TekSavvy is one of the few large independent internet providers still serving Canadians across all ten provinces. It is worth checking if you want month-to-month options, telephone support and an alternative to a provider-owned discount brand.
TekSavvy review: the short answer
Our verdict
TekSavvy is a sensible choice when its address-specific offer gives you the right connection at a competitive full price. Its main internet plan page currently shows month-to-month options, unlimited usage choices and main sales and technical support that is open around the clock.
The trade-off is that much of TekSavvy’s service uses another company’s last-mile network. TekSavvy manages your bill, account and first-line support, but a damaged line or field visit may involve the network owner. Fibre availability has expanded, although the exact technology and maximum speed still depend on the address.
Fact-checked October 16, 2026 | Independent review | No affiliate links
10 provincesService locations listed from BC to Newfoundland and Labrador
Up to 1.5 GbpsCurrent public maximum download speed
24/7Main sales and technical support line
Since 1998Canadian owned and operated
TekSavvy makes sense when
- You want an independent Canadian provider.
- You prefer having telephone support available.
- The address qualifies for cable or fibre at a fair total price.
- You want internet without building a mobile or smart-home bundle.
Compare other providers when
- The only TekSavvy option is older DSL.
- A network owner offers direct fibre for a similar full price.
- You need the provider to control every field repair directly.
- A television, mobile and internet bundle saves you more overall.
TekSavvy plans and pricing
TekSavvy’s prices, speeds and equipment depend on the street address, province, connection and current offer. Its public website currently advertises up to 12 months of bill credits on selected packages in selected regions. The plan finder also warns that offers can change without notice.
Use the final address result, not an old price chart. Save the promotional price, regular price, credit end date, equipment charge, shipping, activation cost and commitment shown in writing. The Canadian Internet Price Tracker gives you a dated comparison point.
TekSavvy’s current public plan categories
These are the three categories TekSavvy currently describes on its main internet page. They are useful for understanding the lineup, but the exact plan and connection must be confirmed for your address.
Just the essentials
Up to 30 Mbps down and 5 Mbps up
A light-use option for browsing, email and a small household.
Work and play
Up to 100 Mbps down and 30 Mbps up
A practical starting point for streaming, video calls and everyday family use.
Level Up
Up to 1.5 Gbps down and 940 Mbps up
The fastest public category, available only where the right technology reaches the address.
Dated public fibre example: On October 16, 2026, TekSavvy’s public Fibre 1.5 page showed a $20 monthly bill credit for 12 months, reducing the displayed $119.95 regular price to $99.95 during the credit period. It also listed $0 activation and a no-cost loaner router. This offer is limited to qualifying addresses, and taxes are extra.
What to compare at checkout
| Checkout item | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Connection | Ask whether the service is fibre to the home, cable, DSL or fixed wireless. |
| Promotional price | Record the monthly bill credit and the exact month it ends. |
| Regular price | Use the price after all temporary credits for a long-term comparison. |
| Download and upload | Do not assume a fast download tier includes matching upload speed. |
| Equipment | Confirm whether the gateway is loaned, rented, purchased or rent-to-own. |
| Startup costs | Check activation, installation and the current shipping charge. |
| Commitment | The current public finder shows month-to-month options, but the general terms also allow committed-period plans. |
How much speed should you choose?
30 to 75 Mbps
One or two light users with modest streaming needs.
100 to 300 Mbps
A typical household using several devices and regular video calls.
300 to 500 Mbps
A busy household with several streams, downloads and online workers.
1 to 1.5 Gbps
Large homes, frequent big downloads or many active users at once.
Our internet speed guide can help you avoid paying for capacity you will not notice. Put the final offer into the Internet Cost Calculator before comparing providers.
How TekSavvy internet works
TekSavvy is often called a reseller, but wholesale-based internet provider is more accurate. For many plans, it buys regulated access to a large provider’s last-mile network and combines that access with its own customer relationship, support, billing and network operations.
TekSavvy handles
- Your internet plan and account
- Billing and plan changes
- Customer and technical support
- Initial troubleshooting
- Its own network operations
A network partner may handle
- The cable, copper or wholesale fibre line
- Some activations and transfers
- Outside wiring and field visits
- Repairs affecting the local access network
- Updates about a local outage
TekSavvy also operates some of its own infrastructure, including fibre in selected communities and SkyFi fixed wireless in southwestern Ontario. Its current consumer site also advertises fibre over available networks in selected areas of nine provinces.
The four connection types you may see
Fibre
The strongest option for uploads and latency when fibre reaches the home.
Cable
Fast downloads and broad urban reach, usually with lower upload speeds.
DSL
An older copper option that may appear where stronger wired choices are missing.
SkyFi
Fixed wireless LTE up to 25 Mbps in parts of rural southwestern Ontario.
If the names are confusing, read our guide to fibre, cable, DSL, 5G and satellite internet. Rural households should also compare Starlink with local wired and fixed-wireless choices.
TekSavvy coverage in Canada
TekSavvy’s location directory lists service locations in all ten provinces. That does not mean every home in those provinces qualifies. The address check determines the available technology, speed and price.
Ontario
Cable, DSL and fibre can appear. SkyFi serves qualifying locations in southwestern Ontario.
Quebec
Cable, DSL and fibre options vary by address and local access network.
Western Canada
BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba have listed service locations. Fibre is advertised at selected addresses outside Saskatchewan.
Atlantic Canada
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador have listed service locations, with fibre at selected addresses.
Use our internet-by-city guides to build a local shortlist, then check the complete civic address with each provider.
Equipment, Wi-Fi and installation
Equipment is not identical across TekSavvy plans. Current offer pages say eligible plans can include a modem with built-in Wi-Fi as a no-cost loaner, with Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 hardware possible depending on the package and stock. Other plans can use rental, purchase or rent-to-own arrangements.
| Equipment question | What to know |
|---|---|
| Is a modem included? | It depends on the offer. Eligible plans advertise a no-cost loaner, but the written order controls. |
| Can I use my own modem? | Only approved hardware works on some cable or DSL services. Customer-supplied modems are not allowed for TekSavvy fibre. |
| Can I use my own router? | Yes, a standalone router or mesh system can be connected when the plan and modem support it. |
| What Wi-Fi version is supplied? | Current offer pages mention Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 on eligible plans. The exact model depends on the package and inventory. |
| What does shipping cost? | TekSavvy’s shipping page currently lists $10 for modem delivery. |
| How are loaned items returned? | The current terms require return at the customer’s expense within 30 days after a return event. |
Keep the equipment list and original packaging. If TekSavvy-owned equipment is not returned within 30 days, its retail value can be charged. A return after 30 days but no later than 60 days can be credited back less a $25 restocking fee. Returns after 60 days do not qualify for that credit under the current terms.
A faster plan will not fix a weak signal in one room. Test beside the router and in the problem area, then use our internet speed test instructions. Our mesh Wi-Fi comparison and modem and router guide can help with the next step.
Customer support, billing and cancellation
TekSavvy offers telephone and online support. The main sales and technical line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dedicated fibre and SkyFi teams have shorter hours, and live chat currently runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except public holidays.
| Support option | Current published hours |
|---|---|
| Main sales and technical support | Open 24/7 at 1-877-779-1575 |
| Fibre sales and support | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| SkyFi sales and support | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.; weekends, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Live chat | Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
Billing
TekSavvy is generally a prepaid service. The monthly invoice is issued before the service period begins, based on the activation date.
Cancellation
The current terms say the account holder must request cancellation by phone. Allow five business days for processing and arrange the equipment return separately.
Moving
TekSavvy recommends giving at least 7 to 10 business days of notice. The new address must qualify again.
If a line problem needs a field visit, TekSavvy may have to coordinate with the company that owns the local connection. Keep the ticket number and written timeline. The guide to troubleshooting slow internet explains which tests to run before contacting support.
TekSavvy and the CRTC: what changed in 2026?
TekSavvy has spent years arguing for wholesale rules that let independent providers compete with the companies that own the access networks. That work matters because the wholesale rate affects whether TekSavvy can offer a fibre plan at a competitive retail price.
February 2025
The CRTC began requiring major telephone companies to provide broader aggregated wholesale access to fibre-to-the-home networks across Canada.
March 2025
The Supreme Court of Canada dismissed TekSavvy’s request to appeal an earlier wholesale-rate case. That ended the court route for that specific dispute.
April 2026
The CRTC released final rates and terms for aggregated wholesale access over major telephone-company fibre networks.
July 2026
A coalition led by TekSavvy asked the CRTC to review those rates, arguing they were too high for independent providers to compete. The CRTC consolidated the applications, and the review was still unresolved when this article was checked.
This is useful context, but it should not decide your household purchase by itself. Compare the connection, full price and support arrangement offered to your address.
TekSavvy compared with other providers
There is no nationwide price winner because each address can receive different networks and offers. This comparison focuses on the differences that remain useful after a promotion changes.
| Question | TekSavvy | Oxio | Large network provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who owns it? | Canadian-owned independent provider | Cogeco-owned brand | Owns or directly controls major access networks |
| How is support handled? | Telephone and online support; main line open 24/7 | Text and live chat, with no phone support | Usually telephone, chat and sometimes stores |
| What connection might I get? | Fibre, cable, DSL or SkyFi, depending on address | Cable where available | May offer direct fibre, cable, copper or wireless |
| How is pricing presented? | Address-specific offers; selected bill credits | Current fixed-price promise | Promotions, bundle credits and commitments are common |
| Who is it best for? | People who value independence and phone support | People comfortable with digital-only support | People who want direct-network service, bundles or the fastest local fibre tier |
Read our provider reviews for Oxio, Bell, Rogers and Vidéotron. The Bell vs Rogers vs TELUS comparison covers the largest providers in more detail.
TekSavvy pros and cons
Pros
- Independent and Canadian owned
- Service locations across all ten provinces
- Current month-to-month internet options
- Main sales and technical support available 24/7
- Fibre, cable, DSL and rural SkyFi options
- Unlimited usage options across the lineup
- Long record of telecom policy advocacy
- TV and home-phone services available in qualifying areas
Cons
- Prices and technologies vary by address
- Temporary bill credits can hide the later price
- Field repairs may depend on a network partner
- Older DSL may still be the only qualifying option
- Equipment arrangements differ by plan
- Customer-supplied modems are not allowed on fibre
- Loaned equipment must be returned at your expense
- Dedicated fibre and SkyFi support is not open 24/7
Before ordering TekSavvy
- Run the complete address check, including the apartment or unit number.
- Confirm whether the connection is fibre, cable, DSL or fixed wireless.
- Save the promotional price, regular price and bill-credit expiry date.
- Compare download and upload speeds, not only the plan name.
- Ask whether equipment is loaned, rented, purchased or rent-to-own.
- Add shipping, activation and installation to the first-year cost.
- Read the commitment and early-cancellation terms in the written offer.
- Keep your old connection until TekSavvy is working, if a short overlap fits your budget.
If gaming is a priority, use the Canadian gaming internet guide to compare latency, connection type and home-network setup rather than choosing only by download speed.
Frequently asked questions
Is TekSavvy worth it in 2026?
TekSavvy is worth comparing when it offers cable or fibre at a competitive full price. Its independence, telephone support and month-to-month options are meaningful advantages. It may not be the best choice when only older DSL is available or a network owner offers direct fibre for a similar long-term cost.
Is TekSavvy slower than Bell or Rogers?
Not simply because it is TekSavvy. At the same speed tier on the same local access network, the last-mile connection is similar. Routing, congestion, equipment and support can still differ. Bell or another network owner may also offer a faster direct-fibre tier that TekSavvy cannot offer at the same address.
What is TekSavvy’s fastest internet plan?
TekSavvy’s current main internet page advertises download speeds up to 1.5 Gbps and upload speeds up to 940 Mbps. Availability depends on the address, connection and equipment.
Does TekSavvy require a contract?
The current residential plan finder shows month-to-month options. TekSavvy’s general terms also allow plans with a committed period and an early termination fee, so confirm the commitment shown on the final written offer.
Where is TekSavvy available?
TekSavvy lists service locations in all ten provinces. Availability is still address-specific, and the connection can change by street or building. TekSavvy does not list consumer service locations in Canada’s three territories.
Can I use my own modem or router with TekSavvy?
You can connect your own standalone router or mesh system with many plans. Customer-supplied modems must be approved for the connection and local network. TekSavvy does not allow a customer-supplied modem for its fibre service.
Does TekSavvy have 24-hour customer support?
The main sales and technical support line is open 24/7. Dedicated fibre and SkyFi teams have shorter hours, and live chat is currently open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except public holidays.
Why might a different company send the technician?
Many TekSavvy plans use regulated wholesale access to another provider’s local line. TekSavvy manages the customer relationship and troubleshooting, while the company that owns the access network may perform an activation, outside repair or field visit.
Is TekSavvy still independent?
Yes. TekSavvy describes itself as Canadian owned and operated and as Canada’s largest independent telecom service company.
Related InternetAdvice.ca guides
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Oxio Review
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How this review was checked
This review was checked against TekSavvy’s current plan pages, location directory, contact hours, hardware guidance, shipping policy and Terms of Service. The regulatory section uses CRTC decisions, the Supreme Court docket and TekSavvy’s July 2026 filing. We do not use changing third-party star ratings as proof of service quality.
- TekSavvy home internet plans
- TekSavvy service locations
- TekSavvy contact options and hours
- TekSavvy fibre service and equipment terms
- TekSavvy SkyFi service
- TekSavvy modem requirements
- TekSavvy hardware shipping policy
- TekSavvy Terms of Service
- CRTC Telecom Order 2026-77
- CRTC July 2026 procedural letter
- Supreme Court of Canada docket 41486
