Videotron’s illico+ service now requires a separate subscription, letting you unlock premium streaming on Helix TV, mobile apps, and tablets, while the company rolls out Wi‑Fi pods and expands its 5G NSA partnership with Samsung. This shift centralizes revenue, boosts home Wi‑Fi reliability, and accelerates next‑gen mobile coverage, directly affecting how you watch, work, and stay connected.
New illico+ Subscription Model
How the Paywall Works
Starting this week, any Helix TV set‑top box, the illico+ TV app, or an illico TV plan prompts you to pay a monthly fee to access the premium library. The subscription is sold per month and isn’t tied to a specific TV package, giving you the freedom to keep or drop other services.
Where to Subscribe
You can sign up at illicoplus.ca or through the Helix portal at helix.videotron.com. The same subscription is also available inside Videotron’s mobile apps for iOS and Android, so you can start watching on a smartphone the moment you pay.
Wi‑Fi Pods for Home Coverage
Installation and Benefits
Videotron’s plug‑in Wi‑Fi pods snap into any power outlet and instantly repeat the home network signal. They’re designed to improve stability in rooms that previously struggled with buffering or dropped connections. Installation takes seconds, and you’ll notice a stronger signal on your laptop or smart TV without running new cables.
- Simple plug‑and‑play setup
- Extended coverage for up to 30 m² per pod
- Seamless handoff between main router and pod
5G NSA Partnership with Samsung
Impact on Network Performance
By teaming up with Samsung, Videotron is adding 5G non‑standalone (NSA) radio on top of its existing 4G LTE core. This hybrid approach lets the carrier roll out 5G faster and at lower cost, delivering higher speeds and lower latency for your mobile devices.
- Enhanced download speeds for streaming and gaming
- Improved latency for video calls and cloud apps
- Broader coverage as Samsung’s equipment scales across the network
What It Means for You
Streaming Flexibility
With the illico+ subscription separate from your TV bundle, you can choose the exact content you want without paying for channels you never watch. The service works on tablets and phones, so you’re not limited to the living‑room TV.
Network Transparency and Reliability
Videotron’s real‑time outage map lets you see service incidents as they happen, giving you a clear picture of any disruptions. Combined with the Wi‑Fi pods, you gain both visibility and a practical tool to keep your home network humming.
Whether you’re binge‑watching a series, joining a virtual meeting, or gaming on the go, these updates aim to make your digital experience smoother and more under your control.
