Words (Core Vocabulary)
- plan / prepaid / postpaid / BYOD (bring your own device)
- SIM / eSIM / activation / port (keep your number)
- coverage / LTE / 5G / bars / signal
- data cap / unlimited (throttled) / rollover / add-on
- hotspot / tethering / data sharing
- roaming / long-distance / international minutes
- voicemail / caller ID / call forward
- Wi-Fi / SSID / password / guest network
- modem / router / mesh / firmware
- speed test / throttling / outage / fair use policy
- APN (access point name) settings
Phrases (Choose → set up → fix)
Choosing a plan
- I’m looking for a prepaid/postpaid plan with about 10 GB—any promotions?
- Can I keep my number if I switch carriers (porting)?
- Is hotspot/tethering included, and what’s the speed after the cap?
Activating
- Could you activate an eSIM on this phone, no new number?
- Please transfer my number and voicemail to this SIM.
- What APN settings should I use if data doesn’t work?
Wi-Fi & home internet
- What’s the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password?
- Could we set up a guest network and change the default password?
- The speed seems slow—should I reboot the modem or move closer to the router?
Problems
- I’m out of data—can I add a short-term data add-on?
- Is there a network outage in my area?
- I’m travelling—how do I enable/disable roaming?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Store counter: I’d like a prepaid plan with 5–10 GB, hotspot included, and no contract.
- Setup text: What’s the Wi-Fi password? I’ll connect and run a speed test.
- Support chat: Data stopped working after switching phones—please confirm the APN settings.
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Plans & numbers
- sign up for a plan
- port your number
- top up prepaid
- add a data add-on
Phone & data
- activate an eSIM
- insert a SIM
- set the APN
- turn on the hotspot
Wi-Fi & fixes
- join the SSID
- reset/reboot the modem/router
- run a speed test
- update firmware
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Phones are commonly sold unlocked; number porting between carriers is normal.
- Hotspot use may draw from your data cap; speeds may slow after limits.
- 911 is for emergencies; many carriers also support 611 for account support.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Plan ask: “I’m comparing prepaid vs. postpaid—is hotspot included and what’s the throttled speed?”
- Porting: “Please port my current number and activate an eSIM.”
- Wi-Fi fix: “Slow Wi-Fi—I’ll reboot the modem, move closer, and run a speed test.”