What’s the Best Internet for Gaming in Alberta? If you’re a gamer, you need to know this!
The realm of online gaming is a dynamic and exhilarating world that demands flawless connectivity, speed, and reliability. Whether you are a PC, Xbox, or PlayStation enthusiast, the quality of your gaming experience significantly depends on the strength of your Internet connection.
Whether you’re in Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton, or any of the rural municipalities across this province, your options may be unique.
That’s where we want to help.
This guide aims to simplify that challenge, providing an unbiased analysis of the best ISP for online gaming in Alberta.
Decoding Internet Services in Alberta
Before we dive into the specifics of each ISP, it’s crucial to understand the different types of Internet services available in Alberta and the factors that influence their cost and performance.
The Price Tag on Internet Services in Alberta
On average, a Canadian household spends up to $200 each month on the Internet, which includes mobile plans and Wi-Fi. With an estimated per-person cost of around $50 each month, it becomes vital to invest wisely.
Your Internet speed requirements will depend on the number of users and the type of online activities you engage in. A speed of around 25Mbps was sufficient for most families a few years ago. However, with the surge in high-definition content online, a speed of around 100Mbps or higher is now preferred.
Understanding the Types of Internet Connections
In Alberta, you can primarily find three types of wireline Internet connections: cable, DSL, and fiber.
Cable Internet is delivered via the same lines that provide cable television. Speed can fluctuate during peak usage times, and the connection can be disrupted by weather conditions.
DSL runs along with phone lines and can also be affected by weather. You share bandwidth with other users, and your speed can also fluctuate during peak usage times.
Fibre-Optic Internet uses superior technology to deliver high speed, low latency, and higher bandwidth.
LEO Satellite Starlink often becomes the best choice on the outskirts of a city, where there are no other options. Starlink can also be a good alternative to a bad DSL connection, if your service is underperforming.
Evaluating the Top Internet Services in Alberta
We have considered factors such as plan options, cost, connection speed, reliability, customer service, and additional services like TV bundles and home security, to evaluate these services.
Top Pick Performance – TELUS Fibre-optic Internet
TELUS is a global telecommunications leader known for its high-speed Internet connections.
According to PCMag, the Gaming Quality Index for Telus in Edmonton is roughly 13, better than all the competition. Quality is the sum of their latency and jitter results.
Note: Telus DSL is a far cry from the fibre-optic service (over 2x worse according to PCMag) – do not get them mixed up.
Services Offered
TELUS offers a variety of 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 Fibre-optic options start at reasonable price points, check if you have their fibre-optic options at Telus.com
Additional Features
TELUS also offers hardware boosters for extended Wi-Fi range, which can be added to your monthly bill for an additional fee.
While WiFi is great, always hard-wire your gaming consol if you can.
Top Pick Budget – TekSavvy
TekSavvy is one of the fastest-growing Internet resellers in Canada, offering unlimited services without contracts.
Check your availability here Teksavvy
Services Offered
TekSavvy offers three main 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.
Other options for Internet Service in Alberta
Shaw
Shaw (Now Rogers) Communications Inc. is one of the top Internet service providers in Edmonton, offering telephone, television, and Internet services. They were recently rated by PC Mag 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 for students to help them continue with their studies.
Cost and Speed
Shaw’s Fibre+ 150 plan offers the best deal for most people, providing unlimited Internet usage at an affordable rate. Plans always change, check their latest promotions here
Additional Features
Shaw’s Our Home app lets you regulate Internet usage in your home.
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.
Cost and Speed
AEBC has options ranging from the low-cost to more premium options. Check the latest plans here.
Additional Features
AEBC also offers VoIP Phone, which lets you make long-distance calls at affordable rates.
VMedia
VMedia is Canada’s leading independent telecom and broadcasting company, offering unlimited services without contracts.
Services Offered
All of VMedia’s Internet plans are unlimited, with no data caps and no extra monthly overage charges.
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 low prices.
Additional Features
VMedia also offers Home Phone Plans with unlimited calling and a great selection of 15 features such as 3-way calling or call transfer.
The Final Verdict: Best Internet for Online Gaming in Alberta
The “best” Internet service provider in Alberta ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
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 world of difference in your online experience.
