Satellite Internet in Canada
Available in every province and territory. The only reliable internet option for remote and northern Canada — and Starlink has transformed the quality.
Satellite Internet in Canada: What You Need to Know
Satellite internet is the only option for millions of rural, remote, and northern Canadians who live beyond the reach of cable, DSL, and fixed wireless networks. Canada's vast geography makes this a significant market.
Starlink(SpaceX) has been a game-changer. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites orbiting at ~36,000 km (which cause 600+ ms latency), Starlink's low-earth orbit (LEO) constellation sits at ~550 km. This reduces latency to 20–40 ms — close to cable internet — and delivers speeds of 25–220 Mbps for residential users.
Xplornet uses a combination of satellite and fixed wireless, serving rural Canadian communities across all provinces. Speeds are lower than Starlink but plans can be more affordable for lighter users.
Based on CRTC National Broadband Data
Satellite is the primary broadband technology for remote FSAs
According to CRTC National Broadband Data — what Canadian ISPs are required by law to file annually — satellite coverage extends to FSAs across all 13 provinces and territories. In remote northern FSAs (NT, YT, NU) and rural portions of BC, Alberta, and Quebec, satellite is often the only technology with confirmed broadband-speed coverage. No competing technology has filed coverage for the majority of Canada's land area.
This data reflects CRTC regulatory filings, not ISP marketing claims. Use our postal code tool below to see what CRTC filings show for your specific address.
Satellite Providers in Canada (3)
Starlink
High-speed satellite internet — available anywhere in Canada
From
$75/mo
Xplore
Rural internet specialists — fibre, 5G wireless, and satellite
From
$55/mo
Northwestel
Internet for Canada's North — NWT, Yukon, and Nunavut
From
$60/mo
Starlink vs Xplornet — Side by Side
Both cover rural Canada nationwide. The technology, speed, and pricing differ significantly.
| Feature | Starlink | Xplornet |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | LEO satellite (~550 km) | GEO satellite + fixed wireless |
| Download speed | 25–220 Mbps | Up to 50 Mbps |
| Upload speed | 5–20 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps |
| Latency | 20–40 ms | 600–800 ms (satellite tiers) |
| Monthly price | From $120/mo | From $50/mo |
| Hardware cost | ~$649 one-time | Often free with contract |
| Contract | None — month-to-month | 2-year typical |
| Data cap | Unlimited (Residential) | Limited — 10–500 GB |
| Video streaming | Excellent | OK (high latency may cause buffering) |
| Video calls | Good (20–40 ms) | Difficult (600+ ms) |
| Online gaming | Playable (most games) | Not recommended |
| Rural coverage | All of Canada | All of Canada |
Speeds and prices are approximate. Always confirm current pricing directly with the provider.
Full Starlink vs Xplornet Guide →Traditional Satellite vs. Starlink LEO
| Feature | Starlink (LEO) | Traditional Satellite |
|---|---|---|
| Orbit altitude | ~550 km | ~36,000 km |
| Latency | 20–40 ms | 600–800 ms |
| Max download | 220 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Weather sensitivity | Low | High |
| Hardware cost | ~$649 one-time | Often free with contract |
| Monthly price | From $120/mo | From $50/mo |
| Contracts | None | 2-year typical |
In-Depth Comparison
Starlink vs Xplornet: Which is Better for Rural Canada?
Our full guide breaks down cost over 2 years, real-world speed data, rural coverage, and the exact scenario where Xplornet still wins despite slower technology.
Read the Full Starlink vs Xplornet Guide →Government Subsidies for Rural Internet
The CRTC's Broadband Fund and federal programs like the Universal Broadband Fund (UBF) provide funding for internet infrastructure in underserved rural and remote areas. Some rural Canadians may qualify for subsidized satellite service. Check ised.canada.ca for current programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Starlink available everywhere in Canada?+
Yes — Starlink is available across all Canadian provinces and territories, including remote northern communities. It requires a clear view of the sky and a small dish (about 48 cm) mounted on your roof. Coverage and speeds are generally consistent nationwide. In some areas (northern territories, remote BC), Starlink may be the only viable broadband option.
Is Starlink worth the price in Canada?+
For rural and remote Canadians without cable or fibre options, Starlink is almost always worth it. At $120–140/month with speeds of 25–220 Mbps and 20–40 ms latency, it outperforms traditional satellite by every measure. For urban Canadians who already have cable or fibre available, Starlink is more expensive than alternatives and not necessary.
Can I use satellite internet for gaming in Canada?+
Starlink yes — its low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites produce 20–40 ms latency, which is acceptable for most online games. Traditional geostationary satellites (Xplornet legacy plans) orbit at 36,000 km and produce 600–800 ms latency, which makes real-time gaming impossible. If you're a gamer in a rural area, Starlink is the only satellite option worth considering.
What is the Starlink hardware cost in Canada?+
The Starlink dish (Standard kit) costs approximately $649 CAD as a one-time purchase. The monthly service fee starts at $120/month. There are no contracts — you can cancel month-to-month. Business and Priority plans are available at higher price points for heavier use. Portable plans allow you to use Starlink while travelling in Canada.
Starlink vs Xplornet — which is better for rural Canada?+
For most rural Canadians, Starlink is the better choice. It delivers 25–220 Mbps download and 20–40 ms latency — comparable to cable for most everyday tasks. Xplornet's satellite plans use geostationary satellites with 600+ ms latency, making video calls and gaming difficult. Xplornet is cheaper ($50–80/mo vs Starlink's $120/mo) and doesn't require a $649 dish purchase, which makes it a viable option for very light use or households with tight upfront budgets.
Related Reading
Is Satellite Your Best Option?
Enter your postal code to see all available providers at your address — including whether cable, fibre, or fixed wireless has reached your area based on CRTC filings.