Internet Service Providers

Internet Provider Landscape in Canada

The network infrastructure in Canada is shared among various internet service providers (ISPs) under regulations set by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). The CRTC categorizes these ISPs into dominant and independent players.

Dominant players are the major telecommunication companies that control most of Canada’s telecommunication infrastructure. Examples include Rogers, Telus, and Bell. These companies own and maintain the primary network infrastructure used across the country.

Independent players are divided into two groups: small telco companies and wholesale-based ISPs.

Small Telco Companies: These companies build and maintain their own networks. Since they are not classified as dominant players by the CRTC, they do not have to share access to their infrastructure. Examples include Beanfield and RALLY in Ontario, and Novus in British Columbia. They provide internet services through their fibre networks but are limited to specific buildings due to the high cost of infrastructure development.

Wholesale-based ISPs: These ISPs do not own any network infrastructure. Instead, they lease access to the infrastructure maintained by dominant players at wholesale rates defined by the CRTC’s Third Party Internet Access (TPIA) rulings. Examples include TechSavvy and Oxio.

CRTC and TPIA: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) is an independent public organization that regulates telecommunications and broadcasting systems in Canada.

One of its roles is to determine the wholesale rates that dominant players can charge independent players for network access.

In 1998, the CRTC mandated that dominant players must provide network access to independent players to foster competition in the telecommunications industry.

The TPIA (Third Party Internet Access) is a framework within the CRTC’s wholesale regime that outlines the rules and tariffs governing the relationship between wholesale-based ISPs and dominant players.

Internet Service Providers in Canada

ACCESS

ACCESS Communications is 100% Saskatchewan-owned and operates as a not-for-profit, community-owned service co-operative. They offer Broadband Internet, Rural Internet, Smart WiFi, Managed WiFi, Bulk Internet, and Enterprise solutions.

They deliver their internet services using a hybrid fibre-coaxial (HFC) network infrastructure, which is branded as AccessHyperSpeed.

Plans available in: Saskatchewan

ALTIMA TELECOM

Altima Telecom provides affordable, reliable, and innovative products including internet plans. They offer device rental, free activation with a 1-year term, no credit checks, and no overage charges on their plans.

Their internet plans are available in certain provinces including Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario

BEANFIELD

Beanfield was founded in 1988 with the mission of creating better-connected communities. They began in Toronto but have grown and expanded across Vancouver, Montreal, and several cities in Ontario.  

All their construction, design, installation, and customer service are in-house, ensuring their clients receive high-quality service. They offer residential services including unlimited fibre internet, TV, and home phone.

Plans available in: Ontario

BELL

Bell, the largest ISP in Canada, offers 100% pure fibre technology that delivers fast, symmetrical download and upload speeds. 

Bell provides FTTH (Fiber to the Home) with total speeds of up to 6 Gbps. Their home internet services are available in central Canada and the Atlantic provinces. 

Their internet plans include the 6E Giga Hub, free installation, no long-term contracts, and no cancellation fees.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

BRAVO TELECOM

Bravo Telecom has been operating in the Quebec region since 2008, with its head office based in Montreal. They provide TV, internet, business, and residential telephony services. Their high-speed internet is through a hybrid fiber infrastructure or cable.

The pillars of their vision are simplicity of services, transparency of prices, and proximity to customers.

Plans available in: Quebec

CANFONE

Canfone delivers fast, friendly internet, mobile, TV, and phone packages. Their plans have unlimited data, no over-charges, no contracts, and are available across Canada.

With the Vilo Mesh WiFi system, you can say goodbye to dead zones as it covers your entire home with fast and reliable internet.

Plans available in: Quebec

CIK TELECOM

CIK Telecom is an independent internet service provider based in Toronto that offers unlimited high-speed internet, digital TV, phone services, multimedia entertainment, and home security services. Their high-speed internet spans across a significant portion of British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.  

Their cable internet uses Roger’s/Videotron’s/Cogeco’s/Shaw’s cable lines to transmit internet signals. They also use DSL/FTTN and optical fibre to deliver their internet.

Plans available in: Ontario

COEXTRO

Based in Mississauga, Ontario, Coextro is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company that provides consumers with high-quality TV, phone, and internet services at affordable prices with a focus on customer satisfaction and experience.

Coextro delivers world-class speed and reliability with a backbone running on blazing-fast fibre optics. They have their own technicians for installing fibre services.

Plans available in: Ontario

COGECO

Cogeco is the second largest cable operator in Quebec and Ontario based on the number of internet service customers served.

It provides its small business and residential customers with telephone, video, and internet services through its two-way broadband cable networks.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

COMWAVE

Comwave is a budget-friendly internet service provider that offers TV, home internet, and phone services at some of the best prices in Canada.

They use Rogers’ infrastructure and cable to offer the same services, including the fastest speeds, at lower prices.

Comwave is the most competitive choice for any budget, combining fast speeds, unbeatable savings, and reliable connections.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec

DIALLOG

Diallog is a Canadian-owned and operated telecom company based in Toronto that offers home internet and phone services to businesses and residents across Canada.

They are a premium partner to Canada’s Tier 1 providers like Rogers, Bell, Allstream, and Telus.

This enables them to combine world-class networks, Diallog’s customer service solutions, and advanced billing technology to provide exceptional telecom experience.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

DISTRIBUTEL

Part of the Bell family, Distributel is independently operated and offers solutions to businesses and consumers of all sizes. They offer leading high-speed internet, home phone products, and TV through their consumer brands.

They deliver business solutions through ThinkTel and Primus brands as a provider of advanced data and voice offerings for medium and small business markets.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Alberta

EASTLINK

Eastlink uses fibre network to deliver high-speed internet service to communities, small and large, across the Maritimes.

In the early 2000s, Eastlink became the first in North America to combine all services on one bill for one price by introducing the new bundle options which allowed customers to save more by combining telephone, internet, and TV services.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island

EBOX

EBOX delivers the best quality internet, TV, and home phone services to close to 80,000 clients in Ontario and Quebec. Ebox was acquired by Bell in 2022.

They are recognized for their accessible, unparalleled, respectful, and honest customer service as well as their competitive prices. Their services are easy to manage with no complicated contracts or fine print.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

EXECULINK TELECOM

Execulink Telecom is your go-to destination for affordable and innovative telecom services in Ontario. They provide a seamless connection to the digital world at affordable prices through fast internet, reliable phone services and top-notch TV options.

Their commitment to customer satisfaction can be seen in key benefits such as fast, reliable, unlimited internet, flexibility of no contracts, dedicated 24/7 assistance, and no activation fees.

Plans available in: Ontario

FIBRESTREAM

Fibrestream is a telecommunications provider that offers super-fast fibre optic internet, television, and home phone services in Toronto, Ottawa, and Metro Vancouver. They offer the fastest speeds and internet value by installing their own private fibre network in your building.

All their plans have unlimited usage plus equal upload and download speeds with no contracts.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Ontario

FONGO

Founded and based out of Waterloo, Ontario, Fongo is a Canadian telecommunications company that offers small business and personal telecommunication solutions including mobile, home phone, and internet at consistent and sustainable prices.

All the internet packages have no contracts, unlimited usage, modem options, live-person support, self-installation, and transparent pricing.

Plans available in: Ontario

GETUS

Founded in 2015, GETUS is an independent internet service provider based in Edmonton, Alberta. They offer affordable, high-speed, and reliable internet plans nationwide in Canada.

Getus is a Third-Party Internet Access provider (TPIA) which means it utilizes the networks of bigger players rather than investing in its own infrastructure. This can mean similar performance for a cheaper price.

They provide contract-free internet coverage, reliable internet without credit checks, and 24/7 support from their ground control.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador

INTERNET ATLANTIC

Internet Atlantic is a Canadian company that offers affordable television, internet, and digital phone services. Their goal is to deliver high-speed internet at sustainable low prices as well as provide a service that is rooted in fairness, kindness, and affordability.

Born from the need for affordable, straightforward internet services, Internet Atlantic stands against hidden tactics and confusing tactics.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario

IVC TELECOM

Founded in 2016, IVC Telecom is an independent internet service provider based in Quebec. They provide reliable, affordable, and fast home phone and internet services across the province.

They value transparency and simplicity, which is why their internet plans have no contracts and won’t include overage charges or price increases.  

Plans available in: Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan

KOODO MOBILE

Koodo Mobile is a mid-market mobile service provider that was launched in 2008 and is a subsidiary of Telus. Through operating on the Telus network, Kodoo mobile offers extensive and reliable coverage across Canada, and access to Telus PureFibre.

Kodoo internet is available is selected provinces across Canada and provides a range of internet and mobile bundle plans at competitive prices.

Kodoo is known for their great customer service setup, primarily through the ‘Self Serve’ function on its website.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador

LIGHTSPEED

Lightspeed is an internet service provider in Western Canada serving customers across cities in British Columbia, and Alberta, and Manitoba. They offer fibre, cable, and Fiber-To-The-Node (FTTN) / Very High Bitrate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) internet at affordable prices.

Lightspeed offer flat rates to save you money, have no contract on the plans and also easy online account management tools.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta

MEKTEL

Mektel was created and registered in Quebec in 2009. They provide tailored residential and business internet plans across Quebec province.

Mektel offers fibre-optic and DSL internet service plans to customers in Quebec.

Mektel offers unlimited, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet connection. They also offer TV plans, and phone plans, and have an option to build your plan.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

MOBY

Moby is an internet service provider that has invested in the necessary technology to advance its independent telecom and created its independent fibre optic.

This enables them to deliver reliable, fast, convenient, and secure services including internet, TV, and phone to both residents in condos/apartments and businesses in Edmonton and Calgary.

Residential services include TV, Internet, and phone while business services include enterprise solutions, phone, TV, and internet.

Plans available in: Alberta

NETCRAWLER

Netcrawler is an internet service provider that was launched in 2020 during the pandemic, with the mission of creating more inclusive, affordable and accessible internet access without compromising on speed.

Currently they provide a cable and DSL internet service covering several urban parts of Ontario.

Their internet plans are unlimited, have no contracts, and come with a modem and router.

Plans available in: Ontario

NETFOX

Founded in 2008, Netfox has grown organically to become a national internet provider. They offer affordable, secure, and fast Phone, TV, and internet services to businesses and homeowners alike.

They offer specialized high-speed cable and FTTN internet services since they are aware that home and business owners have specific requirements and uses for their phone and internet services.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia

NORTHWEST TEL

Northwest Tel is a telecommunications company operating primarily in Canada’s North West territories, it has been owned by Bell since 1988. Northwest Tel is known for reliably connecting the northerners to business, to each other, and the rest of the world.

They provide cable, fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) internet plans. The FTTH plans are available in limited locations, while cable plans are available in more locations across the Northwest Territories.

Plans available in: Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut

NOVUS

Novus is one of the larger independent internet service providers, and primarily operates in the Vancouver area of British Columbia. They own and operate their own fibre optic network, which enables them to provide symmetrical download and upload speeds at very competitive prices.

In addition to internet, Novus also provides residents with TV and phone plans, with bundles offers also available.

Plans available in: British Columbia

ORICOM

Founded in 1995, Oricom is a 100% Quebec company that provides internet and telephone services. They use cable, fibre optic, and DSL to provide internet services to meet specific business and residential needs.  

They are transparent with their pricing and they do not have any hidden fees.

Plans available in: Quebec

OXIO

Founded in 2012 Oxio is an internet service provider that offers affordable internet plans using the infrastructure of major internet providers across multiple provinces in Canada.

They leverage use of these existing networks to offer lower prices to customers. They are known for their transparent pricing, which breaks down into what they spend on network, profit, payroll, logistics, hardware, and marketing.

They are available in Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec. They offer free installation and no term contracts on their plans.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec

PRIMUS

Part of the Bell family, Primus is an independently operated communications provider that offers solutions to businesses and consumers of all sizes. It offers leading high-speed internet, home phone, and TV products through its consumer brands.

Primus offers a range of cable and fibre internet plans. It also delivers business solutions by providing advanced data and voice offerings designed for the small and medium business markets.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

PURPLE COW INTERNET

Purple Cow Internet is an internet service provider based in Halifax, Nova Scotia that offers internet, TV, and phone services. They do not offer promotions, nor do they charge for any equipment or wireless router. Purple Cow’s mission is to drive down the cost of internet in Canada.

Their fixed wireless internet services cover the majority of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island & Newfoundland.  

Plans available in: Nova Scotia

RALLY

Based in Toronto, Rally is a facilities-based internet service provider that has over 20 years of experience in providing leading-edge broadband solutions to Canadians using their own independent fibre network.

Rally Fibre Internet delivers unlimited symmetrical 1 Gbps upload and download speeds which is a reliable high-speed internet service in the Greater Toronto Area.

Plans available in: Ontario

ROGERS

Rogers is one of the largest internet providers in Canada and operates the largest cable network in the country.

Rogers also offers fiber and FTTH internet services in selected provinces, including Ontario, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rogers merged with Shaw in 2023, and together they are enabling greater access to fiber-powered internet for Canadians.

Additionally, Rogers offers bundle packages that include internet, TV, and phone services.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario

SASKTEL

Owned by the provincial government of Saskatchewan, SaskTel is a wireless and wireline communications company that offers a range of services such as broadband internet through fixed wireless, DSL and fiber-optic technologies.

Their SaskTel selectWiFi is the largest WiFi network in Saskatchewan that you can connect for free if you are a SaskTel internet, wireless, or maxTV customer. This network is secure than an open WiFi network and there is no limit to how much data you can use.

Plans available in: Saskatchewan

SUNWIRE

Sunwire was founded in 2009 in Sudbury, Ontario as a software development firm. In 2016, they began introducing home phone service and high-speed home internet and today it is one of the fastest-growing service providers in Ontario.

They offer home internet, home television, home phone, business internet, business phone lines, on-premise phone systems, hosted PBX, and cabling services.

In terms of internet technologies, Sunwire offer fibre-optic, cable, DSL and wireless internet.

Plans available in: Ontario

TEKSAVVY

TekSavvy is an Ontario-based internet service provider that offers low-cost broadband internet, phone, and TV services. Since foundation in 1998, it has grown to be one of the largest independent ISPs in Canada, and has invested in its own fibre network.

TekSavvy offers a variety of internet plans (DSL, cable, fibre and fixed wireless) with different speeds starting from 5 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.

Their plans include no hidden charges, and unlimited data, and are suitable for users looking for cheaper high-speed internet. Their services are available in British Columbia, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador

TELCAN

Founded in 1998, Telcan is an Ontario telecommunications company that offers internet and home phone service to residents of Quebec and Ontario. Telcan’s mission is to provide good-quality, affordable internet to Canadian’s.

They provide high-quality DSL and cable internet services by combining their proven and robust infrastructure with their experience in the telecom business.

Telcan owns its infrastructure, but utlilizes Rogers, Bell and Videotron networks to provide the “last mile” to customer residences.

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

TELUS

Telus is one of the largest ISPs in Canada, and it uses PureFibre high-speed fibre-optic network to provide internet to its clients. Across Telus different service offerings, they reach 99% of Canada’s population.

Telus PureFibre is suitable for connecting multiple devices and is best for heavy internet users. They deliver speeds of up to 3000 Mbps and symmetrical upload and download speeds.

You can install Telus Internet through professional installation for a fee or self-install.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Quebec

TRANSAT TELECOM

Transat Telecom is an internet service provider that offers internet, phone, and television plans as well as responsive customer service. They provide customized internet services suitable to your business or residential needs.

Their services are available throughout Quebec and they have a variety of fibre and cable internet plans offered at cheaper prices

Plans available in: Quebec

VALLEY FIBER

Valley Fibre is an internet service provider connecting rural Manitobans by offering cutting-edge internet services that redefine dependability and speed. Their network is designed to ensure you stay connected whether for entertainment, business, or education.

Valley Fibre use its own network infrastructure to deliver dedicated fibre optic connections. The fibre connections offer symmetrical download and upload speeds, even during peak times.

Plans available in: Manitoba

VIDEOTRON

Videotron is a wholly owned subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc. and a Canadian telecommunications leader. It is an integrated communications company that is engaged in interactive multimedia development, cable television, cable telephone, cable and fibre optic internet, and wireless telephone services.

Videotron has utilised Rogers network to provide a fibre-optic service, but it is also investing in creating its own network through Operation High Speed. This will deliver fibre optic internet to 37,000 households in select regions of Quebec.

Plans available in: Quebec

VIRGIN PLUS

Virgin Plus is a Canadian service provider that is powered by Bell and offers unlimited internet, value-packed mobile plans, and live and on-demand TV and affordable prices. They make it easy for residents in Quebec and Ontario to get all their services: TV, home internet, and mobility, with one provider.

Using the Bell network infrastructure, Virgin Plus offers fibre and DSL internet services.

Virgin Plus customers also have access to member benefits by accessing deals offered by brands in fashion, entertainment, food, travel, and more.  

Plans available in: Ontario, Quebec

VIRTUAL DROPLET

Virtual Droplet offers internet, VOIP, and IPTV across Western Canada. They also provide mobile data, phone, and 5G LTE internet services throughout the country. They serve both business and residential customers with great customer support and unlimited internet service.

They have infrastructure that enables them to provide cable and DSL internet across Alberta and BC as well as fibre to businesses/homes in select communities within Alberta and BC.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta

VMEDIA

Based in Toronto, VMedia is a leading independent provider in Canada of residential broadcasting and telecom services. VMedia leverages the DSL and cable networks of the big players to offer affordable internet as well as home phone, TV, and home security with no contracts, lower prices, and innovative features.

VMedia provides a variety of internet plans, both cable and DSL and FTTN, with speeds for every household budget ranging from 6 Mbps to 1 Gig.

Plans available in: British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick

Internet Providers in Canada