Given the different terminologies and technologies used to deliver internet access to homes, it’s possible to get confused about which connection is suitable and ideal for your home. There are tons of internet service providers in Canada, just as there are several internet plans and various types of connections, ranging from Fibre to DSL, Cable, and more.
Therefore, it is essential to choose an internet plan that is suitable for your residential needs or official requirements. The fact is that an internet plan or connection that works for your business or office might not necessarily be suitable for your home internet needs.
Canada has several reputable internet providers; many offer different plans and features, including custom-tailored internet services. While many of these providers have some similarities, some distinguishing factors are visible, including payment plans and connection speed, among others.
It is worthy of note that an expensive internet plan does not equate to a high-speed connection. This guide will provide information on the different types of internet connections ideal for home usage and Canada’s best home internet plans.
Types of Internet Connections
In terms of residential internet access, there are different internet service providers (ISPs) in Canada. The main competition among these internet providers is speed, quality, and availability.
Here are the different types of internet connections:
1. Fibre Optic Internet Connection
Fibre optic internet is a broadband internet connection or access that uses Fibre-Optic cables – strands of plastic or glass-like cables. Fibre-Optic internet connections are unarguably the fastest and offer reliable, superior connections compared to other internet channels. It can send data as fast as up to 70% of the speed of light. Using a Fibre-Optic cable, you can enjoy a speed of approximately 940 to 1000 Megabits per second (Mbps). In other scenarios, this technology can deliver download speeds between 2 Gigabits to 10 Gigabits per second.
2. Cable Internet Connection
Unlike fibre-optic, cable internet connections deliver internet access to homes through copper cable. This technology uses a coaxial cable similar to the one used by traditional cable TV. The internet provider sends data signals through the coaxial cable to your home through a modem. The modem connects to an Ethernet cable or a wireless router, giving you access to a Wi-Fi network. However, an Ethernet cable offers a faster and stable connection than a Wi-Fi connection in a home network.
Although it cannot be compared to fibre optic in terms of speed, Cable internet network for residential usage is still one of the most popular and fast internet access. Cable internet packages are often bundled with phone and television packages as they use the same coaxial connection.
3. Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) Internet Connection
DSL connections provide your home with high-speed bandwidth connections via a phone wall jack or a telephone network. This technology uses your local phone line to transmit data. DSL connections are of two different types:
- Symmetric DSL Connection offers equal upload and download speeds.
- Asymmetric DSL Connection, which offers high download and low upload speeds.
DSL connections often use a modem, router, and line splitter to transfer data and internet connections. As a result, you can enjoy unlimited phone calls without disrupting your internet connection.
4. Satellite Internet Connection
The satellite internet connection provides internet access and services through a communication satellite or signal from an Internet Service Provider (ISP). It’s communication between a small satellite dish and a geostationary or orbiting satellite in space. This technology is mainly used in rural areas as it offers a low network speed of about 12 to 100 Mbps.
5. Other notable internet connections
- Fixed Wireless internet connection which uses an antenna or receiver to transmit data connections
- Cellular internet or Mobile internet connection connects your router or hotspot to a nearby cellular tower, such as LTE, 5G, etc.
10 Best Home Internet Plans
1. Bell Gigabit Fibe 1.5
Starting Price: $129.95/month
Upload Speed: 940 Mbps
Download Speed: 1.5 Gbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Special Offer: McAfee security, Home Wi-Fi, Bell email
Bell gigabit fibe 1.5 provides home internet connections via a fibre-optic network. That’s an assurance of a high-speed connection available at 1.5 Gbps (in a wired connection) for downloads and up to 940 Megabits for uploads. This internet plan comes with Home Hub 3000 wireless Ac technology and other added features. Online orders require no activation fees, while non-online orders attract a $59.95 activation fee. The Bell Gigabit Fibe 1.5 comes with additional benefits, including Home Wi-Fi, McAfee security, etc.
2. Telus Pure Fibre 1.5 Gigabit
Starting Price: $119/month
Contract: 2 years
Upload Speed: 940 Mbps
Download Speed: 1500 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
With the Telus pure fibre 1.5 Gigabit plan, you’ll enjoy an unstoppable, fast, and high-speed internet connection on the fibre technology. Telus offers fast internet technology in western Canada and provides customers with consistent fibre optic internet access for home-usage. With this internet plan, you’ll enjoy unlimited data in your home, Wi-Fi hub rental, and up to 1.5 Gbps download speed, and 940 Mbps upload speed.
3. TekSavvy 15
Starting Price: $39.95
Contract: 1 year
Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
Download Speed: 15 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
TekSavvy has one of the cheapest home internet plans in Canada and is one of Canada’s consistent internet resellers. It has comprehensive coverage and offers several broadband options, including DSL and Cable connections.
The TekSavvy 15 comes with cable connections at a fixed price of $39.95 monthly payment, which gives you about 15 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds. It also comes with unlimited bandwidth and modem rental, suitable for residential usage.
4. Diallog Ultimate Cable 50/10Mbps
Starting Price: $45/month
Contract: None
Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
Download Speed: 50 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
The Diallog Ultimate cable internet connection is suitable for residential usage and comes with unlimited bandwidth. With a $45.00 monthly price, you can enjoy up to 50 Mbps download speed, and 10 Mbps upload speed. This plan also comes with modem rentals.
5. FibreStream Fibre 50 Internet
Starting Price: $35.00
Contract: None
Upload Speed: 50 Mbps
Download Speed: 50 Mbps
Condo owners will find the FibreStream Fibre 50 a suitable choice for home internet connection. With a $35 monthly price, you’ll enjoy up to 50 Mbps download speed, and 50 Mbps upload speed. This plan requires no contractual agreement and also comes with modem rental.
6. TekSavvy Fibre 25
Starting Price: $34.95
Contract: 1 year
Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Enjoy unlimited bandwidth on a $34.95 monthly fee for a fast and reliable home internet connection. TekSavvy Fibre 25 comes with 25 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
7. Rogers Ignite 60
Starting Price: $77.99
Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
Download Speed: 60 Mbps
Bandwidth: 200 GB
Rogers ignite 60 is an ideal internet plan for a home with about three users. With internet services in 13 Canadian provinces/territories, Rogers is a household name among Canadian internet users. Customers have the option to bundle the Ignite 60 internet plan with a TV or home phone package (unlimited bandwidth) for a two-year contract. Otherwise, they can opt for the 200 GB data cap with 60 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
8. High Speed Crow Fibre Essential Plan
Starting Price: $25
Contract: 2 years
Upload Speed: 1 Mbps
Download Speed: 10 Mbps
Bandwidth: 300 GB
The High Speed Crow Fibre Essential home internet plan comes at a $25 monthly price. It also comes with a 10 Mbps download speed and a 1 Mbps upload speed. This internet plan has a data cap of 300GB on a high-speed fibre connection.
9. Vmedia FTTN 25
Starting Price: $43.95
Contract: None
Upload Speed: 2.5 Mbps
Download Speed: 25 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Special Offer: One month free
The FTTN 25 is a fast internet connection for a home with 2 to 3 internet users. It comes with free installation and six months of free modem rental. New customers enjoy up to two months of free internet usage. With a $43.95 monthly price, you can access up to 25 Mbps download speed, and 2.5 Mbps upload speed for residential usage, including email, video streaming, social media, and more.
10. CanNet Cogeco 40
Starting Price: $29.98
Contract: None
Upload Speed: 10 Mbps
Download Speed: 40 Mbps
Bandwidth: Unlimited
Connection: Cable
The Cannet Cogeco 40 residential internet plan has fast internet access via cable connection and an unlimited data cap. With a $29.98 monthly fee, you access up to 40 Mbps download speed and up to 10 Mbps upload speed.
Our Top Three Picks
In comparing the best home internet plans in Canada, we consider some factors, including
- High speed internet plans
- Unlimited internet plans or data cap
- Cheap and affordable internet plans
- Provincial coverage of internet service providers
Therefore, here are our top three picks for home internet plans in Canada:
1. Telus Pure Fibre 1.5 Gigabit – Best Value
2. CanNet Cogeco 40 – Good on the Budget
3. FibreStream Fibre 50 Internet – Good Customer Reviews
Factors to Consider In Choosing a Home Internet Plan
When choosing the best internet plan for your home, you should consider the following:
- The monthly payment plan
- The length of the contract
- Special or promotional offers and the post-offer price
- The type of connection and the connection speed
- Additional or extra fees, such as activation fees, etc.
Conclusion
In no particular order, the above home internet plans are some of the best internet plans suitable for residential usage in Canada. While considering your home internet package, ensure to do your research carefully and compare the internet plan offers from different providers, depending on your preference and needs.
