The Best Internet Provider in Edmonton, Alberta. It’s an evolving race to be the choice provider. What should you consider, and who should you trust with your Internet services.
Alberta’s capital city is home to various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering multiple plans and bundles. But with so many options, how do you choose the one that best suits your needs?
Whether working from home, attending online classes, streaming your favorite shows, or simply browsing the web, you depend on your Internet connection to keep you connected and productive.
Our unbiased buying guide explores the best home Internet providers in Edmonton, their plans, reliability, and overall performance.
Understanding Internet Services in Edmonton
Before diving into the specifics of each provider, it’s essential to understand the different types of Internet services available in Edmonton and the factors that influence their cost and performance.
Types of Internet Connections
In Edmonton, you can find three Internet connection types: cable, fiber, and DSL.
Cable Internet is delivered via the same lines that provide cable television. Our Canadian winter and old cable plant can be disrupted by weather.
Your speed can fluctuate during peak usage times since you share bandwidth with other users on the same line.
DSL runs along with phone lines and can also be affected by weather. With DSL you also share bandwidth with other users and your speed can also fluctuate during peak usage times, or when it rains.
Fibre-Optic Internet We are unbiased, but technology is technology. Fibre-optic Internet uses superior technology to deliver the Internet. You will get higher speed, both latency and bandwidth. We’ll touch more on benefits and drawbacks later.
LEO Satellite Of course there is always the option of Starlink. This is often the best choice on the outskirts of a city, where there are no other options. Starlink can also be an excellent alternative to a bad DSL connection if you’re far from the central office.
Cost of Internet Services in Edmonton
The average Canadian household spends up to $200 monthly on the Internet, including mobile plans and Wi-Fi. This means each person spends roughly $50 monthly to stay connected online.
The Internet speed you need will depend on the number of users and the kind of online activities you engage in. A few years ago, an Internet speed of around 25Mbps was suitable for most families with four members, allowing simultaneous device usage without any noticeable lag. This speed even accommodated streaming or online gaming.
However, with the surge in high-definition content online, research indicates that a speed of around 75Mbps or higher is now preferred.
Evaluating the Best Internet Services in Edmonton
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s dive into the specifics.
In evaluating these services, we have looked at plan options, cost, connection speed, reliability, customer service, and additional services like TV bundles and home security.
TELUS
TELUS is a global telecommunications leader and an award-winning company known for its high-speed Internet connections. They claim to offer speeds up to nine times faster than their competition, thanks to their 100% fiber-optic connections.
Services Offered
TELUS offers various services, including Mobility, Internet, TV Bundles, Home Phone, Security, and Health. Their Internet-only plans, known as Fast, Faster, and Fastest, provide a range of options to suit different user needs.
Cost and Speed
Their Fast plan, priced at $85 per month for the first two years (then $100/month), offers a download and upload speed of up to 75 Mbps, suitable for up to 10 devices. However, the PureFibre Internet 300/300 plan offers better value, with almost four times the bandwidth at 300 Mbps for just $95 for the first two years (then $120/month).
Additional Features
TELUS also offers hardware boosters for extended Wi-Fi range, which can be added to your monthly bill for $5. They also offer TV packages with multiple channels to stream and even include devices like a 55-inch TV, Apple TV, or an iPad in some bundled deals.
Shaw
Shaw Communications Inc. (Becoming Rogers at the moment) is one of the top Internet service providers in Edmonton, offering telephone, television, and Internet services. PC Mag recently rated them as the number one Internet service provider in Canada for gaming in 2021.
Services Offered
Shaw offers Internet, Mobile, TV, and Home Phone services. Their Fibre+ deals are tailored to help students continue their studies. They also offer plans with unlimited usage and mobile LTE plan for mobile users.
Cost and Speed
Shaw’s Fibre+ 150 plan offers the best deal for most people, providing unlimited Internet usage at $90 a month. You’ll have up to 100 Mbps download speeds and 15 Mbps upload speeds with a 12-month price guarantee.
Additional Features
Shaw’s Our Home app lets you regulate Internet usage in your home. You can pause Wi-Fi, set approved Internet schedules, and even activate safe browsing for kids.
AEBC
The AEBC Internet Corporation is another top Internet service provider in Edmonton. They offer DSL, cable and fiber Internet services, and TV packages with unlimited Internet usage.
Services Offered
AEBC offers five different plans of cable Internet. The lowest plan, Cable Internet 25, offers unlimited usage up to 25 Mbps download speeds and 2.5 Mbps upload speeds. The top plan, Cable Internet 1000, offers 1000 Mbps download speeds and 25 Mbps upload speeds.
Cost and Speed
For Cable Internet 25, you will pay $34.95 per month, while for Cable Internet 1000, the cost is $94.95 monthly.
Additional Features
AEBC also offers VoIP Phone, which lets you make long-distance calls at affordable rates. They also provide customizable TV packages.
TekSavvy
TekSavvy is one of the fastest-growing businesses in Canada, offering unlimited services without contracts. They offer 24/7 customer service and a variety of high-speed internet plans suitable for different needs.
Services Offered
TekSavvy offers three main fiber optic plans, Good, Better, and Best, offering download speeds of up to 15 Mbps, 75 Mbps, and 100 Mbps, respectively.
Cost and Speed
Among their cable plans, our opinion is that Cable 150 Unlimited is their best offer. It is the second most expensive but gives you 150 Mbps download speeds and 10 Mbps upload speeds.
Additional Features
TekSavvy also offers the option to purchase or rent the modems and routers. They even offer second-hand “open box” hardware, which is cheaper than purchasing a new one but offers the same quality.
VMedia
VMedia is Canada’s leading independent telecom and broadcasting company, offering unlimited services without contracts. They provide a range of Internet plans, from low-cost to high-speed Fibre Internet (up to 50 Mbps/0.05 Gbps download) and Cable Internet.
Services Offered
All of VMedia’s Internet plans are unlimited, with no data caps and no extra monthly overage charges. They also offer over 200 channels in low-cost ‘build your own’ TV packages and ‘a la carte’ options.
Cost and Speed
VMedia offers affordable prices for their Internet plans. For example, their FTTN 25 Unlimited plan offers a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 2.5 Mbps for $43.95/month.
Additional Features
VMedia also offers Home Phone Plans with unlimited calling and 15 features such as 3-way calling or call transfer. They also provide an advanced, wireless home security system through VMedia Protect.
Comparing the Top Internet Providers in Edmonton
While the “best” Internet service provider in Edmonton ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget, this guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top options available. Whether you prioritize speed, cost, reliability, or customer service, a provider in Edmonton fits the bill.
Remember, when choosing an ISP, it’s essential to consider not just the monthly cost but also the speed, data caps, contract terms, and any additional services or features that may be included. By doing your due diligence, you can ensure that you choose a provider that offers the best value for your needs.
Whether you’re a student, a remote worker, a gamer, or just someone who enjoys streaming your favorite shows, there’s a plan out there for you. So take the time to compare, ask questions, and make an informed decision. Ultimately, the right Internet service can make a difference in your online experience.
Please note that the availability of the packages may vary from location to location. You can check the availability of the services directly on the respective websites of Internet service providers.
