5 best rural Internet providers Ontario

5 Best Rural Internet Providers in Ontario - Find Internet deals in your rural area​

Internet Deals
Canada
Ontario

Canada, a vast and diverse nation, faces the challenge of limited internet access in many rural and Indigenous communities. With the increasing reliance on the internet for everyday tasks and remote work opportunities, the lack of proper connectivity poses significant obstacles. Bridging this digital divide is crucial to ensure equal access to communication, education, and employment opportunities. Efforts are underway to improve internet infrastructure and expand broadband coverage across the country, aiming to empower all Canadians and foster innovation and socio-economic growth.

This said, here are the 5 best rural Internet providers in Ontario.

MovingWaldo's list of the 5 best rural Internet providers Ontario

These reviews are not sponsored, we independently reviewed all the companies we recommend. Clicking on a link may earn us a commission. Learn more.

Featured in this article
Xplore

Xplore

SAT 25 - 250GB

$109.99
$ 79
99 /month
  • Download speed: 
    25 Mbps
  • Upload speed:    1 Mbps

SAT 50 - 350GB

$119.99
$ 99
99 /month
  • Download speed: 
    50 Mbps
  • Upload speed:    5 Mbps

SAT 100 - 500GB

$ 129
99 /month
  • Download speed: 
    100 Mbps
  • Upload speed:    10 Mbps

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

Services offered

  • Internet
  • Home phone

Internet connection type

  • Fibre up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
  • Fixed wireless
  • Satellite

Xplore offers innovative broadband solutions to individuals and businesses in rural and remote areas across Canada. They are currently building a high-quality fiber optic and 5G wireless network for advanced Internet services. Their phone and data communication services combine fibre, fixed wireless, and satellite technologies.

For residential customers, Xplore provides Internet packages with speeds ranging from 50 to 1000 Mbps, unlimited data, and reliable connectivity. Their Whole Home Wi-Fi solution is an affordable and convenient way to enhance wireless connectivity and address the limitations of a standard router’s signal reach. It utilizes strategically placed nodes or ‘Internet cubes’ throughout the home to ensure comprehensive coverage.

They offer professional full-service installation without long-term commitments.

Xplore Business offers comprehensive connectivity solutions for businesses located in rural areas. They also provide home phones with improved call quality and safety features.

Starlink

Starlink

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

Services offered

  • Internet
  • Mobile plans
  • Satellite IoT

Internet connection type

  • Satellite

Engineered by SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, Starlink has revolutionized satellite Internet, making tasks like remote work, gaming, and streaming possible. Utilizing the Earth’s largest constellation of advanced satellites in low orbit, it offers high-speed, low-latency Internet. Surprisingly, residential users experience average speeds of 100 Mbps, a significant achievement for satellite Internet. Moreover, Starlink’s installation kits come with user-friendly instructions, making setup hassle-free. 

Curious but hesitant? You can try it risk-free with a 30-day trial, and if unsatisfied, receive a complete refund. Plus, Starlink doesn’t tie you down with any contracts. 

With their mobile Internet, you can now embark on that long-awaited road trip while staying connected at high speeds. 

Businesses can also benefit from Starlink Business Internet, boasting speeds of up to 220 Mbps.

Canada Satellite

Canada Satellite

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

Services offered

  • Internet
  • TV Satellite phones with plans
  • Satellite tracking
  • Satellite IoT

Internet connection type

  • Satellite

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada Satellite offers Satellite Internet and various satellite-related services across 5 continents. While serving both individuals and businesses, their focus on large, durable equipment makes them ideal for commercial and industrial use rather than residential use.

Designed for aviation, maritime, government, military, emergency services, and more, their top-of-the-line equipment boasts exceptional durability. Specializing in Iridium 9555, Xtreme satellite phones, Inmarsat BGAN terminals, and Thuraya voice/data terminals, they provide reliable solutions for various sectors. Most importantly, their low-price guarantee ensures cost savings without compromising on the cutting-edge satellite Internet technology they strive to offer.

Ground Control

Ground Control

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

Services offered

  • Internet
  • Satellite tracking
  • Satellite IoT

Internet connection type

  • Satellite

For more than two decades, Ground Control has been providing satellite Internet services in areas where fiber and cellular connections are unavailable. Their expertise lies in delivering both fixed and mobile satellite Internet to various organizations and businesses, including first responders, remote field workers, and wind farms. 

They rely on affordable and dependable satellites from their esteemed partners, while also developing their own hardware solutions to ensure optimal performance. Their satellite Internet speeds range from 1.5 Mbps to 20 Mbps. Ground Control takes pride in their proficient support team, equipped with extensive experience to tackle any challenges you may encounter.

Galaxy Broadband

Galaxy Broadband

These offers are subject to the availability of services at your address. Pricing is subject to change.

Services offered

  • Internet
  • Satellite phones with plans
  • Satellite IoT

Internet connection type

  • Fibre up to 25 000 Mbps (25 Gbps)
  • Fixed wireless
  • Satellite

Galaxy Broadband, with over 30 years of experience, is dedicated to delivering world-class innovations, affordable solutions, and reliable satellite Internet services wherever its clients go. Over the years, they have continuously improved to meet the evolving communications needs of their customers.

Their offerings include incredibly high fiber Internet speeds, reaching up to 25,000 Mbps (25 Gbps), as well as a reliable fixed wireless solution tailored to suit every business requirement. With their cutting-edge Satellite IoT technology, businesses dealing with electricity, drinking water, or natural gas can be seamlessly connected to high-speed broadband services.

Clients can rely on their 24/7 knowledgeable support staff for any assistance they may need. Galaxy Broadband takes safety seriously and is COR certified, ensuring their commitment to safety standards. 

Featured in this article

Verification process

We verify that the Internet service providers (ISPs) listed are recognized by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

We verify the availability of Internet plans at your address. We offer search by postal code from our Telecom Module.

We audit ISPs websites regularly to display the most updated packages available on the market.

We verify new promotions and, in some instances, have the ability to negotiate exclusive offers on your behalf that are available to you by following links from our website.

CTRC verification

We verify that the Internet service providers (ISPs) listed are recognized by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).

Availability verification

We verify the availability of Internet plans at your address. We offer search by postal code from our Telecom Module.

Regular audits and updates

We audit ISPs websites regularly to display the most updated packages available on the market.

Promotions and deals

We verify new promotions and, in some instances, have the ability to negotiate exclusive offers on your behalf that are available to you by following links from our website.

Frequently asked questions

  • How to tell the difference between Satellite, DSL, Cable and Fiber Internet

    Satellite Internet in Canada

    Satellite internet in Canada is essentially defined by its own name, meaning that your regular internet connection is made possible using satellites; 3 to be specific. One satellite is at the satellite internet provider’s hub, the other is orbiting the earth in space, and the third is installed at your home or location. A simple search on your computer is transmitted via your satellite into the Internet Service Provider (ISP) ’s space satellite, then to your ISP, and a search result travels back to you from your satellite internet provider’s hub through the space satellite. Satellite internet uses satellites from space to supply you with an internet connection. Due to the long distance between us and space, satellite internet is likely to have slower internet speeds than DSL, Cable, and Fibre internet. However, this type of internet is still very reliable. It is highly recommended for people in rural areas as you can still use your favorite streaming services and browse through the internet like anyone else who uses DSL, Cable, and Fibre internet! Read the Ultimate Guide on Internet and Technologies in Canada to get even more information on the subject.

    DSL

    Digital Subscriber Line internet, or DSL for short as most people know it, refers to the internet that is transmitted through a telephone network that is already in existence. The pre-existing telephone connection needs to go through your DSL internet location to be installed by the ISP.

    Cable

    If DSL internet is delivered through telephone lines, then Cable internet is delivered through TV cable networks, as you’ve probably correctly guessed. It’s not uncommon, therefore, to find cable TV companies also offering Cable internet services. A modem or router is often installed to connect your computer to the coax cable, which transmits data for you.

    Fiber Internet

    Currently hailed as the fastest type of internet, Fiber internet operates by transmitting data through fiber optic cables. They are often either installed underground, on poles, or even underwater. To get the internet to your home, the cables are connected to your location modem, then to your computer.
  • Why would you use Satellite Internet?

    With such fast options as fiber internet available, why would anyone choose to install satellite internet? There are really only a couple of scenarios where deciding to contact satellite internet providers and installing satellite internet would be ideal. The thing about fiber and cable internet is that they don’t often easily reach rural areas. In these scenarios, Satellite internet becomes the best possible option for anybody still trying to stay connected.  The second scenario where satellite internet is a viable choice is installing to replace dial-up internet. As one of the very first forms of distributable internet, dial-up internet is also the slowest. Its satellite variation is an agreeable upgrade. So if you’re located in rural Canada and are looking to get connected, here are some of the best satellite internet providers that you can get in touch with.
  • Are the Satellite Internet providers listed above available in all Provinces?

    We have built this list to help you find the best Satellite Internet Services near you. Whether you live in the city or in the countryside, the selected providers operate in areas all over Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, …). Please check the service availability in your area on their website before subscribing.
  • Do all Internet service providers offer unlimited Internet?

    Not all, but many Internet service providers in Canada offer unlimited Internet. With unlimited Internet, you can stream and download as much as you want. It also helps you stay up to date with all sorts of information and news. However, sometimes due to restricted tethering you cannot share your Internet connection with multiple devices (more than the allowed number). In addition to that, the cost of unlimited Internet is typically extremely high. So, if you do not require an excessive amount of Internet, it is better that you go for something that is less costly and fulfills your Internet requirement.
  • Do I have a penalty if I cancel my satellite Internet contract?

    If you are still in contract with your current Internet Service Provider, cancelling your contract early may result in heavy penalties. They might ask you to pay for the remaining months of the contract or there might be an equipment fee, a cancellation fee also known as contract termination fee, involved. So, if there are only a few months left in your contract, you can stick to it and simply move your contract to a new address for the time being. Or you can pay Early Termination Fee to cancel your Internet contract and change to one that you prefer.
  • How do I cancel my satellite Internet provider?

    To cancel your Internet Service Provider, the first thing that you need to do is understand the cancellation process by going through their website or by using a help-line number. There are some Internet Service Providers that offer services on non-contractual basis, but if you are in a contract, you will need to know the accurate costs of cancelling your Internet service provider i.e. Early Termination Fee. Other options are to take help from those Internet service providers that offer ”buyout” from your current contract or you can use a cancellation service that assists in negotiating lower bills and at times cancel the Internet service on your behalf.
  • Do alternative Internet service providers offer good Internet speed?

    First, you will need to identify potential alternative Internet service providers in your area because considering the best Internet Service Provider that does not offer service in your area is pointless. Next, you are going to assess the available alternatives based on speed and monthly costs. Many alternative Internet service providers can offer good Internet speeds. Internet that utilizes fiber-optic technology offers unmatchable speed and prevents the signal strength from degrading over the distance. The added benefit of fibre Internet is symmetric speed i.e. equal upload and download times on the Internet connection.
  • How much should I pay for Internet per month?

    Average price for Internet usage per month in Canada is $53 and an average household spends about approximately $203 per month on Internet. The average bundle offer for Internet service is mostly placed at $50 per month. To reach to your budget level, you can choose to negotiate your monthly Internet bill, opt to reduce your Internet speed, explore other options and compare services and prices, consider going for TV bundle offers, or buy your own equipment e.g. modem, router, etc. You can also check EBOX, Distributel, B2B2C, Transat Telecom, Teksavvy, VMedia and Bravo Telecom for budget-friendly Internet services.
  • What Internet speed do I need for:

    • Work an office job: 2.0 Mbps will be enough if you only use email, video conferencing tools and social media on only ONE device.
    • Netflix at night: At least 1.5 Mbps and for HD quality, 5.0 Mbps will be required.
    • Internet browsing and social media: 5.0 Mbps for Internet browsing and 10.0 Mbps for social media.
    • Online gaming: Minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps and download speed of 3 Mbps for online gaming.
    • A student apartment: 6.0 Mbps or higher
    • A family: 12-25 Mbps depending on the family size.
  • Will someone need to come to my house if I switch Internet service providers?

    After you have ordered your new Internet Service Provider, it is up to you whether you want to schedule an installation date to have a professional come to your house and set up the Internet system for you or you can choose to install it yourself by ordering self-install kits. A self-install kit would include a modem, a router, coaxial cables, ethernet cables along with an installation manual. After you have successfully installed the system yourself, you will need to call and ask your Internet service provider to turn on the service.
  • Why do people buy their own modem?

    Some people may choose to buy their own modem or router based on different purposes and preferences. The most common reason for buying one’s own modem is if they plan on using their Internet service for a long period. In this case, renting a modem will be costlier. Moreover, buying your own modem gives you an advantage of customization options in the future. This serves as a potential reason for people to purchase their own router. Many individuals prefer buying their own modem to have full control over the network and to avoid throttling of the connection speed by Internet Service Providers.
  • Why moving is a good time to switch Internet Service Provider?

    Whether you are moving out of your Internet service provider’s network or not, moving to a new place is indeed a good opportunity for you to explore new options. It is always worth checking other Internet Service Providers at your new address. They might offer a higher quality Internet connection at much better prices. But it is essential that you first understand your Internet needs and then make the right decision. When choosing an Internet Service Provider, you should take into consideration:
    • The speed
    • Availability
    • Upfront and monthly costs
    • Bundle offers
    • Reliability of your new Internet Service Provider

Looking for answers related to our services or platform? Visit our general FAQ page to learn more.

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Jasmine

Jasmine Mainguy-Seers

The expert

Jasmine is MovingWaldo’s top moving concierge. She has been in and out of millions of moves in the past 4 years. Among other things, Jasmine audits the internet service providers websites weekly and compiles her best discoveries and exclusive deals. Before signing off to a 12-month internet plan, do your due diligence or let Jasmine do it for you.

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