Prince Edward Island – Best Internet 2026

Bell Aliant has been serving PEI since 2010 when they launched their FibreOP network in Charlottetown and Summerside. Today, Bell Fibe offers the fastest speeds available on the Island — up to 1.5 Gbps in fibre areas. They’ve invested heavily in PEI infrastructure through federal-provincial broadband agreements.

The catch? Bell is typically the most expensive option, and their promotional pricing jumps significantly after the first year. However, for users who need symmetrical upload speeds (crucial for video conferencing and large file uploads), Bell’s fibre is hard to beat.

*Prices after promotional period ends. Check Bell for current promos.

Eastlink is a Nova Scotia-based, family-owned company that’s been a major player in PEI since acquiring the local cable network years ago. They offer cable internet across much of the Island, with speeds up to 940 Mbps in select areas. They’ve also been expanding fibre in PEI communities.

Eastlink’s main advantage over Bell is often better bundle pricing if you also need TV or mobile service. They include a free eero mesh WiFi system with most plans, which is genuinely useful for larger homes. The downside? Upload speeds on cable are significantly lower than fibre — typically 10-15 Mbps even on their fastest plans.

*Approximate pricing. Includes free eero router. Promos available for new customers.

Purple Cow has quickly become a favourite among Islanders looking to escape Bell and Eastlink’s pricing. They’re a third-party reseller (TPIA) that uses the big carriers’ infrastructure at wholesale rates, passing the savings to you. Their quirky cow-themed branding and text-based customer service have built a loyal following.

What makes Purple Cow stand out? No contracts, no price increases, and genuinely responsive customer service via text message. They claim 99.8% uptime and are consistently rated as one of Canada’s top ISPs on Google reviews. The trade-off is you’re limited to whatever wholesale speeds the CRTC mandates — but for most households, 100-500 Mbps is plenty.

Xplore is the go-to provider for rural PEI. They’ve received significant federal and provincial funding to expand coverage across the Island, including a major project that ran fibre through the Confederation Bridge to connect to their Maritime network. As of 2025, they’ve connected over 20,000 rural PEI homes.

Their 5G Ultra service, launched in PEI in Spring 2025, offers speeds up to 500 Mbps — a game-changer for rural areas. If you’re lucky enough to be in an Xplore Fibre zone, you can get true gigabit speeds. The LTE wireless service (25-100 Mbps) remains available for more remote locations.

City Wide has been connecting Atlantic Canadians since 1997 — long before the current wave of third-party resellers. Based in Halifax, they’ve built a loyal customer base in PEI by offering straightforward, no-nonsense internet at competitive prices. Their most popular plan is just $57.95/month for unlimited high-speed.

Like Purple Cow, City Wide uses Bell/Eastlink wholesale infrastructure. The difference is their old-school approach: phone-based customer service and simple, transparent pricing. If you prefer talking to a real person over texting, City Wide might be your style.

Several locally-owned companies serve rural PEI using fixed wireless technology. These providers often offer excellent customer service (you might get the owner on the phone!) and genuine care for their communities. They’ve also received PEI Broadband Fund grants to expand coverage.

Red Sands Internet

Perhaps the best-known local wireless ISP, Red Sands has built a strong reputation for reliable service and responsive support. Owner Chris MacFarlane often handles installations personally. They offer three plans with no contracts and no data caps:

Standard installation: $125. Seasonal suspension available for cottagers ($14.99/mo).

Wicked EH?

Charlottetown-based Wicked EH offers fixed wireless across Queens and Kings Counties. Their unique model includes free ad-supported WiFi hotspots plus paid residential plans. They don’t require contracts or charge installation fees. Plans range from basic (7 Mbps for ~$50/mo) to faster options (30+ Mbps). Coverage is primarily east-central PEI — check their map at wickedeh.net.

Other Local Providers

Additional fixed wireless ISPs serving PEI include Air Tech Communications, Buzz Networx, Island Telecom Services, and NSEW Connect. These smaller providers often focus on specific geographic areas. The PEI government maintains a list at princeedwardisland.ca.

SpaceX’s Starlink has become a viable option for Islanders who can’t get adequate terrestrial service. With low-earth orbit satellites, it offers speeds that were unimaginable for satellite just a few years ago. However, it’s generally overkill (and overpriced) if you can get cable, fibre, or decent fixed wireless.

For cottages, farms in truly remote areas, or as a backup connection, Starlink can make sense. Just be aware of the equipment costs and the need for clear sky view. For a detailed breakdown, see our Starlink apartment guide and Starlink hub.

Equipment: $399 (often free with 12-month commitment). Congestion surcharges may apply.