Fido scraps bonus data, raises plan data buckets by 5-10GB

Rogers-owned Fido has stripped the bonus data off its plans and incorporated it directly into the plan, raising the included data allotment.

Over the last several weeks, Fido and other flanker brands like Telus’ Koodo and Bell’s Virgin Plus have had on-again, off-again bonus data promotions. Initially, Fido offered 10GB (and later, 13GB on some plans) of bonus data for the Lunar New Year, but it removed the bonus data on January 28th.

A day later, it brought back the bonus data, but at smaller 5GB and 10GB allotments that weren’t explicitly for the Lunar New Year. The second round of bonus data wasn’t as good as before. On top of less data, the new bonuses were applied to more expensive plans. For example, instead of the original $40/50GB + 10GB bonus, Fido had a $45/50GB + 10GB bonus.

Fido has kept the second round of bonus data available since January 29th, eventually prompting Koodo and Virgin to copy it with their own data and price increases.

But as of February 13th, Fido’s website shows the bonus data was removed. Instead, Fido’s plans now include increased data buckets. For example, the $45/50GB + 10GB bonus is now a $45/60GB plan with no bonus. Similarly, Fido’s $55/75GB + 5GB bonus plan is now a $55/80GB plan.

As before, Fido offers 4G data with speeds capped at up to 150Mbps. The plans also include unlimited Canada-wide calling and international text, plus other standard features. Further, the prices include $10/mo autopay discounts.

While that might not sound like a significant difference, the change is actually for the better. Fido’s data bonuses were set to expire after 24 months. By including the extra data directly into the plans, customers no longer have to worry about losing data if they keep their plan for more than two years.

The change also brings Fido’s plans more in line with Virgin Plus, which included the increased data directly in the plan instead of as a limited-time bonus. At the time of writing, however, Virgin still only offered a $45/60GB plan and now $55/80GB option. Koodo, on the other hand, still offered $45/50GB + 10GB bonus and $55/75GB + 5GB bonus plans, though Koodo’s bonus data lacks an expiry date.

I suspect Koodo and Virgin might make adjustments to match Fido in the near future. However, even with the new changes, Fido’s plans aren’t great. For one, Fido just increased its connection fee by $5 to $75, making it more expensive to switch to Fido than other providers (at least until the other brands raise their connection fees).

Beyond the connection fee, it’s hard to recommend a $45/60GB 4G plan when providers like Freedom Mobile and Public Mobile have $39/60GB 5G Canada/U.S./Mexico plans. Why pay more for worse data and fewer features? Plus, Freedom’s connection fee is only $45, making it even more appealing.

You can check out Fido’s plans here, or use our rate plan tool to find the best offer for you here.