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How to Cancel Bell, Rogers, or Telus TV (And What to Do Instead)
Cable bills in Canada average between $100 and $130 per month. If you’re tired of paying that much for channels you never watch, here’s exactly how to get out — and what to replace it with.
Why Canadians are cancelling cable
More than one million Canadian households cancelled cable in the last three years. The reasons are consistent: prices increase every year, most channels go unwatched, and streaming alternatives now cover everything cable used to offer at a fraction of the cost.
How to cancel Bell TV
Call Bell at 1-800-668-6878 and ask to cancel your TV service. You will likely be transferred to their retention team, who will offer discounts to keep you. Be polite but firm. Once cancelled:
- Request a cancellation confirmation number by email
- Return all Bell equipment (receivers, remotes) within 30 days to avoid charges
- Check your final bill for any early termination fees if you are under contract
How to cancel Rogers TV
Call Rogers at 1-888-764-3771 or log into MyRogers to initiate online. Rogers will also attempt to retain you with promotional pricing. Steps after cancelling:
- Note the exact date your service ends
- Return the cable box and any rental equipment within the specified window
- Keep your internet service — Rogers offers internet-only plans
How to cancel Telus TV
Call Telus at 1-888-811-2323. If you are on a 2-year contract, check for early termination fees before calling. Telus will try to offer you a loyalty discount — evaluate whether it closes the gap with what you would pay switching to IPTV.
What to replace cable with
You do not need to give up live TV. A combination of the following covers everything cable offered:
- IPTV (TiviLeaf): 20,000+ live channels including all major Canadian networks, sports, and French channels. Starting from $9 CAD/month.
- OTA antenna: A $30–$50 antenna picks up CBC, CTV, Global, and TVA for free over the air in most Canadian cities.
- On-demand streaming: Netflix, Crave, or Club illico for movies and series.
How much you will save
A typical Bell TV + internet bundle runs $155/month. Switching to internet-only ($65) + TiviLeaf ($9) + one streaming service ($17) comes to $91/month. That is a saving of $768 per year.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose local channels like CBC and CTV?
No. Both are available on TiviLeaf and also free over the air with a basic antenna in most Canadian markets.
Can I keep my internet and cancel only TV?
Yes. Bell, Rogers, and Telus all offer standalone internet plans. You are not required to bundle.
How long does cancellation take?
Most cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing cycle, typically within 30 days of the call.
Before You Call: What to Have Ready
Cancellation calls in Canada are handled by retention teams whose job is to keep you. Going in prepared shortens the call considerably and protects you from the most common billing problems afterwards.
- Your account number and the name the account is registered under. Only the account holder can cancel.
- Your contract end date. Ask for it explicitly if you are unsure — it determines whether an early-termination fee applies.
- A list of rented equipment. Set-top boxes, PVRs, modems and remotes are usually all rentals.
- Your preferred cancellation date, ideally at the end of a billing cycle since most Canadian providers do not prorate.
- Something to take notes with. Record the agent's name, the time and the reference number for the call.
Early Termination Fees, Explained
If you are inside a term contract, cancelling early triggers a fee. The structure varies but generally declines over the term:
| Time remaining | Typical fee | Usually worth paying? |
|---|---|---|
| More than 18 months | $300–$400 | Rarely — the fee exceeds the saving |
| 12–18 months | $200–$300 | Sometimes, if the monthly gap is large |
| 6–12 months | $100–$200 | Often yes |
| Under 3 months | $0–$100 | Usually cheaper to wait it out |
The arithmetic is simple: multiply your projected monthly saving by the months remaining, and compare that against the fee. If you are saving $80 a month with four months left, waiting saves you nothing over paying a $200 fee — but with sixteen months left, waiting is clearly wrong.
Handling the Retention Offer
You will be offered a discount. These are real — 30 to 50 percent off for twelve months is common — and accepting one is a legitimate outcome. Two things to understand before you do:
- It expires. After twelve months the price returns to standard, usually higher than what you were paying.
- It may extend your term. Ask explicitly whether accepting resets your contract, because a two-year extension is a poor trade for a one-year discount.
If you want to cancel, saying so plainly and repeating it is the fastest route. Agents are required to process the request.
Returning Equipment Without Getting Charged
Unreturned-equipment charges are one of the most common billing disputes in Canada, and they are entirely avoidable:
- Ask exactly which items must be returned and get the list confirmed on the call.
- Return in person to a corporate store where possible, not a third-party reseller.
- Get a dated, itemised receipt listing each device and its serial number.
- Photograph the receipt and the equipment before handing it over.
- Check your final bill and keep the receipt for at least six months.
Your Final Bill
Expect one more bill after cancelling. Check it for: charges beyond your cancellation date, equipment fees for items you returned, and any early-termination fee you did not agree to. If something is wrong, call with your reference number and the receipt. If that fails, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) is the independent Canadian body that handles unresolved disputes, and providers take its involvement seriously.
FAQ
Can I cancel Bell, Rogers or Telus TV over the phone?
Yes, and phone is generally required — most Canadian providers will not process a TV cancellation entirely online. Only the registered account holder can cancel, so have the account number and account-holder name ready.
How much is the early termination fee in Canada?
Typically $100 to $400 depending on how much of your term remains. Multiply your projected monthly saving by the months left and compare it against the fee to decide whether paying it makes sense.
Should I accept the retention offer?
It can be a legitimate choice, since discounts of 30 to 50 percent for twelve months are common. Ask explicitly whether accepting extends your contract term, because a two-year extension for a one-year discount is usually a bad trade.
What happens if I do not return my cable box?
You will be charged the replacement cost, often several hundred dollars. Return equipment in person to a corporate store, get an itemised dated receipt with serial numbers, and keep it for at least six months.
What can I do if my final bill is wrong?
Call with your cancellation reference number and equipment receipt. If it is not resolved, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) is the independent Canadian body that handles unresolved provider disputes.