Students are hooking up more and more with wireless companies in the back-to-school season, making this period a key time for buying cellphones.

New smartphones are usually launched at this time along with plenty of deals as back-to-school starts to rival the holiday shopping season for cellphone sales, say analysts and wireless providers.

Computer science student Varun Vrayen was out this week cellphone shopping with his friends, all newly arrived from India to attend university. They were looking for unlimited calling to stay in touch with each other and call back home.

PHOTOS: COOLEST SCHOOL SUPPLIES

"If we need some help or if we're lost in the city, we'll need to talk," said 23-year-old Vrayen, who was in Public Mobile store in downtown Montreal.

Public Mobile launched just more than two years ago in Ontario and Quebec, offering cellphones with no contract and no credit checks.

Telecom analyst Troy Crandall said there's no one more "value oriented" than students and the new wireless providers have an opportunity to appeal directly to them.

"To me, it seems like prime time for these guys to get in and start going after these customers that are all looking for good value," said Crandall of MacDougall, MacDougall & MacTier.

Other new wireless providers that have launched in the last several years are Wind Mobile, Mobilicity and Quebecor's Videotron (TSX:QBR.B).

If students don't want the "hottest phones out there," there are still choices that offer good value, Crandall said.

But handset manufacturers are using this time to launch new smartphones, Crandall added.

Apple is expected to launch a new version of its iPhone in late September.

Samsung has unveiled a smartphone based on Microsoft's new Windows Phone 8 operating system, and it just introduced a new version of the Galaxy Note smartphone-tablet hybrid device.

"It used to be that the Christmas holiday season was the biggest, but the shift is moving into the Q3 back-to-school season. You're seeing that reflected in the launches of handsets," Crandall said.

David Fuller, chief marketing officer at Telus, said smartphones are significant to the back-to-school season for the Vancouver-based wireless provider (TSX:T).

"There are as many or more smartphones bought by customers in the back-to-school time frame than at Christmas," Fuller said.

"Students think of September as the start of their year," he said. "You get a lot of students just naturally making technology buys in the back-to-school period."

Fuller said Telus limits the number of promotions it offers in this period to avoid confusion, adding he believes the wireless industry "snows the consumer with 10,000 promotions," too many for sales staff and consumers to digest.

Crandall said the back-to-school season continues right into early October and the benefits of it can spill into wireless companies' fourth-quarter financial results, which include holiday shopping.

Pascal Picard, manager of sales and distribution at Public Mobile in Quebec, said the back-to-school season lasts longer than the holiday shopping period.

"I still believe Christmas is the biggest period for us but it's so condensed," Picard said. "Back-to-school is busy over a longer period."

For Vrayen and his friends, everything is still new in Canada and their cellphones are indispensable to stay in touch with family, friends and girlfriends.

"We need to communicate," said Karthikeyan Ramagzri Gajendran, 22, who is also studying computer science.

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• Welcome Back Fail

  Lesson number one: spelling.

• Easy Fail

  Being a reporter is difficult, guys.

• Bad Wording Fail

  We're just going to hope today never ends.

• Senior Fail

  To be fair, this wasn't her first senior year.

• Gift Card Fail

  All the bi-curious students will be thrilled about this one.

• School Essentials Fail

  Someone's going to get laughed out of Anatomy 101.

• Placement Fail

  What every girl needs.

• SAT Fail

  Spelling isn't technically tested on the SAT.

• Teacher Praise Fail

  At this school they might not.

• High Standards Fail

  Apparently they aren't THAT committed.

• Product Inclusion Fail

  Advil and condoms are necessary to survive long school days and longer school nights.

• Sale Fail

  Are we sending mixed messages?

• MILF Fail

  Either it's "film week" and some hooligans changed the sign, or someone severely messed up MLK Jr.'s initials.

• Complete Fail

  Uhh... Yeah...

• School Sign Fail

  It's new-ish.

• Pun Fail

  They should have gone with their original idea, "Students need remotes."

• Acronym Fail

  Let's leave the wordplay up to the professionals.

• One Letter Fail

  You've really got to get to those kids early!

• Accreditation Fail

  Where do we even start?

• Headline Fail

  In the future we see a lot of boys wearing wigs to go here.

• Teaching Moment Fail

  Hey, he's technically right!

• School Name Fail

  Have some self-respect, Garinger.

• Spelling Bee Fail

  Neither Maiesha nor Anamaria wrote this sign.

• They're Vs. Their Fail

  The game can't solve all your problems.

• Wine Fail

  "Amiright?"- Any unemployed person who just graduated from college.

• Always Remember Fail

  To be fair, tomorrow is really hard to spell.

• Spelling School Fail

  Perhaps they meant the Yiddish "Shul," but probably not.

• Beer Fail

  More like fuel for detention (juvenile detention).

• Too Young For This Fail

  "Elbows, Billy! Elbows!"

• Sign Placement Fail

  Be sure to stock up on folders, binders and machetes before September.

• Burrito Weapon Fail

  To be fair, it was a VERY spicy burrito.

• School Supply Fail

  This kid should have no problem making friends

• Spelling Fail

  Let's hope they're better at science than they are at English.

• School Necessities Fail

  The 24 pack is for the elementary pong game you saw earlier.

• Public School Fail

  Oh what a difference one letter makes...

• Angle Fail

  NOW do you see why schools need more funding?

• Abbreviation Fail

  This is why you don't make up your own abbreviations.

• Lingerie Uniform Fail

  Wear these and you'll get an "A" for "Asked to go home and change."

• Literacy Fail

  They're also teaching a course on irony.

• Out Of C's Fail

  Sharp Elementary isn't so sharp after all.

• Literally School Fail

  What they meant was, "Sh! Cool..."

• Understanding The Dictionary Fail

  They ALMOST had it...

• Drug Fail

  Worst sign placement ever!

• "Accept" Vs. "Except" vs. Nonsense Fail

  We think you already lost the challenge.

• Inappropriate Sign Fail

  Is that like a pervy haiku or something?

COOLEST SCHOOL SUPPLIES

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• Tapping Pencils

  Have a budding drummer in the family? These drumstick pencils might drive the teacher crazy -- but at least your child will know you support their passion. <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/gifts/Drumstick-Pencils/5060043060749-item.html" target="_hplink">Drumstick Pencils</a>, $8.99, Indigo Books & Music

• Floral Clipboard

  For a quickie place to hold papers (or even replace a binder), it doesn't get much cuter than this. <a href="http://www.capridesigns.com/p-337-clipboard-cotton-blossom.aspx" target="_hplink">Cotton Blossoms Clipboard</a>, $8 (US), Capri Designs.

• Stick It

  Square Post-its are just not the way to go anywhere -- make all of those reminders prettier (and easier to recall) with pastel colours and a nice trim. <a href="http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=,4988&webid=365639&affixedcode=WW" target="_hplink">Martha Stewart Sticky Notes</a>, $2.99 for 3, Staples.

• Put A Mustache On It

  It never feels good to have to erase all your hard work, so make yourself laugh at least with this super cute mustache eraser. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kikkerland-Mustache-Erasers/dp/B005FQ7TSK" target="_hplink">Kikkerland Mustache Eraser</a>, $1.50, Amazon.com.

• Pocket Cool

  Let your kid's love for British pop reign with a studded pencil case that (let's be honest) could easily double as a super cool purse pouch. <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/studded-union-jack-pencil-case/10028117?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=#" target="_hplink">Studded Union Jack Pencil Case</a>, $2, Walmart.

• Alarm Alert

  Very few kids want to see that alarm in the morning, so make it a little easier on them by getting them something that's at least cool to look at. <a href="http://www.dormco.com/Lime_Green_Cubed_LCD_Digital_Alarm_Clock_Dorm_item_p/l1-4-8-70903.htm" target="_hplink">Lime Green Cubed LCD Digital Clock Alarm</a>, from $16.50, dormco.com.

• Grow A Lunch?

  Make the lunchbox just that much cuter with a pot that separates out into snacks and meals, as well as utensils. <a href="http://www.rolostore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2341" target="_hplink">Lunch Pot</a>, $28.95, Rolo Store.

• No Drip Cup

  The stainless steel version of a sippy cup, these monsters will accompany your preschooler to nap time and back. <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/toys/Flip-Sip-Hungry-Monsters/732389022167-item.html?ref=by-shop%3aseasonal%3abts-ore-originals%3alist%3a17" target="_hplink">Flip & Sip in Hungry Monsters</a>, $22.95, Indigo Books & Music.

• Hang Your Math

  This is pretty snazzy way to ensure you won't forget your calculator for class -- attach this oversized piece tot he outside of your bag and it'll always be there. <a href="http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?webid=457194&CatIds=&AffixedCode=WW&=&=&=&cm_sp=Splash-_-DollarDeals-_-457194" target="_hplink">Aurex Carabiner 8-Digit Calculator,</a> $2.89 (until September 11), Staples.

• Bound In Cuteness

  There's nothing like sweet graphic art to help compel kids to get organized in class, is there? <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/colour-splash-fashion-binder-15/10028214?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&moduleName=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=#" target="_hplink">Colour Splash Fashion Binder</a>, $4.97, Walmart.

• Put A Name On It

  Part toy, part utility, this notebook comes with 33 "elements" -- letters and symbols to spell out names and subjects -- that can be added to the cover of the book. <a href="http://www.shainsware.com/site/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=13&products_id=48" target="_hplink">Notebook with 33 elements</a>, $13(US), Shains.

• Recorded Thoughts

  A brilliant little gadget to keep in your locker or in the kitchen for the whole family, this magnetic recorder can tape up to three minutes at a time, for a total of four hours recorded time. Ideal to keep track of to do lists and phone calls. <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/ereading/devices/Play-Video-Memo-Pad-Green/846654001273-item.html" target="_hplink">Play Video Memo Pad</a>, from $49.99, Indigo Books & Music.

• Mark Your Territory

  No matter how hard your kid tries to be unique, it's inevitable that other children in their class will have items that are at least slightly similar, so end the confusion before it starts with cute labels that show off exactly who everything belongs to. <a href="http://www.mabelslabels.com/products/ultimate+back+to+school+combo" target="_hplink">Ultimate Back-To-School Combo</a> of over 100 labels, $42, Mabel's Labels.

• Rocking Pack

  A solid backpack is the cornerstone of the school year -- after all, how else can kids get their books, laptop, gym clothes and everything else to school and back safely? Make them proud to wear one every day with a cool pattern like this -- and don't forget <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/08/13/kids-backpacks-safety_n_1772750.html?utm_hp_ref=quick-study" target="_hplink">the essentials of saving your child's back</a>. <a href="http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/SchoolBags/PRD~5028-200/deuter-giga-daypack.jsp" target="_hplink">Deuter Giga Daypack</a>, $78, Mountain Equipment Co-op.

• Plaid For Her

  Plaid can work for both genders -- check on this prettier take on the pattern in a comfy padded bag. <a href="http://" target="_hplink">Athletic Works Backpack,</a> $19, Walmart.

• To-Do Lists

  We all know writing things down is a surefire way to help get them done -- and we think that goes doubly when they're on such a great-looking surface. <a href="http://www.seejanework.com/productcart/pc/Bamboo-Desktop-Dry-Erase-Board-102p4125.htm" target="_hplink">Bamboo Desktop Dry-Erase Board</a>, $14(US), See Jane Work.

• Stainless In Any Size

  Keeping kids hydrated is a whole task in itself, so find some inducement in the form of cute and colourful stainless steel water bottles -- in a size (and pattern) that works for them. Get stainless steel bottle from $7.99, Shoppers Drug Mart.

• Stored In Style

  Just stop emailing those documents to yourself and snag a cute USB key -- they're not only in Star Wars version, but Batman and Hello Kitty too. <a href="http://www.staples.ca/ENG/Catalog/cat_sku.asp?CatIds=&webid=322394&affixedcode=WW" target="_hplink">MIMOBOT Star Wars 4GB USB Flash Drive, C-3PO</a>, $9.98, Staples.

• Box It

  When binders just won't do (and you know the circumstances, like oversized papers and thick packages), these narrow document files are sleek and handy to have around. <a href="http://www.seejanework.com/productcart/pc/Semikolon-Striped-Document-File-150p2942.htm" target="_hplink">Semikolon Striped Document File</a>, $5 each (US), See Jane Work.

• Locked Up

  It's not quite as simple as a three-digit combination anymore -- these locks in fantastic colours use numbers and letters to create a personalized combo your kid won't forget. <a href="http://www.masterlock.com/product_details/CombinationPadlocks_AssortedColors_Set-Your-OwnCombination_No.1590PrecisionDialCombinationPadlocks/1590D" target="_hplink">Precision Dial Combination Padlocks</a>, $10.95, Master Lock.

• Peace, Love And Scissors

  What's better than a pair of scissors embossed with pictures of peace signs and flowers? A bright colourful pair of scissors that has all that -- and an anti-bacterial handle to them as well. <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/pointed-scissors-peace-love-design-with-microban/10028137?trail=SRCH%3Ascissors&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=alldept&searchString=scissors&moduleName=S0011&startSearch=yes&fromSearchBox=true&addFacet=SRCH%3Ascissors#" target="_hplink">Pointed Scissors Peace & Love Design with Microban</a>, $2, Walmart.

• Bagged Lunch

  Is there an easier way for your kid to find his lunch among all the others than with a monogrammed (and super cute) bag? <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/lime-colton-lunch-bag/?pkey=cbts-lunch-bags#" target="_hplink">Lime Colton Lunch Bag</a>, $43, Pottery Barn Kids

• Bright And Shiny

  It can't all be sophisticated cool for back-to-school -- the little ones need places to put papers too, so where better than these super bright binders, complete with zipper? <a href="http://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/shape-it-up-zipper-binder-15/10142710?trail=&fromPLP=true&ancestorID=&searchString=&startSearch=&fromSearchBox=&addFacet=" target="_hplink">Shape It Up Zipper Binder</a>, $12, Walmart.