Internet, TV, and Streaming Services Guide for Newcomers in Canada
By WelcomeAide Team
Internet Service in Canada: An Overview
Reliable internet access is essential for everyday life in Canada, from banking and government services to job searching and staying connected with family abroad. Canada's internet market is served by a mix of large national providers and smaller regional companies. The major national providers include Bell (primarily in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada), Rogers (Ontario and parts of Atlantic Canada), Telus (British Columbia, Alberta, and parts of Quebec), and Shaw/Freedom (Western Canada, now merging with Rogers). In addition to these large companies, there are many regional and independent providers that often offer competitive pricing.
Internet service in Canada is available through several technologies, including fibre optic (the fastest and most reliable), cable, DSL, fixed wireless, and satellite. Availability depends on your location, with urban areas generally having the most options and the best speeds, while rural and remote areas may have more limited choices. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) regulates telecommunications in Canada and sets standards for internet service quality.
Choosing an Internet Plan
When selecting an internet plan, consider several factors: download and upload speeds, data caps (if any), contract length, installation fees, and monthly cost. Internet speeds in Canada are typically measured in megabits per second (Mbps). For basic browsing and email, speeds of 25 to 50 Mbps are sufficient. For streaming video, video calls, and working from home, speeds of 75 to 150 Mbps are recommended. For households with multiple users streaming, gaming, or working simultaneously, speeds of 300 Mbps or higher may be appropriate.
Internet Providers by Province
In British Columbia, the primary providers are Telus (fibre and DSL), Shaw (cable, now part of Rogers), and smaller providers like TekSavvy and Lightspeed. In Alberta, Telus and Shaw are dominant. In Ontario, Bell, Rogers, and many resellers (TekSavvy, Start.ca, Distributel) offer service. In Quebec, Bell, Videotron, and various independents are available. In Atlantic Canada, Bell Aliant and Eastlink are the major providers. Always compare plans from multiple providers, as prices and promotions can vary significantly.
TV Options: Cable, Satellite, and IPTV
Traditional cable TV is available from the same major providers that offer internet service. Cable packages in Canada can range from basic plans with 20 to 30 channels to premium packages with hundreds of channels, including specialty, sports, and international channels. Satellite TV, offered by providers like Bell Satellite and Shaw Direct, is available across the country, including in rural areas where cable is not an option. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), such as Bell Fibe TV and Telus Optik TV, delivers television content over your internet connection and often includes features like cloud PVR recording and on-demand content.
The CRTC requires that Canadian TV providers offer a basic package (sometimes called a "skinny basic" package) at an affordable price, which includes local channels, major Canadian networks, and some U.S. networks. Beyond the basic package, you can add channel bundles or individual channels according to your preferences. However, traditional TV packages can be expensive, and many Canadians are choosing to "cut the cord" in favour of streaming services.
Understanding the CRTC
The CRTC is an independent public authority that regulates and supervises broadcasting and telecommunications in Canada. The CRTC sets rules around Canadian content requirements, pricing transparency, and consumer rights. If you have a complaint about your internet, phone, or TV service, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) is an independent organization that can help resolve disputes between consumers and service providers.
Streaming Services in Canada
Streaming services have become the primary way many Canadians watch movies and TV shows. The major streaming services available in Canada include:
- Netflix: The most widely used streaming service in Canada, offering a large library of movies, TV shows, and documentaries, including Canadian and international content. Plans start at approximately $6 to $23 CAD per month depending on the tier.
- Crave: A Canadian streaming service owned by Bell Media that offers HBO content, Showtime content, and a large catalogue of Canadian programming. Crave is the exclusive home of HBO originals in Canada. Plans start at approximately $8 CAD per month.
- Disney+: Offers content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic, as well as general entertainment through its Star hub. Plans start at approximately $8 to $15 CAD per month.
- Amazon Prime Video: Included with an Amazon Prime membership (approximately $10 CAD per month), Prime Video offers a mix of original content and licensed movies and TV shows.
- Apple TV+: Apple's streaming service, offering original content at approximately $10 CAD per month.
- CBC Gem: The CBC's streaming platform, which offers free access to many Canadian shows, news, and documentaries, with a premium tier for additional content.
Cord-Cutting: Replacing Cable with Streaming
Cord-cutting refers to cancelling your traditional cable or satellite TV subscription and relying on streaming services and other alternatives instead. Many newcomers find that a combination of two or three streaming services provides more than enough content at a fraction of the cost of a cable package. To cut the cord effectively, you will need a reliable internet connection (at least 25 Mbps for HD streaming) and a streaming device such as a smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast.
Free and Low-Cost Alternatives
In addition to paid streaming services, there are free options available in Canada. CBC Gem offers a free tier with ads, and services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and YouTube offer free ad-supported content. Many Canadian public libraries also provide free access to streaming services like Kanopy, which offers documentaries and independent films. For sports fans, some live sports are available through free over-the-air channels using a digital antenna, which can pick up local Canadian and U.S. broadcast networks.
Cell Phone Data Plans
Cell phone service in Canada is provided by three major carriers: Bell, Rogers, and Telus, along with their subsidiary brands (Virgin Plus, Fido, Koodo) and independent carriers like Freedom Mobile, Public Mobile, and Chatr. Cell phone plans in Canada are often considered expensive compared to other countries, but prices have been gradually decreasing due to competition and CRTC interventions.
When choosing a cell phone plan, consider how much data you need, whether you want to bring your own device or finance a new one through the carrier, and whether you need Canada-wide calling or international calling features. Plans with 4 to 10 GB of data typically cost between $35 and $60 CAD per month, while plans with 20 GB or more range from $50 to $90 CAD per month. Prepaid plans and plans from subsidiary brands are often more affordable than plans from the parent companies.
Tips for Saving on Cell Phone Costs
Buy your phone outright or bring an unlocked phone from your home country to avoid expensive device financing. Consider subsidiary brands (Fido, Koodo, Virgin Plus) or independent carriers for lower prices on similar networks. Take advantage of special promotions, which are often available during holidays and back-to-school periods. If you use a lot of data, connect to Wi-Fi whenever possible to reduce your cellular data usage. For more tips on managing your finances in Canada, visit our budgeting and saving guide.
Setting Up Your Digital Life in Canada
When you first arrive in Canada, setting up internet and phone service should be among your first priorities, as you will need connectivity for almost everything, from applying for a SIN and health card to finding housing and employment. Most providers allow you to sign up online or in-store, and installation can often be scheduled within a few days. Some apartment buildings have pre-wired internet service, which can speed up the process. For a comprehensive overview of your first steps in Canada, read our first two weeks in Canada checklist.
Resources and Next Steps
Navigating Canada's internet, TV, and phone landscape can feel overwhelming, but with some research and comparison shopping, you can find the right services at a reasonable price. Take advantage of promotional offers, consider cord-cutting to save money, and explore free resources available through public libraries and CBC Gem. For personalized assistance, use our AI Newcomer Navigator, browse more guides on our blog, or learn about WelcomeAide and our mission to support newcomers across Canada.