Cogeco Internet Review 2026: Plans, Prices, Pros & Cons
Overview: Cogeco Internet
Cogeco is one of those providers that a lot of Canadians outside Ontario and Quebec have never heard of, but if you live in Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara, Kingston, Windsor, Trois-Rivières, or Rimouski, you probably know them well. Cogeco Connexion is the second-largest cable operator in Ontario and Quebec by internet service customers, and in many mid-size cities it is the main wired alternative to Bell.
The company was founded in 1957 in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, and has grown through decades of acquisitions into a major telecom player with about 1.6 million residential and business subscribers across Canada and the United States. In Canada, its services are marketed under the Cogeco and oxio brands. In the U.S., they are marketed mainly under the Breezeline and welo brands.
Cogeco runs a hybrid fibre coaxial (HFC) cable network, which means fibre runs to your neighbourhood and then coaxial cable carries the signal to your house. This delivers solid download speeds up to 1 Gbps, but upload speeds are much lower on most connections. In select Cogeco-served neighbourhoods, Cogeco also offers true fibre to the home (FTTH) with much faster upload performance. Most customers are still on the cable network, so always check the technology available at your exact address.
The big picture: Cogeco is a solid regional provider with competitive promotional pricing, unlimited current UltraFibre packages, and decent service in the communities it covers. It is not perfect. Upload speeds on cable are low, customer service reviews are mixed, and availability is limited to certain parts of two provinces. But if you are in a Cogeco area and Bell fibre has not reached your street, Cogeco is often the best option available.
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Cogeco Internet Plans & Pricing (2026)
Cogeco’s residential internet lineup is branded as UltraFibre. When checked in May 2026, Cogeco’s public package page listed unlimited UltraFibre 60, 90, 180, 360 and 1Gig packages, with residential internet advertised as starting at $49.99 per month before taxes. Exact prices, discounts, activation offers and availability can change by address, so treat the plan cards below as a buying guide and confirm the final order page before signing up.
No term contract Upload depends on cable vs FTTH
No term contract Select areas only
No term contract Promo pricing varies by area
No term contract Great for families of 3-5
No term contract Regular ~$119.99 · Promos often available
No term contract Available in select areas
Equipment
Cogeco internet packages include a Wi-Fi modem or gateway, and Cogeco says Wi-Fi 6 is available for speeds of 1 Gbps or higher. Cogeco also offers Wi-Fi Pods or extenders for better coverage in larger homes. The Cogeco Wi-Fi app lets you manage your network, check connected devices and troubleshoot Wi-Fi from your phone. Cogeco Security, powered by F-Secure, includes two device licences on eligible internet packages. If you are not sure what equipment you need, read our modem vs router vs gateway guide and our mesh Wi-Fi vs extender guide.
Cogeco Mobile
In July 2025, Cogeco launched Cogeco Mobile in Canada. TELUS provides the wholesale wireless network for Cogeco’s mobile service. Cogeco first launched in 13 Ontario and Quebec markets, then announced an expansion to more than 350 additional municipalities in October 2025. The service is aimed at Cogeco internet subscribers and is bring-your-own-phone focused. Because it is still new, confirm current mobile availability, phone compatibility and bundle terms directly with Cogeco before relying on it as your main reason to switch.
Which Plan Do You Actually Need?
Cogeco Plan Picker
Network Technology
Cogeco runs two types of network depending on your location. Understanding which one you are on makes a big difference, especially if upload speed matters to you.
Hybrid Fibre Coaxial (HFC) Cable
Most Cogeco customers are connected through a hybrid fibre coaxial network using DOCSIS 3.1 technology. This is the same type of setup that Rogers uses. Fibre optic cable runs from Cogeco to a node in your neighbourhood, and then coaxial cable (the same kind used for cable TV) carries the signal from that node to your home. This delivers fast download speeds but the upload side is limited. On the 1 Gbps cable plan, upload tops out at around 30 Mbps. On slower plans, upload is typically 10 to 20 Mbps.
Fibre to the Home (FTTH)
In select areas, mainly parts of Burlington and Oakville in Ontario, Cogeco has deployed true fibre to the home. This means the fibre optic cable runs all the way into your house rather than stopping at a neighbourhood node. The big advantage is symmetrical speeds. On FTTH, the 1 Gbps plan gives you up to 940 Mbps upload, matching your download. The plan names and prices are the same whether you are on cable or FTTH. Cogeco continues expanding FTTH, but most of their footprint is still HFC cable.
The upload speed gap
This is the most important thing to understand about Cogeco. If you work from home, do video calls, back up files to the cloud, or upload content, the difference between 30 Mbps upload on cable and 940 Mbps on FTTH is huge. If Bell Fibe (true fibre) is available at your address, it will offer symmetrical speeds that Cogeco cable cannot match. But if Bell only offers DSL or FTTN at your location, Cogeco cable will usually be faster overall.
EPICO TV
Cogeco’s TV service uses EPICO, an IPTV platform delivered over your internet connection. It includes 4K Cloud PVR, a modern interface, and apps for watching on your devices. EPICO requires a Cogeco internet subscription of at least UltraFibre 60. If you are bundling internet and TV, Cogeco often offers better package pricing.
Coverage & Availability
Cogeco internet is only available in parts of Ontario and Quebec. Unlike the big national providers, Cogeco focuses on mid-size cities and suburban communities. They serve over 1,200 communities across the two provinces, but coverage can vary at the neighbourhood level.
Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Fort Erie, Windsor, Sarnia, and surrounding communities all have strong Cogeco coverage. This is Cogeco’s core Ontario territory. In Hamilton and the Niagara region, Cogeco is often the primary cable provider. Cogeco has also rolled out FTTH in select addresses, but availability is address-specific. Bell is actively expanding fibre in this region, so check both providers at your address.
Kingston, Peterborough, Belleville, Cobourg, and surrounding communities have Cogeco cable coverage. In Kingston, Cogeco is a major provider and often competes directly with Bell. Coverage extends to smaller towns in the region, though availability varies. Check your specific address on cogeco.ca.
Cogeco has some presence in Northern Ontario communities, but coverage is more limited compared to southern and eastern Ontario. Availability is best checked directly at cogeco.ca with your postal code.
Cogeco was born in Trois-Rivières and has deep coverage across Quebec. Major markets include Trois-Rivières, Rimouski, Drummondville, Saint-Hyacinthe, Magog, Alma, Sept-Îles, Gaspé, Saint-Georges, Saint-Sauveur, Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, and parts of Montérégie. In 2020, Cogeco expanded its Quebec footprint significantly by acquiring DERYtelecom, adding over 200 communities in the Saguenay region and beyond. Videotron is the main cable competitor in Quebec, while Bell offers fibre in many of the same markets.
Cogeco vs Bell: The Main Decision in Ontario and Quebec
In most Cogeco service areas, Bell is the other major provider. The right choice depends heavily on what Bell offers at your specific address, because Bell’s technology varies widely from one street to the next.
| Feature | Cogeco | Bell Fibe (FTTH) | Bell (DSL/FTTN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network type | HFC cable (DOCSIS 3.1) or FTTH in select areas | FTTH fibre (GPON/XGS-PON) | Copper DSL or FTTN |
| Max download | 1 Gbps | Up to 8 Gbps | 25-100 Mbps typical |
| Upload speeds | ~30 Mbps on cable; symmetrical on FTTH | Symmetrical (up = down) | ~10 Mbps typical |
| Unlimited data | Yes, all plans | Yes | Check plan details |
| Mid-tier pricing | Often competitive on promo; varies by address | Usually address and promo dependent | N/A at 300 Mbps |
| Customer satisfaction | Mixed reviews, regional support | Mixed reviews | Mixed reviews |
| Contract required? | No contracts | No (best price on 2-yr term) | No (best price on 2-yr term) |
| TV service | EPICO IPTV | Fibe TV, Alt TV | Limited options |
| Mobile bundling | Cogeco Mobile (new, MVNO) | Bell Mobility (established) | Bell Mobility |
The bottom line: If Bell has true fibre to the home (FTTH) at your address, it is the stronger technical product with symmetrical speeds and higher top-end options. But in many Cogeco areas, Bell only offers slower DSL or FTTN connections. In those situations, Cogeco cable is usually the faster and better value option. Cogeco also tends to have more competitive pricing and may have simpler promotional terms, depending on the offer. Always check what both providers actually offer at your specific address before deciding.
Cogeco vs Third-Party Resellers
Third-party resellers like TekSavvy, Start.ca, and Carry Telecom use the same Cogeco cable network in parts of Ontario. You get the same download and upload speeds on the same physical network, often at lower prices.
| Feature | Cogeco Direct | TekSavvy / Carry / Start.ca |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Cogeco cable | Same Cogeco cable |
| Entry and mid-tier pricing | Often competitive on promo; varies by address | Often simpler monthly pricing, but modem and activation terms vary |
| Customer service | Regional, mixed reviews | Generally better reputation |
| Billing surprises | Some reports of unexpected increases | More transparent pricing |
| Max speed | Up to 1 Gbps | Typically up to 1 Gbps |
| TV bundling | EPICO TV available | Internet only (most) |
| Modem | Usually included with Cogeco package terms | May be rented, purchased or bring-your-own depending on provider |
| Mobile service | Cogeco Mobile available | Not available |
If you only need internet and want the simplest possible billing, a reseller on the Cogeco network is worth looking at. The tradeoff is that you lose access to Cogeco’s TV bundles, mobile service, and included modem. However, recent CRTC wholesale rate decisions have made it harder for resellers to compete on price, so the gap has narrowed in some markets. For rural areas where Cogeco cable does not reach, Starlink satellite internet is worth considering.
Cogeco’s History: From Trois-Rivières TV to National Telecom
Cogeco was founded on June 16, 1957, when Henri Audet left the CBC and launched a television station (CKTM-TV) in Trois-Rivières, Quebec. The company name stands for Compagnie Generale de Communication, or “General Communications Company.”
Through the 1970s and 1980s, Cogeco grew by acquiring regional cable companies across Quebec. In 1985, Cogeco went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The company made its move into Ontario in 1989 by acquiring cable systems in Burlington and Oakville. In 1996, Cogeco made a major leap by purchasing 25 cable networks (about 300,000 subscribers) from Rogers Communications, giving it a strong presence across Ontario.
Key milestones: Cogeco became the first cable company in Canada to offer high-speed internet over its cable network in the mid-1990s. It launched digital phone service in 2005. In 2012, Cogeco expanded into the United States by acquiring Atlantic Broadband, which later became Breezeline. In 2020, the Audet family rejected an unsolicited $10.3 billion takeover bid from Altice USA (which planned to resell Cogeco’s Canadian operations to Rogers). That same year, Cogeco acquired DERYtelecom for $405 million, significantly expanding its Quebec footprint. In 2023, Cogeco acquired internet provider oxio. In July 2025, Cogeco launched its wireless mobile service in Canada, and in October 2025 it announced a major expansion to more than 350 additional municipalities.
Today, Cogeco Communications (TSX: CCA) reports annual revenue of approximately $2 billion and serves about 1.6 million subscribers across Canada and the U.S. The company is still controlled by the Audet family through multiple voting shares. Henri Audet’s son Louis served as president before stepping up to chairman, and Frederic Perron currently leads the company as President and CEO.
Customer Service
Cogeco’s customer service gets mixed reviews. On the positive side, Cogeco has a regional footprint, local stores in many service areas and support reps who serve the same Ontario and Quebec communities where the network operates. On the negative side, customers commonly complain online about billing changes, promo expiry, hold times and difficulty getting clear answers after a price increase.
I would not put too much weight on raw star ratings from complaint-heavy review websites because unhappy customers are far more likely to post there. A better way to judge risk is to read recent local comments, check whether your quoted price is promotional or regular, and keep a copy of the order confirmation. In the latest CCTS annual reporting, billing remains the top telecom complaint issue across Canada, so price clarity matters with any provider, not just Cogeco.
Pros and Cons
What Cogeco Does Well
- Competitive pricing, especially on promotional plans
- Unlimited data on all current plans, no overage charges
- Free modem included with every plan
- Many residential offers are sold without a fixed-term internet contract, but promo terms should still be checked before ordering
- FTTH with stronger upload performance in select areas
- Strong presence in mid-size Ontario and Quebec cities where national providers may be weaker
- Independently owned, rejected takeover attempts
- New Cogeco Mobile wireless service for bundling
- Cogeco Security, powered by F-Secure, includes two device licences on eligible internet packages
Where Cogeco Falls Short
- Upload speeds on cable (HFC) are much lower than download speeds
- Only available in parts of Ontario and Quebec
- FTTH coverage is still limited, so most customers should assume cable-like upload speeds unless their address check says otherwise
- Prices can jump significantly after promotional period ends
- Mixed customer service reviews, long hold times reported
- Plan availability varies a lot by address
- No presence outside Ontario and Quebec in Canada
- Installation, activation or service-call fees can vary, so check the order terms before booking a technician
How to Save Money on Cogeco Internet
Do not judge by the headline promo alone. Look at the monthly price after the discount period, activation or installation fees, equipment terms and whether the discount is tied to keeping multiple services.
Call retention when your promo ends. When your bill jumps, ask what current-customer offers are available and compare that number against Bell, TekSavvy, Start.ca, oxio and any other provider serving your address.
Check online, phone and local offers. Cogeco sometimes promotes different offers through online checkout, phone sales, retail stores or local reps. Get the exact price, term length and regular price in writing before agreeing.
Consider a reseller. Providers like TekSavvy, Start.ca, Carry Telecom and oxio may use wholesale access to serve some Cogeco-cable areas. The trade-off is that the cable line may be similar, but support, modem rules, pricing and promo structure can differ.
Bundle only if it really saves money. Internet, TV and mobile bundles can reduce the total bill, but they can also make it harder to compare prices later. Price internet by itself first, then add TV or mobile only if you truly use them.
Do not overbuy speed. For a 1-2 person household doing regular browsing, streaming and video calls, UltraFibre 60, 90 or 180 may be enough. Larger homes, many 4K streams, frequent game downloads or heavy file transfers are better reasons to consider UltraFibre 360 or 1Gig. Our internet speed guide can help you choose the right tier.