision-making role within an enterprise, and who contributes either as a board director or as an officer.
Directors
Directors are responsible for supervising the activities of the corporation and for making decisions regarding those activities.
Officers
Officers are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the corporation. Officers are appointed by the directors and, together with directors, form the management of the corporation. Officers can fill any position in the corporation that directors want them to fill (president, secretary or any other position).
Other notes
Due to rounding, the values in the chart may not match the values in other publications.
The denominators used in the calculations for the share of women in executive positions are not constant over time due to changes in the number of businesses in operation, and other changes in total employment.
Figures for reference year 2019 were revised since their initial release. The revisions came primarily from an update of the 2019 dataset and from methodological enhancements.
Source:
Table 33-10-0501-01, Representation of women and men on boards of directors and in officer positions, by firm attributes
Labour productivity level
In 2023, labour productivity in the telecommunications industry was $167.40 per hour, higher than the value for all service-producing businesses ($54.00 per hour). More information on labour productivity level
More information on labour productivity level
Description – Labour productivity in the telecommunications industry and for all service-producing businesses, chained (2017) dollars per hour, 2013-2023
- The title of chart is "Labour productivity in the telecommunications industry and for all service-producing businesses, chained (2017) dollars per hour, 2013-2023."
- This line chart illustrates how the labour productivity level in the telecommunications industry and for all service-producing businesses has changed over time.
- The vertical axis displays output per hour in chained (2017) dollars per hour, ranging from 40 to 180, in increments of 20.
- The horizontal axis displays years, from 2013 to 2023, in increments of one year.
- Between the two most recent years of the chart (2022 and 2023), labour productivity in the telecommunications industry decreased from $174.90 per hour in 2022 to $167.40 per hour in 2023. Labour productivity for all service-producing businesses fell from $54.60 per hour to $54.00 per hour over the same time period.
- From 2013 to 2023, labour productivity in the telecommunications industry rose from $139.90 per hour to $167.40 per hour. Labour productivity for all service-producing businesses increased from $48.00 per hour to $54.00 per hour over the same time period.
What is it?
- Labour productivity calculation
- Labour productivity, or real output per hour, is calculated by dividing the real output of an industry, sector or economy by the number of hours worked used in its production process. The real output is measured in terms of real value added (in chained 2017 dollars).
- By assessing the levels and growth rates of this ratio (output per hour worked) over time, data users can gain a general indication of the efficiency and quality of human capital in the production process for a given economic context. In particular, it can provide an indication of the impact of innovations on the production of an industry, sector or economy.
- Service-producing businesses
- Service-producing businesses include business establishments of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes 41, 44-45, 48-49, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 61, 62, 71, 72, and 81, with the exception of the owner-occupied dwellings industry.
- Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures
- In 2020 and 2021, productivity data were particularly volatile, reflecting the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures on economic activity and the labour market.
Last updated: June 2024
Source:
Table 36-10-0480-01, Labour productivity and related measures by business sector industry and by non-commercial activity consistent with the industry accounts
Labour productivity growth
Over the last decade (2013 to 2023), labour productivity in the telecommunications industry grew by 19.7% (+1.9% per year on average), while it increased by 10.4% (+1.1% per year on average) for all service-producing businesses. More information on labour productivity growth
Wireless networks infrastructure and coverage
Wireless networks are used to make phone calls and access the internet throughout Canada. This section provides information on data usage, access to and availability of wireless networks in Canada.
5G coverage map
This map shows 5G coverage in Canada. The shaded areas show where 5G networks are in operation, and the non-shaded areas show where there are no 5G networks currently in operation. More information on 5G coverage
More information on 5G coverage
This map shows 5G coverage in Canada. The shaded areas show where 5G networks are in operation, and the non-shaded areas show where there are no 5G networks currently in operation. Visit an interactive version at 2020-2022 Expansion of 5G coverage on the CRTC website.
For the above map, the data is available for export through the Cartovista Data panel using the Export button; the Data panel is available on the bottom left-hand side of the map. Detailed instructions on how to use Cartovista maps are available on the Cartovista website.
Source:
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Communication Monitoring Report
Communications Market Reports - Current trends - Mobile wireless | CRTC
Access to mobile networks
In 2022, 91.3% of Canadians had access to 5G networks and 99.5% of Canadians had access to LTE networks. More information on access to mobile networks
Mobile subscriptions
The number of subscriptions to mobile services in Canada was 35.4M in 2022, up from 33.6M in 2021. More information on mobile subscriptions
More information on mobile subscriptions
Description - Number of mobile subscriptions in Canada, in millions
- This is a line chart that shows the number of mobile subscriptions in Canada from 2017 to 2022.
- It has a vertical axis showing the number of mobile subscriptions (in millions), from 30 to 37 in one million increments.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, 2017 to 2022 in 1-year increments
- The line show that in 2017 the number of mobile subscriptions was 31.7 million and steadily increased to 35.4 million in 2022.
- The three most recent data points are 32.4M in 2020, 33.6M in 2021 and 35.4M in 2022.
- Due to changes in accounting methods, comparisons of the data prior to 2020 should be done with caution.
Mobile subscriptions are defined by SIM cards tied to an active phone number, as of Dec 31.
Source:
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Communications Monitoring Report
Data usage
Canadians used an average of 5.7 GB of mobile data per month in 2022, up from 4.7 GB reported in 2020. This was below the OECD average of 10.4 GB of mobile data usage that was reported in 2022. More information on data usage
More information on data usage
Description - Average data usage per subscriber with a data plan, 2014-2022
- This is a line graph that shows the average data usage per subscriber with a data plan over time.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, 2014 to 2021 in one year increments.
- It has a vertical axis showing the monthly average data usage amount, from 0 to 5 GB/month in 1 GB/month increments.
- The line shows that in 2014 the average data usage per subscriber was 1 GB/month and increased in the next few years, reaching 5.7 GB/month in 2022.
- The three most recent data points for monthly average data usage per subscriber are 3.7 GB/month in 2020, 4.7 GB/month in 2021and 5.7 GB/month in 2022.
What is it?
Monthly data usage is the monthly average of data traffic to and from mobile devices. This indicator represents changes in preferences of consumers and data traffic on mobile infrastructure.
Source:
Download and upload speeds
For the period of April 1 to June 30, 2024, the National average mobile network download and upload speeds, were 62.6 Mbps and 10.6 Mbps respectively, as experienced by all users across the mobile networks of all operators. For reference, it is recommended that a minimum download speed of 5.0 Mbps is used to stream HD quality video, or 25 Mbps for UHD (4K) video. More information on download and upload speeds
Internet services infrastructure and coverage
Residential high-speed Internet services are provided to homes through various technologies such as DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home)/ FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises), satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. This section provides information on data usage, access, availability and subscriptions to residential high-speed Internet in Canada.
Broadband Internet service availability
This map gives an overview of broadband Internet coverage in Canada in 2021. Shaded areas indicate where broadband Internet services are available, and unshaded areas indicate where no broadband Internet services are available. More information on broadband Internet service availability
More information on broadband Internet service availability
This map gives an overview of broadband Internet coverage in Canada.
Broadband Internet access refers to Internet services with download speeds of 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) or faster that are accessed via DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home)/ FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises), satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. This access excludes dial-up and mobile wireless services.
Shaded areas indicate where broadband Internet services are available, and unshaded areas indicate where no broadband Internet services are available. Visit an interactive version at 2018-2021 Fixed broadband service availability on the CRTC website.
For the above map, the data is available for export through the Cartovista Data panel using the Export button; the Data panel is available on the bottom left-hand side of the map. Detailed instructions on how to use Cartovista maps are available on the Cartovista website.
Access to broadband Internet services
In 2021, 91.4% of Canadian households had access to unlimited broadband Internet coverage with at least 50 megabits per second (Mbps) upload and 10 Mbps download speeds (often referred to as "50/10"), meeting the Government of Canada's goal for national broadband availability in 2021. More information on access to broadband Internet services
Residential broadband Internet subscriptions
The number of residential broadband Internet subscriptions in Canada was 13.1M in 2022, up from 12.4M in 2021. More information on residential broadband Internet subscriptions
More information on residential broadband Internet subscriptions
Description - Number of residential broadband Internet subscriptions, in Millions, 2017-2022
- This is a line chart that shows the number of residential broadband Internet subscriptions in Canada from 2017 to 2022.
- It has a vertical axis showing the number of residential subscriptions (in millions), from 11 to 14 in one million subscriptions increments.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, from 2017 to 2022 in 1-year increments.
- The line shows that in 2017, the number of residential broadband subscriptions was 11.1M and steadily increased to 13.1M in 2022.
- For the three most recent data points are 12.0M in 2020, 12.4M in 2021 and 13.1M in 2022.
What is it?
The number of residential broadband Internet subscriptions is the sum of large incumbent telecommunications service provider broadband and cable-based carrier broadband subscriptions.
Broadband Internet access refers to Internet services with download speeds of 1.5 Mbps or faster that are accessed via DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home)/ FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises), satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. This access excludes dial-up and mobile wireless services.
Source:
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Communications Market Reports
Average monthly data usage per high-speed residential Internet subscription
In 2022, the average monthly data used per high-speed residential Internet service subscription was 482.5 GB, an increase of 9% from 2021. More information on average monthly data usage per high-speed residential Internet subscription
More information on average monthly data usage per high-speed residential Internet subscription
Description - Average monthly data usage per high-speed Internet subscription
- This is a line graph that shows the average monthly data usage per high-speed Internet subscription over time.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, 2014 to 2022, in one-year increments.
- It has a vertical axis showing monthly data usage, from 50 to 500 GB/month in 50 GB/month increments.
- The line shows that in 2014 the monthly average data used per high-speed residential Internet subscription was 75.1 GB and increased over time, reaching 482.5 GB in 2022.
- The three most recent data points for monthly average data usage per high-speed Internet subscription are 385.6 GB/month in 2020, 443.9 GB/month in 2021 and, 482.5 GB/month in 2022.
What is it?
The average monthly data usage is the sum of the average download and upload data usage.
High-speed access refers to Internet services with download speeds of 256 kilobits per second (Kbps) or faster that are accessed via DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, FTTH (Fibre-to-the-Home)/ FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises), satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. This access excludes dial-up and mobile wireless services.
Source:
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, Communications Market Reports
Investment
This section includes information on investment commitments as well as the prime rate and exchange rate applicable to these investments.
Spectrum
In 2023, 4099 spectrum licences were auctioned in the 3800 MHz band for a total value of $2.16 billion or $0.26 per MHz per person ($/MHz-Pop). More information on spectrum
Research and development
Total in-house research and development (R&D) spending in the telecommunications industry was roughly $837 million in 2020, a decrease from 2019 ($840 million) and 2018 ($845 million). More information on research and development
Capital expenditures
Capital expenditure in the wired and wireless telecommunications industry was estimated to be 12.1 billion dollars in 2023, or roughly 307 dollars per Canadian. More information on capital expenditures
Prime rate
The current prime interest rate is 6.45. More information on prime rate
Exchange rate (USD/CAD)
The current exchange rate is 1.3546 Canadian Dollars for one US Dollar. More information on exchange rate
Smartphone use
Increased functionality of smartphones has changed the way Canadians interact with one another. This section provides data on the use, activities and habits of smartphone users in Canada.
Smartphone Internet access
In 2022, 85% of Canadians used a smartphone to access the Internet. The proportion was highest among those aged 25 to 34 (98%), and lowest among those aged 75 and over (37%). However, those aged 75 and over saw the largest increase from 2020 (+10 percentage points). More information on Smartphone Internet access
More information on Smartphone Internet access
Description - Percentage of Canadians that used a smartphone to access the Internet, by age group, 2020-2022
- This is a grouped bar chart displaying the percentage of Canadians that used a smartphone to access the Internet in both 2020 and 2022, disaggregated by age groups.
- The vertical axis displays the percentage of Canadians, from 0% to 100%.
- The horizonal axis displays different age groups, except for the first group which displays all age groups combined.
- The legend has two groups, blue bars for 2020 and orange bars for 2022.
- The chart shows that younger age groups (age 15 to 44) have percentages above 96% for both years, while older age groups have lower values. However, the older age groups also saw larger percentage point increases from 2020 to 2022.
What is it?
A smartphone is a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, Internet access, and an operating system capable of running downloaded applications. Apple iPhone and Samsung Galaxy are examples of smartphones.
Source:
Size of monthly mobile data plan
In 2022, almost a fifth of Canadians (19%) had a monthly data plan of 1 GB to less than 6 GB, while approximately one in six Canadians (16%) had a data plan of 30 GB or more. More information on Size of monthly mobile data plan
More information on Size of monthly mobile data plan
Description - Size of Canadians' monthly data plans, all individuals, 2022
- This is a bar chart displaying the percentage of Canadians that have each type of data plan.
- The vertical axis displays the percentage of Canadians, from 0 to 20%.
- The horizonal axis displays the different types of monthly mobile data plans, from "less than 1 GB" to "30 or more GB". "Pay as you go or pre-paid" is also included.
- The percentage for each plan type is as follows: 4% for "less than 1 GB"; 19% for "1 to less than 6 GB"; 12% for "6 to less than 10 GB"; 14% for "10 to less than 20 GB"; 7% for "20 to less than 30 GB"; 16% for "30 or more GB"; and 1% for "pay as you go or pre-paid."
What is it?
A data plan is a mobile Internet service for a wireless handheld device that allows users to access the Internet from anywhere via a 3G, 4G, 5G or LTE network. The service is provided by mobile operators for a fee that may be billed monthly or on a per-usage basis.
Canadians without data plans are excluded from all categories in the chart.
Source:
Smartphone habits
In 2020, 51.2% of Canadians said they check their smartphone as the last thing that they do before going to sleep. More information on smartphone habits
Cord cutting
In 2021, 52.2% of households in Canada reported they had a cellphone and no landline, up from 12.7% in 2011. Close to 85% of households with a respondent less than 30 years old reported they had a cellphone and no landline. More information on cord cutting
More information on cord cutting
Percentage of households with cellphone and no landline, by age group, 2011 and 2021
| Age group | 2011 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| All | 12.7 | 52.2 |
| Age less than 30 | 46.5 | 84.9 |
| Age 30 to 39 | 23.1 | 85.7 |
| Age 40 to 54 | 8.8 | 59.6 |
| Age 55 to 64 | 4.0 | 41.5 |
| Age 65 and over | 1.4 | 21.3 |
Description - Percentage of households with cellphone and no landline, by age group, 2011 and 2021
- This is a line graph displaying the percentage of households of all ages with a cellphone and no landline from 2011-2021.
- The vertical axis displays the percentage of households, from 0 to 60%.
- It has a horizontal axis showing years, from 2011 to 2021 in two year increments.
- The line shows that in 2011 the percentage of households with a cellphone and no landline was 12.7% and increased to 52.2% in 2021.
What is it?
Percentage of households that reported they had a cellphone and no landline. Household age is determined by the respondent who reported for the Survey of Household Spending.
Last updated: July 2024
Source:
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission Communications Market Reports
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Communications Market Reports (CMR) provide financial and performance information on Canada's communications market sectors. The CMR are intended to support an open and informed public discussion of broadcasting and telecommunications regulatory policies and issues.
