At Koodo, we want to make sure you’re always getting the best possible experience when browsing, streaming, and sharing. That’s why we are automatically updating all existing Koodo customers on a Pick Your Perk plan to our fast 5G network with download speeds up to 1Gbps—completely on us. No hidden catches, no extra costs. Just more speed! 

## General Overview

__What is this network update?__

We are modernizing our network experience for loyal Koodo customers. Over the next few months, we are phasing out older speed caps (like 3G or limited 4G/5G speeds) and moving the existing customers on Koodo Pick Your Perk plans with those older speed caps up to our high-speed __5G network experience with download speeds up to 1Gbps (1,000 Mbps).__

While most plans are getting a speed boost, select plans—typically our Starter Plans—will remain at 3G or 4G speeds. Your plan details will advise what speed is included.

__When is this happening?__

We are rolling out this update in phases to ensure a seamless transition. Your account will automatically get the new 5G 1Gbps speeds sometime over the next 6 months, with zero interruptions to your service. We’ll send you a confirmation as soon as it's done. __Want it sooner?__ If you get a new phone on a Tab or change your rate plan after May 21, 2025 to one of the new 5G 1Gbps plans, you won't have to wait—you'll automatically get the new 5G 1Gbps speeds right away! 

## Impact on Your Plan & Account

__What is happening to my existing plan and my bill?__

Your monthly rate plan price, data bucket, and promotional bill credits will not change. However, depending on your current plan features, you might need to select a new perk:

  - __If you don't have the "Speed Boost" perk:__ Nothing changes on your plan except your network speed gets an automatic upgrade.
  - __If you currently have the "Speed Boost" perk active:__ Because your new baseline speed is automatically jumping up to 5G 1Gbps, your Speed Boost perk will no longer be needed. Our system will safely remove this obsolete perk during the migration. __The best part?__ Once you’ve received the confirmation from us that your migration has completed, you can log into Self Serve and choose a brand-new free perk of your choice in the available options (like Unlimited International SMS or Data Rollover)! See [Koodo’s Pick Your Perk Plans](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/help/koodos-pick-your-perk-plans) for more details on how to change your Perk online.

__Will the name of my plan change?__

You might notice a tiny change in your Self Serve account profile or on your bill description. To make sure everything matches your upgraded network access, we are updating legacy descriptions (like "3G speed") to say "5G speed up to 1Gbps." 

__Do I need to take any action to get this upgrade?__ 

No action is required! This upgrade is entirely managed by our system on the back end. You don't have to change your plan, click any links, or call us. 

## Network & Device Requirements 

__Do I need a specific phone to access 5G speeds?__

Yes. To experience full 5G speeds up to 1Gbps, you will need a __5G-compatible device__ that is running the latest software version, and you must be within a __Koodo 5G network coverage area__.

To check if your device is 5G capable, you can use Koodo's device compatibility checker. Here's how:
  - Visit the compatibility tool at [www.telus.com/volte](https://www.telus.com/volte)
  - Enter your device information to confirm compatibility

__What if I have an older 4G LTE phone?__

No problem at all! If your current phone doesn't support 5G, you don't need to run out and buy a new one. Your phone will continue to work perfectly on our reliable 4G LTE network. While you won't hit 1Gbps speeds on an older LTE device, you will naturally inherit the maximum optimal performance your phone can handle on our 4G infrastructure until you decide to upgrade to a 5G phone down the road.

For specific details about 4G coverage in your area, you can check out [Koodo's coverage map](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/network) to see exactly where 4G service is available in your region.

*5G network access and up to 1Gbps speeds require a compatible 5G device, the latest device software version, and connection to a Koodo 5G network area. Speed and signal strength may vary based on your device, configuration, traffic, environmental factors, and network topology. Standard Koodo account conditions and data limits apply.*

Network

Mobility

Network Traffic Management

Koodo 5G network speed upgrade (up to 1Gbps)

At Koodo, the choice is yours – even when it comes to speed. There are three speed experiences you can choose in our rate plans, based on your needs and budget: __3G, 4G, and 5G__.

All Koodo plans run on reliable and award-winning 5G and 4G LTE networks. We offer the below data speeds that you can choose from. 3G speeds may reach up to 3 Mbps download speed, and 4G speeds may reach up to 100 Mbps download speed. New and existing customers on 5G plans may reach up to 1Gbit/s download speed, and 5G speed may reach up to 1Gbit/s download speed.

The 5G network is the ‘fifth generation’ of cellular network technology (or mobile internet) that has increased speeds, reliability, and capacity, giving you a better browsing experience. If you are on a 3G speed or 4G speed plan, you may see the 5G logo on your phone, that is normal. You’re getting the reliability of the 5G network at the speed (and price) of your 3G/4G speed plan.

Network speeds vary with location, signal, environmental conditions, Internet traffic, network management, customer device and customer rate plan. Access to the 5G network requires a compatible device and rate plan. Coverage areas are approximate. Actual coverage, network services and technology can vary and are subject to change.

__Note:__ 3G speed plans are also compatible with optional add-ons like VoLTE, Wi-fi Calling, Easy Roam, Call Control, and data top-ups.

*Speed and signal strength may vary with your device, configuration, Internet traffic, environmental conditions, applicable network management, and other factors.*

## FAQs

__1. What is 5G?__

The 5G network is the ‘fifth generation’ of cellular network technology (or mobile internet) that has increased speeds, reliability, and capacity, giving you a better browsing experience. <br><br>

__2. How can I get 5G network access?__

To access the 5G network, existing customers on a [5G speed plan](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/rate-plans?INTCMP=KMNew_NavMenu_Shop_Plans) must be using a 5G enabled device, and be in an area that has 5G network coverage. Check out our [coverage map](http://koodomobile.com/en/network) to learn more. <br><br>

__3. How do I know if I have 5G network access?__

If you are an existing customer using a 5G enabled device on a 5G speed plan, in an area that has access to 5G network coverage, then you will see the 5G icon on the top right corner of your screen.

If you are on a 3G speed or 4G speed plan, you may see the 5G logo on your phone. You’re getting the reliability of the 5G network at the speed (and price) of your 3G/4G speed plan.<br><br>

__4. What’s the difference between 5G speed plans and 4G speed plans?__

New and existing customers on plans with 5G speeds may reach download speeds of up to 1Gbit/s, while plans with 4G speed may reach download speeds of up to 100 Mbps, no matter what network you are connected to or the network logo you see on your device. Network speeds vary with location, signal, environmental conditions, Internet traffic, network management, customer device and customer rate plan. Access to the 5G network requires a compatible device and rate plan.

A plan with 5G speeds does not guarantee access to the 5G network. 5G network access requires a compatible device and connection to Koodo’s 5G network, where available. However, even with a 4G capable device and a connection to the 4G LTE network, you can still get a plan with 5G speeds.<br><br>

__5. Why has my data/internet connection slowed down?__

Mobile data throttling (slowed data connection as a result of being pushed down to a lower speed) occurs when you’ve used up the data on your account. Note that if you are an existing customer with the Unlimited Data perk on your account, it allows you to use as much data as you like while in Canada and never be charged data overages.  

However, after your plan’s high-speed data is used, your maximum speed will be reduced to a maximum of 512 Kbps for the rest of your billing cycle. This means you’ll still be able to browse the Internet and use email, but video quality will be reduced and other high-bandwidth applications will take longer to load. For more info, check out Koodo’s Network Traffic Management Policy at [koodo.com/NTMP](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/help/koodos-network-traffic-management-policies).


 Speed experience in rate plans

__Learn how to get more full-speed data until the end of your billing cycle with Fast Passes.__

If you need more full-speed data until your next billing cycle, Fast Passes are add-ons available to existing customers who are on a [Pick Your Perk](https://www.koodomobile.com/en/services/pickyourperk) plan with the Unlimited Data perk.

You can add a Fast Pass at any time in [Koodo Self Serve](http://koodo.com/selfserve). Once you’ve logged in to Self Serve, from the “Self Serve” dropdown, select __Usage__ and follow the instructions on the Fast Pass banner at the top of the page.

You'll also be able to add Fast Passes by replying to SMS data notifications. 

__Note:__ Fast Passes can’t be purchased through a Koodo rep.

| Fast Pass               | Price | Included data |
|-------------------------|-------|---------------|
| Fast Pass - 5 GB top-up | $20   | 5 GB          |

__Good to know__

- Fast Passes can be used only by existing customers on Pick Your Perk plans with the legacy Unlimited Data perk.
- Once a Fast Pass is added, it’ll be available until the end of the current billing cycle and won’t carry over to the next billing cycle.
- Once the Fast Pass has been completely used, you’ll experience reduced data speed until your next billing cycle or your next Fast Pass purchase.
- You can purchase a Fast Pass up to 3 times within each billing cycle.


Adding Fast Passes

## What network traffic management means

Data usage is growing in Canada and to make sure that our customers receive a consistent user experience, we manage the traffic on our wireless networks. This means that we use advanced network management technology, like reduced speeds for the Unlimited Data add-on and video experience optimization.

Our Koodo network traffic management policies are explained below:

<div class="collapsible">
  <h3> Unlimited Data  </h3>
</div>
<div class="content">

__If you're using wireless data and have Unlimited Data as a Koodo plan perk or a purchased add-on,__ we may reduce or “control” your speeds when your data usage exceeds a specific range of use or threshold. 

## FAQ

__1. Why is Koodo implementing reduced speeds after my plan reaches its full-speed data threshold?__

Unlimited Data allows you to use as much data as you like while in Canada without being charged data overages. After your plan’s full-speed data bucket is exhausted, Koodo will reduce the maximum speed for the remainder of your bill cycle. This allows us to minimize the impact on the experience of our overall customer base of a small number of users with uncharacteristically high usage. As a result, Koodo can maintain an exceptional network experience for all of our customers. 

__2. How does it work?__

When your total data usage exceeds the full-speed data bucket included in your rate plan during your bill cycle, your data speeds will be reduced to a maximum of 512 Kilobits per second (Kbps) for downloads and uploads for the remainder of your bill cycle. Your data speeds will be reset to full speed on the first day of your next bill cycle. 

__3. Who does reduced speeds apply to?__

All existing customers who have a Koodo Unlimited Data add-on or plan perk and who reach their full-speed data threshold during their bill cycle will experience reduced speeds for the remainder of that bill cycle.

__4. What is the impact of reduced speeds?__

Reduced speeds should not affect any applications that require less than 512Kbps of download bandwidth or 512Kbps of upload bandwidth, but it could affect the performance of applications that normally require greater bandwidth. This means you’ll still be able to browse the Internet and use email, but video quality will be reduced, and other high-bandwidth applications will take longer to load. Reduced speeds apply to all types of data traffic, except Voice over LTE (where available), and it doesn’t apply to circuit switch-based voice services (including 911).

__5. What are some activities that can trigger significant data usage?__

The following are some examples of activities that could trigger significant data usage:

- Streaming/downloading video or audio from the Internet
- Sharing your phone’s mobile data connection with a laptop (tethering, where permitted) or with other smartphones (for example, by creating a personal hotspot)
- Using navigation apps
- Uploading or sharing photos and videos through social media, email, or messaging apps
- Browsing the Internet for prolonged periods
- Using apps that automatically update or require the use of location-based services

__6. How can I manage and track my data usage?__

The following tips can help you manage your data usage:

- Connect to a Wi-Fi network when available
- Update applications over Wi-Fi
- Close and sign out of applications whenever possible

To track your data usage, you can use Koodo [Self Serve](https://www.koodomobile.com/my-account/selector?redirect_url=/my-account/usage&env=ra). 

  </div>

<div class="collapsible">
  <h3> Wireless Video Experience Optimization  </h3>
</div>
<div class="content">

## FAQ <br><br>

__1. What is Wireless Network Experience Optimization?__

In order to enhance the overall performance of our networks for all customers and provide the best possible experience when viewing web pages and streaming videos on your mobile wireless device, we’ve implemented Wireless Network Experience Optimization which improves video streaming and web page loading by encoding files to reduce their size. As a result, videos may load faster and may have less buffering. You may also use less data, which can save you money.

With Wireless Network Experience Optimization in place, you can continue to access the same range of Internet content, applications and services, subject to the general rules in our standard mobility Service Terms.<br><br>

__2. Why is Koodo implementing Optimization?__

The radio spectrum in Canada that is needed to support data use is limited and the networks that rely on this spectrum are rapidly becoming congested. At Koodo, we want to make the best use of the spectrum available to us by ensuring fair access for all customers. As a result, we’ve implemented Wireless Network Experience Optimization throughout our wireless network by managing the amount of bandwidth consumed by streaming videos. <br><br>

__3. What types of Internet content will be optimized?__

Optimization may apply to any detected streaming video that is accessed on a mobile wireless device over the Koodo network in Canada. Optimization doesn’t apply to videos or images saved or downloaded to your device, video messages, or conferencing, or videos you stream when connected to a Wi-Fi network. The level of optimization will differ if optimization by certain video content providers is more restrictive, which in turn will define customer experience.<br><br>

__4. Who does video optimization apply to and when?__

Video network optimization applies to all of our wireless customers. Any device connected to the Koodo wireless network will be optimized in order to preserve the performance of our network and ensure fair access for all customers. This includes smartphones, tablets, Internet keys, and smart hubs. 

Video Experience Optimization has been in effect since November 31, 2012. Web Image Optimization has been in effect as of April 17, 2015. 

  </div>

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