Types of Internet in Canada
The type of internet available at your address determines your speed ceiling and your provider options. Here's everything you need to know.
Fibre Internet
Fastest & most reliablePure fibre-optic cables deliver symmetrical upload and download speeds. The gold standard for home internet in Canada.
Speeds
Up to 8 Gbps
Price
From $55/mo
Providers
Bell, Rogers, Telus +9
Cable Internet
Widely available & reliableUses the same coaxial cable as cable TV. Fast download speeds, widely available in suburban and urban Canada.
Speeds
Up to 2.5 Gbps
Price
From $45/mo
Providers
Rogers, Cogeco, Videotron +8
DSL Internet
Reaches where cable doesn'tDelivered over copper phone lines. Slower than fibre or cable but available in many rural and suburban areas.
Speeds
Up to 100 Mbps
Price
From $30/mo
Providers
Bell, Telus, TekSavvy +3
Fixed Wireless
Good for rural without cableSignals transmitted from a tower to a receiver at your home. A solid option for rural areas without cable or fibre.
Speeds
Up to 500 Mbps
Price
From $45/mo
Providers
Eastlink, Freedom Mobile, Xplore +2
Satellite Internet
Available anywhere in CanadaInternet via satellite dish. Starlink has dramatically improved speeds and latency. The only option for remote and northern Canada.
Speeds
Up to 300 Mbps (Starlink)
Price
From $50/mo
Providers
Starlink, Xplore, Northwestel
Ranked: Best to Worst
Fibre
Fastest speeds, lowest latency, symmetric upload — nothing beats it.
Cable
Widely available with good speeds. Download-heavy but reliable.
Fixed Wireless
A competitive rural option where towers are nearby.
DSL
Decent for basic use; speed limited by distance from phone exchange.
Satellite
Last resort or remote areas — Starlink changed the game but still pricier.
Canada's Broadband Standard
The CRTC defines broadband internet as a minimum of 50 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. As of 2024, the CRTC has set a universal service objective of 50/10 Mbps for all Canadians. If you're paying for a plan below this threshold, you may be underserved — and likely paying too much for what you get.