Immigrating to Canada is filled with many questions and challenges, especially when setting up your new home. One aspect of this is ensuring you have reliable internet. Here, our Ottawa and Orleans panel physicians share advice and information on finding the best internet service provider in Canada.
Finding the Best Internet in Canada
Navigating the multiple options and technical jargon as a newcomer can have its own challenges, especially if you are still fairly new to the English language. Trying to understand contract terms and determine your family's internet needs while trying to find the best service provider can be overwhelming. Additionally, services can vary not only from province to province but also within each one.
Whether you’re an international student needing fast and reliable internet for research, a professional working from home, or a family seeking a plan that is easy on the wallet, this blog post is designed to help you make an informed decision.
What to Expect From the Internet in Canada
Canada is proud to offer a well-developed digital network across the country, yet access and use will vary, as mentioned above. This is something every new immigrant should be aware of while settling into their new home.
The good news is that there is reliable coverage in urban towns and cities and ongoing efforts to improve connectivity in rural regions. This is a main focus in Canada as internet connectivity is the backbone of society, allowing citizens to socialize, do research, access government services, work and participate in school.
Urban vs. Rural Internet Access
In the major cities, high-speed internet is widely available through several different providers. This allows for competitive pricing, faster speeds, and additional perks.
Unfortunately, the same cannot yet be said for all rural areas. While the Canadian government is focused on improving rural connectivity, the options in these areas are still more limited compared to larger towns and cities. This means that high-speed internet may not always be an option, and the cost of internet may be higher.
Depending on where you choose to live after arriving in Canada, your internet service options may vary. If connectivity is vital to you and your family, then you may want to consider evaluating your options before making a final decision on where to live.
Choosing the Right Internet Services in Canada
So what are the top considerations when choosing an internet services provider in Canada? Well, they often include:
Speed
If you are looking for a seamless internet experience, then speed might be at the top of your list. If you plan to use the internet for tasks like streaming, gaming, or video conferencing, then high-speed internet may be necessary.
Price
You will also want to consider your budget. As mentioned above, different areas have different price ranges for the services offered. In some cases, the cheapest may not be the best option; take the speed offered for the cost into consideration.
Customer Service
The level of customer service offered can also make a huge difference, especially if you run into issues. You can look online for ratings and reviews for certain internet service providers and choose one that meets your needs.
Contract Terms
Each service provider will have different contract terms. Some may require long-term commitments, while others can do month-to-month. You should also keep any additional costs in mind, like connection or activation fees, equipment rentals and early-termination costs.
Choosing the Best Internet Service Provider in Ontario
There's no shortage of internet service providers in Ontario, though most of the province's 14.5 million residents still end up choosing two names: Bell and Rogers. But those aren't the only options.
Here are some of the best, fastest, and most affordable internet service providers in Ontario as of 2024:
- Best Overall: oxio, TekSavvy, and Koodo
- Fastest: Bell, Rogers, and Distributel
- Cheapest: Diallog, VMedia, and Telcan
Other Aspects of Immigrating to Canada
While the internet is important, it is not the only thing you should think of while moving to Canada. Here are some other considerations and tips when making the move:
If you are still in the process of immigrating, then you will also need to complete any paperwork and schedule your immigration medical examination. These are vital to your immigration application.
