Internet Service Providers in Canada

An Internet Service Providers (ISP) allow you to do everything from streaming your favorite movies to shopping online whether you are using your computer, cell phone or tablet. The type of connectivity you use plays a major role in how quickly your connection is made and how much you pay for the services available. The key is to not only find the fastest connection for the least amount of money but to also ensure your connectivity is dependable. Here GoneVoIP explains what Canada internet service providers offer and how to find the best internet provider for your needs.

Internet Provider Connectivity Options

Connectivity simply refers to the type of connection used to access the internet. The right connectivity options are selected based on your location. The categories include Home Internet and Business Internet but can be broken down even further into Condo and Rural internet services. The options offered by internet service providers include:

  • Dial-up: Canada internet providers offer dial-up service which depends on a modem and existing phone line to access the internet. This is considered the slowest option but is often necessary if you live in a rural area. The modem is connected to an existing phone line which literally must be “dialed up” to reach the server. The telephone connection is then used while you are online meaning you cannot receive or make phone calls while accessing the internet.

  • Satellite: Another option internet providers offer rural users is satellite access. It is far faster than dial-up when it comes to downloading, however it still faces the same speed challenges as dialup when it comes to uploading.

  • DSL: DSL stands for “digital subscriber line.” Although it is provided by phone companies, it does not encounter the same speed issues as dial-up as it uses special technology that works independently of the phone line. This means you can still take and make phone calls while browsing at faster speeds.

  • Fiber: Fibre services are also provided by your phone company. Fiber-to-the-premises also was known as pure fiber uses cables that go directly from the source to the home for less interference and faster delivery. It is also designed to adapt to changing smart home and connected technology used in the home often making it a wiser choice.

  • Cable: As the name implies cable service is offered by a cable company. It accesses the internet via a cable router and jack. Cable can be very speedy. However, cable services are shared with your neighbors, so if there’s a lot of internet traffic it might slow down your internet speed.

  • Wi-Fi Access: Wi-Fi provides you with wireless Internet access, ideal for laptops as well as handheld devices such as cell phones and tabloids. You can often access the internet when out and about as it is becoming commonplace for businesses such as malls, hotels, and restaurants to offer free access. However, Canada internet providers also offer some form of Wi-Fi access in combination with your existing services, so you can access the internet when using laptops and handheld devices at home. It’s also ideal for guests who require access to the internet on their devices.

Purchasing Options from Providers

One of the most confusing aspects of finding internet service providers are the types of deals available. That is why GoneVoIP offers a quick way to comparison shop for ISP’s to make it easier to find the best internet provider. Here is an overview of the purchasing options available through internet providers:

  • Contracts: Contracts tend to offer a special monthly rate for a year or two. They tend to be cheaper to entice customers to make a long-term commitment and are offered by dependable internet services. Most providers will offer bonuses when you sign a contract such as discounts on cable channels, or even free access to Netflix or Crave. Set-up and equipment such as routers tend to be free. Contracts often have data limits and charge you when you go over your limit. If you don’t like the service, you can also be faced with steep fees to get out of your contract. Many contracts will offer a special deal for the first few months, but then have a higher fee for the rest of the contract. If you signed on at a special rate, that rate might not be available when it comes time to renew.

  • No Contracts: The best part of being contract free is that you won’t be stuck with a service that you do not like. If you begin using an internet provider and find they are too slow or too expensive you can change providers without facing any cancellation fees. You can keep an eye out for the best deals and choose to switch to suit your budget needs or you can experiment to find the service provider you prefer before committing to a contract. You will have the same choices for providers, so you will still have access to speedy internet. On the down side there are often set up fees when you don’t sign a contract. In this case, jumping from provider to provider becomes less wise as you will be faced with the set-up fees every time you switch. Without a contract you will also often be charged rental fees for things such as routers as well as additional fees for data usage and downloads. You will also miss out on added bonuses such as discounts on other services.

  • Bundling: Bundling deals can work in your favour as they not only tend to give price breaks for internet, but also for the other services you use such as television access, home phone and cell phone. Bundling also allows you to deal with a single provider for everything which can make paying your bills a little less time consuming. One of the downsides to bundling is that you might get stuck with an ISP that does not turn out to be everything that you want, as well as limitations on data usage or slower speeds based on the type of connectivity they offer. You will also tend to have to sign a contract to get the best bundling deals.

    • This information will help you find the best internet provider for your needs. Click the category icon to suit your needs to see our Canadian internet providers lists.