A newcomers guide to Internet plans in Canada

Getting an internet plan in Canada is one of the first things you’ll need to do, whether you’re new to the country or thinking about moving there. 

The Internet helps you find a job, talk to your family and friends around the world, do schoolwork, or watch your favourite shows. There are different ways to get the Internet in Canada, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you figure it out.

We’ll show you what you need to get started, how to pay for your Internet (and how you might even get it for free!), and share some tips to help you pick the best Internet plan for you and your needs.

What affects the cost of internet plans in Canada

• Speed:  Your internet speed is how fast you can download from and upload to the World Wide Web. 
  • You can measure Internet speeds in: 
    • Kilobytes per second (Kbps) slow
    • Megabytes per second (Mbps) – average to fast
    • Gigabytes (Gbps)- extremely fast

Faster Internet usually costs more. If you like to watch videos, play games online, or have many people in the same household using the Internet at the same time, you might need a faster speed. A slower speed may be fine if you’re a single person using the Internet for simple web browsing, email, and chat. 

• Data limit: Your internet plan may limit how much data you can use each month. If you use the Internet often for things like streaming movies or downloading large files, you might need a plan with more data, which can be more expensive. Unlimited internet plans in Canada exist, and there are no limits on the amount of data you can use, but they might cost more.

• Type of connection: The technology your internet service provider, or ISP, uses to bring the Internet to your home can affect the price. Some common types are digital subscriber line or DSL (which is often a simple phone line), cable (similar to cable television), fibre-optic (a wire that allows for faster speeds), and satellite, which is excellent for more remote locations where cables, may not be available. Fibre-optic Internet is usually the quickest but can be more expensive. Cable is common and less costly. DSL is the cheapest, but its speeds are slower. 

• Rental equipment: To connect to the Internet, you need to rent a modem or router from the Internet service provider (ISP), and they will add this rental cost to your monthly bill. Some providers will include the rental as part of your internet plan. A modem gives you Internet, and a router gives you Wi-Fi. You can rent combination modems and routers. Buying your own equipment can save money in the long run, but you have to make sure it’s compatible with your ISP.

• Installation and activation fees: Some companies charge a one-time fee to set up your internet service. This fee can affect the initial cost but is a one-time payment. You can negotiate with your ISP to avoid this fee. 

• Bundles: Many companies offer bundles that include Internet, phone, and TV services. Getting a bundle can save money compared to buying each service separately, but make sure you need all the services in the bundle. For example, they may try to sell you a home phone line, but you already have a cell phone or a TV package, and you only stream YouTube or Netflix.
• Promotions and discounts: ISPs often offer special deals, like discounts, when signing a long-term contract. These can make an expensive plan more affordable at first, but it’s important to know how much the cost will increase after the promotion ends or what happens if you break the contract early. 

• Location: Where you live can also affect the price. Some areas, like major cities, might have more competition between ISPs, which can lead to lower prices. Rural or remote areas might have fewer options and higher prices because it’s more expensive for companies to provide service there.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can better understand what affects the cost of internet plans in Canada and choose one that fits your needs and budget.