New >>> UPDATE
Fido is still available at fido.ca
Rogers has acquired Fido and will continue to offer the Fido brand.
Fido operates on the GSM network.
Fido customers will continue to enjoy
per second billing, really good rate plans and will have the option to gain access to all the GSM towers combined (Fido and Rogers). Additional air time, roaming, and long distance are billed at very low rates
Telus digital operates on the CDMA network. Telus uses its own towers as well as all Bell CDMA towers, giving Telus clients the
largest digital coverage in Canada.
All
Telus handsets use CDMA. Really old Telus handsets used Rogers analog towers when the digital signal was absent. Since 2000 all
Telus handsets use all analog towers when needed, but with their extensive digital coverage, it is rarely needed.
Telus has more rate plans to chose from than any other carrier. They offer match-it plans so they can match plans from other carriers.
Telus has the lowest cost plans and can offer
per second billing, matching Fido's low cost additional air time, roaming, and long distance rates.
Telus also offers the "MIKE" brand digital network that has a very powerful signal that works very well in buildings and elevators.
Summary for best coverage and rate plans:
Fido if you need a world phone.
Telus if you only use the phone in North America.