Shaw Communications | Explained and Reviewed by Canadians
Quick Facts
| Owner | Rogers Communications (acquired April 2023) |
| Service Areas | BC, AB, SK, MB, parts of ON |
| Technology | Cable (Coaxial), Fibre-to-the-Home (select areas), 5G Home Internet |
| Speed Range | 100 Mbps – 2 Gbps (residential) |
| Data Caps | Unlimited on all cable plans |
| Customer Rating | 2.9/5 (365-day average) |
Shaw Internet Plans & Pricing (2026)
Shaw now offers Rogers Xfinity-branded internet plans with promotional pricing on 24-month contracts:
| Plan | Download Speed | Devices Supported | Promo Price (24 mo with Auto-Pay) | Regular Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5G Home Internet | 5G Variable | 1-3 devices | $60/month | $60/month |
| Starter 100 | 100 Mbps | Up to 10 | $75/month | $105/month |
| Essentials 300 | 300 Mbps | 10-15 devices | $90/month | $115/month |
| Popular 500 | 500 Mbps | 15-20 devices | $100/month | $125/month |
| Ultimate 1 Gig | 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) | 20+ devices | $110/month | $135/month |
| Premier 2 Gig | 2,000 Mbps (2 Gbps) | 25+ devices | $120/month | $155/month |
All Rogers Xfinity plans include unlimited data with no overage charges. Prices are current as of February 2026 and require autopay enrollment for promotional rates.
Coverage and Availability
Shaw provides internet service across Western Canada:
- British Columbia: Province-wide coverage
- Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, and surrounding areas
- Saskatchewan: Major cities including Regina and Saskatoon
- Manitoba: Winnipeg and surrounding communities
- Ontario: Select areas (primarily Northern Ontario)
In select neighbourhoods, Shaw offers fibre-powered-to-the-home with speeds up to 8 Gbps, the fastest available in Canada. Check availability at your specific address on the Rogers/Shaw website.
Technology and Network
Shaw operates primarily on cable internet technology using coaxial infrastructure, delivering reliable speeds through Rogers Xfinity Internet service. In select urban areas, Shaw has deployed fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections for premium speed tiers.
5G Home Internet Option
Shaw also offers a 5G Home Internet solution starting at $60/month, which uses Rogers’ 5G mobile network instead of traditional cable lines. This option features:
- No term commitment required
- Plug-and-play setup
- No data overage charges
- Best suited for light users and backup internet needs
Expected Performance
- Cable plans: Consistent speeds during off-peak hours
- Upload speeds: Typically 10-20% of download speeds on cable plans
- Latency: Low enough for gaming and video conferencing
- Equipment: Rogers Xfinity Gateway modem/router included with service
Customer Service & Support
Major Issues Reported (2025-2026)
- Extended wait times: Customers report hold times of 45 minutes to 2+ hours
- Service reliability: Frequent connection drops and outages during peak events
- Billing disputes: Difficulties resolving payment and plan changes
- Staff shortages: Limited availability of support representatives
Support Channels
- Phone support: 1-888-472-2222 (expect long waits)
- Online chat: Available but often ineffective based on recent reviews
- In-person: Rogers retail locations
- Self-service: MyShaw account portal and mobile app
Former long-term Shaw customers have expressed frustration with service degradation post-merger, with some switching to alternative providers after decades of loyalty.
Who Shaw Is Best For
Good Fit:
- Western Canadian residents in Shaw’s coverage area who need reliable cable internet
- Multi-device households requiring unlimited data
- Gamers and streamers needing consistent speeds (300+ Mbps plans)
- Bundle seekers who want internet, TV, and phone from one provider
Not Ideal For:
- Customers prioritizing support quality – current service ratings are poor
- Budget-conscious users – competitors may offer better value
- Rural users – availability limited outside major centers
- Those avoiding long contracts – best pricing requires 24-month commitment
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Unlimited data on all cable internet plans
- Wide speed range (100 Mbps – 2 Gbps) to suit different needs
- Established infrastructure in Western Canada
- Fibre-to-the-home available in select areas
- No-contract 5G home internet option available
Disadvantages
- Poor customer service ratings (2.9/5) with long wait times
- Significant price increases after promotional period ends
- Service reliability issues reported since Rogers merger
- Limited coverage outside Western Canada
- Upload speeds significantly lower than download speeds on cable plans
Installation and Equipment
New customers receive a Rogers Xfinity Gateway modem/router with their service. Professional installation is available for a fee, or you can opt for self-installation with shipped equipment.
Alternatives to Consider
If Shaw’s customer service issues concern you, consider these Western Canadian alternatives:
- Telus PureFibre (BC, AB): True fibre-optic with symmetrical upload/download speeds
- Bell MTS (MB): Fibre and DSL options
- SaskTel (SK): Regional provider with strong local support
- TekSavvy, Lightspeed, or other resellers: Use Shaw’s infrastructure at potentially lower prices
Bottom Line
Shaw (now Rogers Xfinity) offers competitive internet speeds and unlimited data across Western Canada, but the 2023 merger with Rogers has resulted in significant customer service deterioration. While the network infrastructure remains solid, expect long wait times if you need support. The promotional pricing is attractive for the first 24 months, but regular rates increase by $25-35/month afterward.
Current recommendation: Shaw’s plans are worth considering if you live in their coverage area and rarely need customer support, but explore alternatives if responsive service is a priority.
Leave Your Shaw Review
Have experience with Shaw internet? Share your review to help other Canadians make informed decisions.