Internet Providers in Canada
North America — Ranked #21 globally for broadband speed
Canada's broadband market is dominated by three national carriers — Rogers, Bell, and Telus — along with Shaw (now merged with Rogers) and a range of regional and independent ISPs. Canada has among the highest broadband prices in the OECD, although the CRTC has mandated wholesale access to push prices down and promote competition.
Broadband Overview — Canada
| Canada Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 38,781,291 |
| Internet Users | 36,400,000 (93.8% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 91% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 38% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 90 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $61 |
| Regulatory Body | Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) |
| Global Speed Rank | #21 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
Bell and Telus operate competing fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) networks in eastern and western Canada respectively. Rogers operates a large cable network. Remote and northern communities rely heavily on satellite (Telesat LEO and Starlink) and fixed wireless access.
Key Facts
- ✓ Canada has some of the highest broadband prices in the G7
- ✓ CRTC mandated wholesale fibre access rates in 2024 to boost competition
- ✓ Starlink is vital for many rural and remote Canadian communities
- ✓ Rogers-Shaw merger in 2023 reduced competition in western Canada
Internet Freedom in Canada
- ● No federal content blocking beyond CSAM
- ● CRTC considered blocking piracy sites but courts rejected overreach
- ● Some provincial gambling site blocking ordered by courts
ISP Speed Comparison — Canada
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bell Canada | FTTP (Pure Fibre), FTTN | 320 Mbps | 290 Mbps | 10 ms | View → |
| Rogers Internet | Cable (DOCSIS 3.1), Ignite Fibre | 380 Mbps | 22 Mbps | 12 ms | View → |
| TELUS Internet | FTTP (PureFibre), Wireless Home Internet | 450 Mbps | 420 Mbps | 8 ms | View → |
All Providers in Canada
Bell Canada
AS577Canada's largest FTTP fibre internet provider
Rogers Internet
AS812Canada's largest cable internet provider
TELUS Internet
AS852Pure fibre internet across western Canada
How to Choose an ISP in Canada
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Canada Broadband
Why is internet so expensive in Canada?
Canada's vast geography and limited competition between a few dominant carriers contribute to high prices. The CRTC has taken steps to mandate wholesale access to lower costs.
Is gigabit internet available in Canada?
Yes — Bell, Rogers, and Telus all offer gigabit plans in major cities. Rural availability remains limited.