Carney’s Budget 2026: What Changes for Cell Phones, AI and Tech in Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal Budget 2026, released Thursday, outlines changes affecting cell phone bills, online scams, artificial intelligence, privacy and Canada’s technology industry.

The November 5 budget includes plans to eliminate certain wireless fees, introduce tougher anti-fraud requirements for telecom companies and spend $176.3 million over five years on a new digital safety regulator.

Ottawa is also promising more 5G spectrum, improved rural connectivity and greater access to AI tools for Canadian students.

Here’s what consumers should know about the technology announcements in Budget 2026, according to what we could find. Don’t copy ,MobileSyrup.

Cell Phone Fees and Internet Plans

Ottawa is continuing its push to make wireless and internet services more affordable, echoing themes from last year’s budget.

The document highlights previously announced rules eliminating fees to activate, change or cancel plans, which the government estimates will save Canadians about $100 million a year. That points back to the CRTC ban on $80 activation and switching fees that took effect in June. It also flags plans for clearer internet pricing, easier switching between providers and more competition.

According to Ottawa, a 60GB wireless plan that averaged $105 in 2022 is now widely available for $40 to $50. That progress sits alongside more recent signs that cellphone prices in Canada may be starting to rise again as deep discounts fade.

The government says more work is needed to improve consumer choice, particularly in areas with fewer service providers.

Tougher Rules for Rogers, Bell, Telus and Other Carriers

Budget 2026 proposes new legislation aimed at fighting scams involving telecom providers, financial institutions and digital platforms. Under the proposed National Anti-Fraud Strategy, the CRTC would get more authority to introduce fraud-prevention obligations for telecom companies.

Providers could also face requirements to share information about fraudulent activity. Ottawa says Canadians reported more than $704 million in fraud losses during 2025, although the actual total is believed to be considerably higher.

The government plans to consult on the legislation before introducing it, with further details expected in 2027.

More 5G Spectrum and Satellite Coverage

The budget also reinforces Ottawa’s telecommunications competition roadmap, published in October. The government plans to release additional spectrum for 5G and private networks while supporting satellite services that could improve coverage in rural and remote communities.

Proposed changes to spectrum transfers, wireless network access and infrastructure development are meant to make it easier for competing carriers to expand, building on earlier CRTC moves to open Bell and Telus networks to rivals.

No specific new satellite provider or deployment timeline is announced in this section.

AI Tools for Canadian Students

One of the more interesting announcements involves artificial intelligence in education. Ottawa says it is working to give students at Canadian universities, colleges and CEGEPs access to trusted AI agents. These tools could help with research, learning and other tasks, although the government hasn’t named which companies would provide them.

More details are expected before the end of 2026.

The budget also highlights previously announced free AI training through the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute.

Billions for Canadian AI Development

The government is continuing its broader AI investment strategy, including a proposed equity investment of up to $1.6 billion in Toronto-based Cohere. Budget 2026 also outlines plans to help Canadian AI companies access 500 megawatts of domestic computing capacity through financial arrangements designed to encourage private investment.

Ottawa says the goal is to reduce reliance on foreign infrastructure and help Canadian businesses develop AI technology domestically.

$176 Million for Online Safety

The budget proposes $176.3 million over five years, followed by $29.3 million annually, to establish a Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission. The proposed regulator would oversee requirements under Bill C-34, the Safe Social Media Act, introduced earlier this year. The legislation includes obligations for social media platforms and AI chatbots to address harmful content, with additional protections for children.

It would also require certain AI-generated content to be labelled and give users tools to report harmful material. These measures remain subject to the legislative process.

Stronger Consumer Privacy Protections

Ottawa is also moving forward with Bill C-36, introduced in June, which proposes changes to Canada’s consumer privacy framework. The legislation aims to give Canadians more control over personal information while requiring companies to explain more clearly how they collect and use data.

The budget also proposes expanding data portability rights to telecommunications, potentially making it easier for Canadians to change providers without repeatedly supplying the same information.

Support for Canadian Journalism

Budget 2026 proposes extending the enhanced Canadian Journalism Labour Tax Credit of 35% through December 31, 2028. The government also wants qualifying private audio and audiovisual news organizations to become eligible for the program, which already supports eligible written journalism.

Separately, Ottawa proposes $134 million over four years for the Local Journalism Initiative, followed by $41 million annually.

What Happens Next?

Not every measure in Budget 2026 takes effect immediately. Several telecom and privacy initiatives were announced earlier in the year, while new anti-fraud legislation, online safety funding and AI programs still need further implementation. The biggest priority should be stopping fraud, as so many Canadians are falling victim to scams. One scammer network took in at least $20 million in phone scams, targeting Edmonton alone.

For Canadian consumers, the biggest near-term developments involve lower wireless fees, stronger protections against scams, improved connectivity and potentially wider access to AI tools.