Internet, cable/TV subscriptions are lesser priorities
TORONTO — More than 80% of newcomers sign up for a wireless account within a month of arriving in Canada, according to consumer research firm Solutions Research Group’s (SRG) Newcomers to Canada 2022 study, released today.
Getting a wireless account is as much of a priority for newcomers as opening a bank account and finding a place to live, according to the study, which was based on interviews conducted in late spring/early summer 2022 with 970 newcomers and 531 Canadian “general population” respondents.
In comparison, 65% of newcomers to Canada signed up with an Internet provider within their first month in the country, and only 39% had purchased a cable or TV subscription within that timeframe, with many becoming “cord-nevers”, the report says.
The study found Fido is the leading wireless brand among newcomers with a 19% share, followed by Bell (17%), Rogers (16%) and Freedom Mobile (11%).
“When it comes to Internet service providers, Bell and Rogers are head-to-head in the GTA with 37% share of newcomer households each, while Bell is head-to-head with Videotron in Montreal. In Western Canada, Telus is the top ISP among newcomers with 43% share,” the report says.
Asked about their language preference for TV “all else being equal”, 55% of newcomer respondents choose English/French and 45% choose other languages, according to the study.
“In-language TV is preferred to keep up with established viewing habits and as a way to stay connected to home cultures while English/French language TV is a window to their new community and also a way to improve fluency for some,” reads the report.
In terms of how they spend their time daily, Internet and mobile consumption lead among newcomers. When it comes to TV/video, CBC, CTV and Netflix are the leading brands, according to the report.
“Top in-language TV/Video entertainment options include Fairchild, CCTV, Omni (Chinese newcomers); GMA Pinoy, TFC (newcomers from the Philippines); and Aapka Colors, Sony and ZeeTV for newcomers from South Asian countries such as India.”
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