For the Ukrainian community in Edmonton, which has been growing rapidly since the start of the full-scale invasion, the ability to communicate regularly with loved ones in Ukraine is not just a comfort, but a critical necessity. Daily calls to parents and children who remained in Ukraine, or communication with friends scattered around the world, have become an integral part of the life of every Ukrainian in the diaspora. The financial burden of high international call rates can significantly impact the family budget, especially for newcomers who have not yet found work and are struggling to adapt to their new life.
Canadian telecommunications operators, recognizing this need, offer special programs and rates for Ukrainians. However, the landscape of these offers has changed in recent years—from free calls during the first year of the war to current programs that offer significant discounts for newcomers and regular customers. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of all the options available in Edmonton for calling Ukraine—from traditional operators to modern VoIP solutions, special promotions, and support from Ukrainian community organizations.
Major Edmonton Operators: Comparison of Rates for Calls to Ukraine
Telus: Largest Selection of International Packages and Support for Immigrants
Telus offers the most flexible options for calling Ukraine among the major operators. The standard rate for calls to Ukrainian numbers (country code +380) is $2.50 per minute for both mobile and landline numbers. However, for mobile users who actively call Ukraine, the operator offers several specialized packages that significantly reduce the cost.
Telus World 1000 is Telus' flagship package for international calls, which includes 1,000 minutes of international calls to 27 countries, including Ukraine, for only $15 per month. This is the most advantageous offer for those who call Ukraine regularly, three times cheaper than paying the standard rate. If you calculate the cost, with an average call duration of 15-20 minutes, 1000 minutes is enough for 50-66 calls per month, which makes the cost per minute only 1.5 cents. Compared to the standard rate of $2.50 per minute, this is a savings of almost 94 percent.
Telus Home Phone International Plus — For home phone users, Telus offers a package for $13.95 per month, which includes 500 minutes of calls to the US and great rates for international calls, including Ukraine. This is useful for families who have a home phone and often call both the US and Ukraine.
Telus Special Program for New Immigrants — For those who have just arrived in Canada, Telus offers a valuable deal: 500 minutes of international calling to select countries, including Ukraine, are included in plans for newcomers at no extra charge. This offer is valid for the first year after activating the newcomer plan, making it especially valuable for Ukrainians who are just arriving in Edmonton and struggling to settle into their new home. The plan also includes unlimited calls and SMS within Canada and the US, making it a comprehensive solution for newcomers.### Rogers: Benefits for newcomers, but no Ukraine in the basic packageRogers has a standard rate for calls to Ukraine of $3.99 per minute for mobile and landline numbers, making it the most expensive option among the major carriers. This means that a single 10-minute call will cost nearly $40, which is a significant expense for frequent contact with Ukraine.However, Rogers offers a special offer for new immigrants that includes 1,000 international minutes to 6 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, China, India, and Mexico. Unfortunately, Ukraine is not included in this list of premium countries, which is a significant drawback for the Ukrainian community. However, the plan also includes unlimited international SMS, which can be useful for communicating via messengers that use SMS for account verification.Rogers also offers an International Calling Add-on for $10-15 per month, which reduces rates for calls to many countries, but Ukraine remains in the “premium” category with a full rate of $3.99 per minute without any discounts. This means that Rogers customers must pay the full price, even if they are active users of international calls.### Bell: Highest rates, but special plans for newcomersBell has standard rates for calls to Ukraine of $3.99 per minute, identical to Rogers. For users who frequently call Ukraine without a special plan, this means over $40 per month for just 10 minutes of calls.However, Bell recognized the needs of Ukrainians and developed a special program for new immigrants, which offers two basic plans:Bell Select Plan — for $40 per month when adding a line, includes 100 GB of data on 5G+, unlimited calls and text messages in Canada, and critically important: unlimited international SMS. Although the plan does not include discounted direct calls to Ukraine, the 100 GB of data allows you to use VoIP alternatives over the internet.Bell Max Plan — for $50 per month when adding a line, offers 175 GB of data, unlimited calls and texts in Canada and the US, unlimited calls to 27 countries (including Ukraine), and unlimited international SMS. This is the most attractive option from Bell for Ukrainians, as it includes unlimited calls to Ukraine. Considering that this plan costs $50 per month and the standard rate is $3.99 per minute, the plan will pay for itself after the first 12-13 minute call.Important note: These special plans for newcomers from Bell ended in July 2024, so availability depends on the operator's current offer. It is recommended to check on bell.ca or at a Bell store whether these plans are still available.### Freedom Mobile: Cheapest standard rates and flexible packagesFreedom Mobile offers the lowest standard rates for calls to Ukraine among the major carriers—only $1.50 per minute compared to $2.50 on Telus and $3.99 on Rogers and Bell. This means that a 10-minute call will cost only $15 instead of $25-40, a savings of 40 to 60 percent.Freedom World Saver Add-on — this $5-10 per month package further reduces rates for calls to many countries, including Ukraine, to a dramatic $0.01-0.05 per minute depending on the specific country. On some routes, the rate is only 1 cent per minute, making it the most economical option on the market. The package also includes unlimited international SMS for the same price.Freedom Roam Beyond — although this is a roaming package, it includes international calls from Canada to many countries at reduced rates, which may be useful for those who want to have a backup option.Freedom Mobile's strategic advantage lies in its flexibility and lower prices. Even without a special package, the standard rate of $1.50 per minute makes Freedom Mobile a smart choice for those who pay for individual calls without subscribing to a package.## Historical context: 2022 temporary promotions and their expiration### Emergency measures at the start of the warIn February 2022, immediately after February 24, when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, all Canadian operators without exception took unprecedented measures to support Ukrainians during the most difficult period. From February 24 to March 31, 2022, all operators automatically waived international call and SMS charges to Ukraine without the need for customers to activate any special packages.Telus waived all long-distance charges and SMS fees until March 12, 2022, then extended this promotion until March 31. Rogers and Fido waived calls, SMS, and roaming charges for customers in Ukraine until March 31. Bell waived all calls and SMS without restrictions until March 31. Freedom Mobile waived international calls and SMS until March 31. Koodo, Shaw, Videotron, SaskTel, and other regional operators all joined this humanitarian initiative.These measures were completely automatic—customers did not need to do anything to activate them, fill out forms, or contact customer service. The operators simply waived the charges for anyone calling Ukraine. This allowed hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians in Canada and those fleeing the military conflict in Ukraine to stay in touch with their loved ones without financial burden during the most uncertain of times.Many Ukrainians say that these free calls were a lifeline—the ability to hear the voice of a loved one every day, to know that they were alive and well, became a safeguard for the mental health of both those who were safe in Canada and their loved ones who remained in danger in Ukraine.### Current status of promotions: Return to regular ratesUnfortunately, these temporary promotions ended on March 31, 2022 and were not extended. Operators returned to their standard rates without a single day of customer notification. This came as a sudden shock to many Ukrainians who had become accustomed to free calls and suddenly received bills for hundreds of dollars. Some users who were unaware of the promotion's end were very surprised to see unexpected charges.However, operators remained sensitive to the needs of the Ukrainian community by developing special programs for new immigrants and continuously improving international packages. Although those free days are no longer available, the current offers still provide significant savings compared to standard rates.
VoIP alternatives: The cheapest way to call Ukraine in 2025-2026
Viber Out and Skype: Classic solutions for international calls
For those with access to high-quality internet, VoIP apps remain the most economical solution for calling Ukraine. Viber Out, a built-in feature of the popular Viber messenger, offers calls to Ukraine at a comprehensive pricing system: 9 cents per minute to mobile numbers and only 2.3 cents to landlines. This means that a 10-minute call to a mobile phone will cost only 90 cents, or $9-10 per month for daily contacts.
Skype, from Microsoft, offers similar rates, often with packages of 60, 120, or 400 minutes per month for a fixed price. These packages allow users to calculate their expenses in advance and not worry about sudden increases in their bills.
Advantages of the VoIP approach to calling Ukraine:
- Significantly lower rates than traditional operators (100-200 times cheaper than paying $2.50-3.99 per minute)
- High sound quality with stable internet (HD audio at 1+ Mbps)
- Video calls for a few cents per minute
- SMS verification via the app to confirm account security
- No contracts and the ability to cancel without penalties
- Integration with other messenger features (chats, groups, file sharing)
Disadvantages and limitations of VoIP:
- Requires stable internet with a minimum speed of 1 Mbps for 1 call, 2+ Mbps for better quality
- Dependence on the quality of Wi-Fi or mobile data—if the signal is weak, call quality suffers
- Possible delays (lag) at low internet speeds
- Need to keep the app open during a call
- Some contacts in Ukraine may not have Viber or Skype installed
- Potential dependence on US services (Skype) or companies that may be blocked during a crisis
JustCall and other business VoIP solutions
JustCall offers specialized corporate solutions for regular international calls with rates starting at only 2.5 cents per minute for calls to Ukraine—more than 10 times cheaper than Rogers or Bell. The platform includes:
- Local Ukrainian numbers for receiving calls (the ability to give people in Ukraine a Canadian number to call you)
- Call recording and usage analytics
- Integration with CRM systems for businesses
- Flexible packages from 500 to 5000 minutes per month
- Clear cost statistics for budget planning
JustCall, with prices starting at $29 per month for a team solution, is useful for small businesses that frequently contact Ukraine or for families who want to have a shared budget for calls.
OrbitalCall and other browser-based VoIP services
OrbitalCall offers a completely innovative approach—calls directly from your browser without downloading any apps. Rates to Ukraine are only 2 cents per minute, making it the cheapest option on the market (even cheaper than Viber Out). Users can start a call in a few clicks without registering, although it is worth topping up your account in advance for the best experience.
Free and cheap alternatives: Messengers and modern solutions
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and other messengers: Free calls via data
In today's world, the most popular messengers in Ukraine—WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal—all offer completely free calls over the internet with no time limits. This means that if both contacts have the messengers installed and are connected to the internet, the call will be completely free.
Both apps use data compression, so even with a slow mobile network (3G), the quality will be acceptable. In addition, these messengers offer end-to-end encryption for privacy, which is especially important during the military conflict in Ukraine, when people are concerned about the privacy of their conversations.
Advantages of free messengers:
- Completely free if both parties have internet access
- Video calls are available and also free
- Group calls for communicating with several family members at once
- Exchange of files, photos, and voice messages
- Encryption for confidentiality
- The largest user base in Ukraine (almost everyone has WhatsApp or Telegram)
Disadvantages and limitations:
- Both parties must have the same messenger installed
- Quality depends on internet speed, not mobile network quality
- If a person in Ukraine does not have a smartphone or internet, this option will not work
- Some messengers (such as Telegram) may be blocked in some regions during military operations
imo, Yolla, and other international VoIP apps
Less well-known apps such as imo and Yolla offer a hybrid approach—they allow both internet calls (for contacts with the app installed) and calls to regular phone numbers at low prices ($0.02-0.10 per minute). Yolla, which specializes in international calls, offers rates for calls to Ukraine starting at $0.02 per minute when you purchase a subscription.
Ukrainian phone cards and services
Ukrainian Credit Union and BOSS Revolution
In Edmonton, you can find specialized Ukrainian phone cards for calls to Ukraine. These cards are often available in Ukrainian stores, churches, and community centers.
Ukrainian Credit Union (UCU) Phone Cards offer rates starting at 11.9 cents per minute to mobile numbers and 16.4 cents to landlines. This is more expensive than VoIP solutions, but significantly cheaper than standard carrier rates. Cards can be purchased at Ukrainian institutions in Edmonton.
BOSS Revolution — a popular phone card system with rates for calls to Ukraine starting at 15 cents per minute. Cards are available at many stores, kiosks, and supermarkets throughout Edmonton. The unique feature of BOSS Revolution is its ease of use—you buy a card in a store, enter your PIN, and you can start calling without having to install any apps or fill out online forms.
Advantages of phone cards:
- Can be purchased without registration or a credit card
- Guaranteed payment security (you pay cash in advance)
- Simple activation procedure
- No internet or smartphone required—works with any phone
- Cards are often available in Ukrainian stores on Garnos and nearby
Disadvantages of phone cards:
- Rates are usually higher than modern VoIP services
- Lack of some features (call recording, duration data via app)
- Requires memorizing a PIN code
- Possibility of losing the card
Comparison table of rates for calls to Ukraine from Edmonton in 2025-2026
| Method | Rate | Minimum monthly cost | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telus Standard | $2.50/min | ~$25 for 10 min | Included in the bill, no additional activation required | Expensive for frequent calls |
| Telus World 1000 | $0.015/min (1000 min for $15/month) | $15/month | Most economical among operators, included without activation | Requires monthly subscription |
| Rogers Standard | $3.99/min | ~$40 for 10 min | Included in bill | Most expensive option |
| Bell Standard | $3.99/min | ~$40 for 10 min | Included in bill | Most expensive option |
| Bell for Newcomers (Max) | Unlimited calls | $50/month | Unlimited calls to 27 countries | Requires Newcomers app |
| Freedom Mobile Standard | $1.50/min | ~$15 for 10 min | Third cheapest, simple and flexible | Requires balance top-up |
| Freedom World Saver | $0.01-0.05/min | $5-10/month | Cheap, included with package | Requires package activation |
| Viber Out | $0.09/min to mobiles, $0.023/min to landlines | ~$10 for frequent users | Low cost, integrated into Viber | Requires internet, both parties must have Viber |
| Skype | $0.10-0.20/min | $5-20/month for package | Reliable, high-quality sound | Requires internet, both parties must have Skype |
| OrbitalCall | $0.02/min | ~$2 for 10 min | Cheapest rate on the market | Requires prepayment, browser-based |
| JustCall | $0.025/min | $29+/user/month | Corporate solution, local numbers in Ukraine | Expensive for personal use |
| WhatsApp/Telegram/Signal | FREE | $0 (data only) | Completely free, most popular in Ukraine | Requires internet, both parties must have the app |
| UCU Phone Cards | $0.119/min to mobiles | ~$12 for 10 min | No internet required, cash payment, Ukrainian cards | More expensive than VoIP |
| BOSS Revolution | $0.15/min | ~$15 for 10 min | Simplicity, availability in stores | More expensive than VoIP, old-fashioned system |
Recommendations by user type
For new immigrants
Newly arrived Ukrainians in Edmonton should definitely consider special programs from major carriers—especially Telus Newcomer Offer with 500 free minutes to Ukraine or Bell Max Plan for $50 per month with unlimited calls to 27 countries, including Ukraine. For newcomers who are still looking for work and are on a tight budget, these offers can save hundreds of dollars in the first year.The ideal strategy for newcomers: Activate a special newcomer plan from one of the three major carriers to get 500-1000 free minutes. At the same time, install WhatsApp and Telegram on your phone to talk to your family using data instead of mobile voice whenever possible. If you need to talk more often than the basic plan allows, activate World Saver on Freedom Mobile for only $5-10 per month.### For permanent residents and citizensPermanent residents and citizens of Canada with a more stable income can compare different options:- If you call Ukraine several times a month: use Freedom Mobile's standard rate ($1.50/min) without an additional package- If you call every day for 10-20 minutes: activate Telus World 1000 for $15/month- If you call more often than that: consider Bell Max Plan for permanent residents (if available) or switch to VoIP### For families who communicate via the InternetIf everyone in the family has smartphones and Internet access, messenger-based solutions are the best option. WhatsApp and Telegram are free, reliable, and have the largest user base in Ukraine. Even if the Internet connection is a bit slow, the call quality will be acceptable.### For budget-conscious usersIf you are looking for the lowest cost and are willing to sacrifice some convenience, the best option is OrbitalCall or another browser-based VoIP service for 2 cents per minute. The second option is to install Viber Out and use it for mobile numbers for 9 cents per minute.## Ukrainian community organizations and support services in Edmonton### Ukrainian Canadian Social Services (UCSS) EdmontonUCSS, located at 11717 – 97th Street, Edmonton, AB, is the first point of contact for new immigrants. The organization provides comprehensive assistance, including:- Advice on choosing the best telecommunications operator for calls to Ukraine- Assistance in activating special plans for newcomers- Referrals to companies that offer phone cards and VoIP services- Support in Ukrainian at all stages of the processUCSS Contacts: (780) 471-4477, email: [email protected]. The organization operates 5 days a week and has staff who speak Ukrainian and Russian.
Ukrainian Helpline Alberta
For those who need ongoing support, there is the Ukrainian Helpline Alberta: 1 (888) 721-0596, ext. 5. The hotline can be called:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Consultants can help not only with telecommunications, but also with other issues that newcomers face, including finding work, education, and services in Edmonton.
Ukrainians in Alberta and Alberta Supports
The Ukrainians in Alberta section offers a complete list of resources for Ukrainians in the province, including the option to receive support in Ukrainian through Alberta Supports:
- The hotline can be reached at: 1-866-644-5135 (24/7 in Canada)
- Edmonton TTY: (780) 427-9999 (ask to speak to Alberta Supports)
- Toll-free TTY: 1-800-232-7215
Practical tips for saving on international calls
Planning your call time
Ukraine is usually 7-10 hours ahead of Edmonton, depending on the season and time zone in Canada. The best time window for calls:
- Evening in Ukraine (6:00-9:00 p.m.) corresponds to morning in Edmonton (7:00-11:00 a.m.)
- Morning in Ukraine (7:00-10:00) corresponds to evening the previous day in Edmonton (20:00-23:00)
Scheduling calls for these times ensures that people in Ukraine will be awake and available to talk, and you will be able to have a quality conversation without waiting at a bad time.
Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
If you use VoIP services, always connect to Wi-Fi before calling for the best sound quality. This gives you the most stable connection and the least amount of interruptions.
Set a call schedule
Instead of calling spontaneously, set a regular time for calls (for example, every evening at 8 p.m. Edmonton time). This will let people in Ukraine know when to expect your call, and they can plan their time accordingly.
Dividing your budget between messengers and VoIP
Create a hybrid approach: use free messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) for daily communication, quick status checks, and family groups, but activate an inexpensive package from your carrier or a VoIP service for the most important conversations that require privacy and quality.
Transferring money instead of talking
If you regularly send money to your family in Ukraine, consider using transfer services (such as Wise, Western Union, or Canadian banks), which often have cheap options for transferring money to Ukraine. This can be more economical than paying for phone calls if the main goal is to transfer money.
Current information as of early 2026
At the time of writing (January 2026), the telecommunications landscape in Canada and Edmonton remains competitive, but without significant changes from previous years. There have been no new free promotions from operators for calls to Ukraine, unlike in 2022.
However, operators continue to offer special programs for new immigrants, which are popular among Ukrainians. Freedom Mobile remains the cheapest standard option for calls to Ukraine, and VoIP services continue to evolve, offering ever-better quality and lower prices.
It is recommended to check the operators' websites (telus.ca, rogers.com, bell.ca, freedommobile.ca) for the latest information on special offers, as they may change depending on current promotions.
Conclusion: Choosing the best option for your situation
Calling Ukraine from Edmonton no longer has to break your budget. You have numerous options, from special carrier programs (best for newcomers) to cheap VoIP services (best for frequent users) to completely free messengers (best for daily communication).
The best choice depends on your situation:
If you are a new immigrant on a limited budget, activate Telus Newcomer Offer with 500 free minutes and install WhatsApp/Telegram for daily communication.
If you are a permanent resident who calls frequently (10-20 minutes daily), activate Telus World 1000 for $15 per month or switch to Freedom Mobile + World Saver for $5-10 per month.
If you need absolute savings, install OrbitalCall or Viber Out and expect to pay a few dollars per month.
If you need the highest quality without compromise, consider Bell Max Plan for $50 per month with unlimited calls or Telus World 1000 for $15 per month.
Whatever you choose, remember that the most important thing is to stay connected with your loved ones. Although those free days in 2022 are long gone, today's offers still provide reasonable savings compared to the old days when international calls cost a fortune. Use the available resources, plan wisely, and stay in touch with Ukraine without financial stress.