The OECD ranks Canada in the bottom third of developed countries for internet affordability. The average Canadian household pays $75–90/month for internet — roughly double what comparable households pay in France, Germany, or the UK. But most Canadians don't know there's a legal path to the same network at half the price.
The cheapest plans, by province
| Province | Provider | Price | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | TekSavvy | $33/mo | 30 Mbps DSL | $50/mo for cable 60 Mbps |
| Quebec | Oxio | $30/mo | 60 Mbps | Price-for-life guarantee |
| Quebec | Fizz | $35/mo | 60 Mbps | No contract, no price hikes |
| BC | TekSavvy | $40/mo | 50 Mbps | Cable via Rogers network |
| Alberta | TekSavvy | $40/mo | 50 Mbps | Cable via Shaw/Rogers |
| Nova Scotia | Eastlink | $50/mo | 50 Mbps | No MVNO alternative available |
| Saskatchewan | SaskTel | — | — | Provincial monopoly — no MVNO access |
Why independent ISPs are cheaper — and legal
The CRTC mandates that Bell, Rogers, and Telus provide wholesale access to their networks. TekSavvy, Distributel, Oxio, and Fizz access the same copper, coax, and fibre lines at regulated wholesale rates — then compete on price and service. The physical connection in your wall is identical to what you'd get going direct to the carrier.
📋 Based on CRTC Data
The CRTC's 2023 wholesale broadband access ruling extended mandatory wholesale access to fibre networks — meaning independent ISPs can now offer fibre internet in markets where Bell and Telus have built FTTH infrastructure, at regulated wholesale rates.
What you give up with an independent ISP
- •Speed caps: TekSavvy cable plans often cap at 150–300 Mbps versus gigabit on Bell/Rogers direct. Fibre plans are newer and still rolling out in some markets.
- •Support wait times: MVNOs have solid support, but call wait times average longer than the Big 3 (which, admittedly, are not known for fast service either).
- •Equipment: You typically buy your own modem (one-time $80–150), which saves money long-term but requires upfront investment.
- •Bundle discounts: If you have Bell/Rogers mobile, bundling can reduce both bills. MVNOs can't match carrier bundle pricing.
The equipment upgrade that pays for itself in 8 months
Buying your own cable modem is the single highest-ROI move for cable internet customers. Bell rents modems for $15/month. Rogers charges $12/month. A compatible DOCSIS 3.1 modem costs $100–150 at Best Buy. At $15/month rental savings, it pays for itself in under 8 months — then saves you $180/year forever.
⚠️ Watch Out
Bell Fibe (fibre to the home) and DSL plans require Bell-specific ONTs that are provided and owned by Bell. You cannot bring your own modem on those connections. This only applies to cable internet customers.
How to get a lower price on your Big 3 plan without switching
If you need to stay with Bell, Rogers, or Telus — or you want the gigabit speeds only they offer — the retention call is your most effective tool. Call your ISP and say: "I've been quoted $50/month from TekSavvy for the same speeds. Can you match it, or do I need to switch?"
Bell and Rogers retention departments routinely offer $20–40/month discounts not available online. These are only available if you ask — and only when you're a flight risk. The best time to call is the day you receive a price increase notice.
💡Sam's Tip
If the first agent says no, hang up and call back. Retention reps have discretion on what they can offer, and you may get a different agent with more flexibility. Three calls is not unusual for getting the best retention offer.
Quebec is a different market — and a better one
Quebec has two MVNOs that operate differently from anywhere else in Canada: Fizz and Oxio both offer what no Big 3 carrier does — a price that never changes. Fizz's plans are month-to-month with no promotional periods. Oxio offers a "price for life" guarantee. In a market where every other ISP uses promotional pricing that expires into a higher rate, this transparency is a significant advantage for consumers who want to budget accurately.