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.

What Internet speed do I need for work in an office job?

2.0 Mbps will be enough if you only use email, video conferencing tools and social media on only ONE device.

What Internet speed do I need for Netflix at night?

At least 1.5 Mbps and for HD quality, 5.0 Mbps will be required.

What Internet speed do I need for internet browsing and social media?

5.0 Mbps for Internet browsing and 10.0 Mbps for social media.

What Internet speed do I need for online gaming?

Minimum upload speed of 1 Mbps and download speed of 3 Mbps for online gaming.

What Internet speed do I need for a family?

12-25 Mbps depending on the family size.

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Home Internet Service Providers BIG SECRET: The Alternative Internet and TV providers that will make you save big time!

BIG SECRET: Cheap Internet providers that will make you save big time!

Last updated on: August 31, 2022

What is an alternative internet provider? To put it simply, we mean an internet provider that isn’t one of the big guns in the trade that we’ve all heard of. The main players in the internet world own most of the internet cabling that travels through the country. Several years ago, the CRTC (the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission) ruled that these main players had to rent out their wires to smaller, third-party companies to level out the playing field. Although the large providers offer great services, choosing a lesser-known internet provider also has its advantages. They often offer cheaper internet plans or uncapped deals. Especially if you are moving, it is recommended to compare internet plans and pricing available at your address. You may find a better suited option for your household.

We all know that internet, TV and telephony are pricy in Canada, particularly when you compare the costs with other, similar nations. So, today we are going to have a look at seven alternative Internet and TV providers that could help you save money.

MovingWaldo’s list of 5 Affordable Internet Providers in Canada:

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is Canada’s #1 Free Moving Concierge Service. Since 2016, we help millions of Canadians tackle moving tasks in minutes. We care to take the stress away from moving by offering free tools, tips and tricks and referral of service providers that you can trust. MovingWaldo is everything moving under the same roof!

How are internet providers selected?

Our network of cheap internet providers you can trust is carefully built based on professionalism, years of experience, accreditation, awards and social proofs from customers. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this unique industry. You can trust the internet providers listed here to guide you and your family safely into your new home!

Are you a good internet service providers?

VMedia

VMedia constantly improve their technology, as well as their features and services, and they do this with an on-going dialogue with their customers about their needs and likes and dislikes.

About

VMedia is Canada’s leading independent telecom and broadcasting company, offering unlimited Internet, TV, Home Phone, and Home Security service, and is available coast to coast. They offer the most affordable prices, the best choice and flexibility, and excellent customer support. VMedia is recognized as an innovation leader in the industry, and was the first to launch numerous consumer-friendly service features, including being the first company to offer all unlimited internet plans and no contracts with any of their services. With VMedia, you can even use your own modem.

Coverage zone

Available across Canada.

Compare Internet Plans

*Available speeds may vary depending on your address

What services are offered by VMedia?

VMedia offers a large variety of services, including high speed and reliable internet service available in a range of plans and speeds to suit every household budget and bandwidth need. Starting at 6 Mbps all the way up to 1000 Mbps depending on your address, all of VMedia’s internet plans are unlimited.

They are also a pioneer in live TV streaming and IPTV technology, offering over 200 channels in low cost ‘build your own’ TV packages and “a la carte’ options, so you can customize your channel lineup.

The company offers Home Phone Plans as well; Unlimited Canada & US or Unlimited World. Both plans come with unlimited calling and a great selection of 15 features such as 3-way calling or call transfer.

Finally, with VMedia Protect, you have access to an advanced, wireless home security system that comes with professional monitoring to ensure your security 24/7, whether you are home or not. Note that the availability of the packages may vary from location to another.

Pros

Available across Canada
Competitive pricing
Easy online sign up
No contracts

Cons

VoIP 911 has certain limitations versus traditional 911 *

*VoIP 911 has certain limitations versus traditional 911. For more information on the limitations, we invite you to contact VMedia.

oxio

One of the cheapest Internet service provider companies in Canada.

About

oxio innovate in the world of telecommunications by offering offers unlimited Internet services, HD television and residential telephony services.

oxio claims to distinguish themselves considerably from other Internet service providers in the country, major or smaller industry players, because of its clear and straightforward service offer, 100% focused on the client and its needs.

oxio’s philosophy is based on having no short-term promotions, hence avoiding a surprise rate increase when the promotion comes to an end. They have fair and accessible pricing, and customer support makes sure to provide their customers with friendly guidance towards the best possible plan for them.

Look to know if oxio is available in your region here.

Coverage zone

Quebec
Ontario
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan

Compare Internet Plans

*Available speeds may vary depending on your address

What services are offered by OXIO?

OXIO offers fast and reliable unlimited cheap Internet services starting at $40 per month. In Quebec only, they also offer combo plans for Internet and Television HD starting at $90 as well as a combo plan for Television HD, Home Phone and Internet starting at $105 per month.

Pros

No contract
Free installation
Speeds that are always stable
Free modem and eero 6 router
Unlimited downloads

Cons

Do not service the Maritimes.
Home phone and TV services currently not available outside of Quebec.

Altima Telecom

Best for reliability & affordability

About

Altima Telecom is an internet provider in Canada that has been working effortlessly to provide clients with top quality internet, digital phone, and digital TV services. In 1994 they started the setup in Quebec with just dial-up services and have greatly expanded since. Altima Telecom aims to provide reliable and fast internet service with no additional charges. On the verge of expanding their network across Canada, Altima Telecom is continuously looking for ways to improve their services.

Coverage zone

Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba & British Columbia

Internet starting at $30 per month

*Available speeds may vary depending on your address

Services offered by Altima Telecom

Internet: Altima Telecom offers high-speed internet, which includes a free router and modem rental. You can get unlimited high-speed Internet without worrying about extra charges. Internet speeds range from 15 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. Speeds and costs depend on where you are located, and prices start at $30 per month with no contract.

Television: Altima TV provides you with local and premium channels and allows you to handpick your favorites. The Not-so-Basic TV plan includes 50 premium channels (including HGTV, CNN, ESPN, Slice, and more). The pricing for digital TV is based on the customization of channels. Digital

Home Phone: Here, they provide all phone customers with Canada-wide calls, as well as call display, voicemail, and a router that will be required for the service. Keep your friends close by getting a second line for as low as $15/month.

Pros

Affordable prices with the added perk of promotional offers
No contract
Uncompromising internet speed
Vigilant customer support
30-day money back guarantee
Referral program – $35 credit for both you and your friend!

Cons

Service may not be available in your area. Currently it operates in Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba & British Columbia only.
Altima TV service only works if you have an internet plan with Altima.

Why choose this internet provider?

Internet, TV, and home phone service. Altima Telecom is an internet provider that screams reliability, quality, and affordability. There is a plan for every individual demand with affordable rates to cater to the masses. The onboarding and customer service don’t miss a beat when it comes to vigilance. If at any time you feel that you do not want their service, you can cancel with no out-of-the-blue costs. With a money-back guarantee, no ties offer, easy sign-up, and scheduling, Altima Telecom is nothing but convenient for its users. To highlight more, the internet Altima Telecom may be your best bet if you are looking for value and reliability.

IVC Telecom

IVC Telecom wants to turn a bad day into a good day by making communication easier.

About

Founded in 2016, IVC Telecom is a young Canadian telecommunications company based in Quebec. Their objective is to offer their customers high quality services while being affordable, in addition to offering competent and accessible technical support. To do this, IVC Telecom is constantly innovating and researching the best possible technologies. In addition, they make sure to use the best equipment in order to offer you good service at the right price. Their technical team is available by phone, email or chat to assist you in the way that works best for you, ensuring that you always have access to the best connexion possible. Finally, IVC Telecom is a good option if you are looking for simple, efficient and affordable Internet packages, offering several download speeds that can be suitable for all types of users.

Coverage zone

Quebec
Ontario
British Columbia
Alberta
Manitoba
Saskatchewan

Compare Internet Plans

*Available speeds may vary depending on your address

What services are offered by IVC Telecom?

IVC Telecom offers several Internet packages, including cheap internet options that will meet everyone’s needs. All of their plans have unlimited download capacity to avoid additional charges. In addition, their Internet plans have no long-term contract, no cancellation fees and no hidden fees. Starting at 30 Mbps for $39.95 per month, and going up to 400 Mbps for $74.95 per month, IVC Telecom offers a wide range of download speeds to meet everyone’s needs. Equipment rental is free, also allowing you to avoid additional monthly fees. For telephony, IVC Telecom offers two options. You can opt for Wi-Fi calling, which will allow you to call and text for free over your Wi-Fi connection. Otherwise, they also offer a residential home phone service including unlimited calls to Canada as well as several call options such as caller ID, call transfer, call forwarding, and much more. Telephony is not currently available from IVC Telecom, but is coming soon. Visit IVC Telecom to learn more.

Pros

Referral program available to save money when inviting friends and family members.
Budget friendly rates.
Broad upload speed options.
Unlimited download capacity with all packages.

Cons

Do not offer TV services.
Do not offer home phone yet (coming soon)

Diallog Telecommunications

Enjoy reliable high-speed Internet plans with Diallog Telecommunications.

About

Based in Toronto, Diallog has been providing a full suite of telecom services to Canadian residences and business customers across Canada for over 20 years. Whether you’re gaming, surfing, streaming or socializing, they’ve got an unlimited home internet plan to suit your needs–and their service packages include use of a supplied modem so no need to rent or purchase. Diallog’s personalized approach to customer service is sure to leave you in good hands.

Coverage zone

Ontario
Quebec
British Columbia

Starting at $30 per month

*Prices and available speeds may vary depending on your address

What services are offered by Diallog?

Like most providers, the Cable and DSL plan you’ll be eligible for will typically depend on where you’re located. Diallog offers cheap home Internet plans starting at $30 and the speed can vary from 5 Mbps to 150 Mbps. There are no contracts or extra metering with Diallog plans–your Internet usage is unlimited. If you need a home phone plan, Diallog’s offer starts at only $15 a month, you can call unlimited in Canada–or you can opt for an unlimited plan in North America for $20 a month.

Finally, they have been providing telecom solutions for small and medium-sized businesses for many years as well. Whether you need Internet services or a business phone system, Diallog has access to all carriers and products, so they can provide you with the best rates and resource management, regardless of your location.

Pros

Free Modem Rental
50% off Installation
Unlimited Usage
$40 Referral Discount

Cons

Residential packages and prices not shown on website

Special Mentions

Moving is often synonymous of stress, long administrative tasks and a significant waste of time and money. MovingWaldo helps you solve all these problems in just a few clicks! After some shameless self-promotion, we invite you to discover our free moving tools available to all.

Update your address on all your accounts
Connect the Internet, TV and phone.
Secure home and auto insurance
Find resources, checklists and more.

We bring together more than 700 organizations across Canada with a single and simplified form.

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet

Do all Internet service providers offer cheap unlimited Internet?

Not all, but many Internet service providers in Canada offer unlimited Internet, especially budget friendly. 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 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 Internet service 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 cheaper plans and 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 from the ISPs listed above. 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 telecommunication services. 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.

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

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Relevant for your move

BIG SECRET: Cheap Internet providers that will make you save big time!

MovingWaldo’s list of 5 Affordable Internet Providers in Canada:

VMedia

oxio

Altima Telecom

Why choose this internet provider?

IVC Telecom

Diallog Telecommunications

Special Mentions

Frequently Asked Questions about Internet

Do all Internet service providers offer cheap unlimited Internet?

Do I have a penalty if I cancel my Internet contract?

How do I cancel my Internet service provider?

Do alternative Internet service providers offer cheaper plans and good Internet speed?

How much should I pay for Internet per month?

Will someone need to come to my house if I switch Internet service providers?

Why do people buy their own modem?

Why moving is a good time to switch Internet Service Provider?

Share this article on social media

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