Winnipeg Internet Providers – Reviewed [2024]

Are you on the hunt for Internet in The Peg? You came to the right place. 

In this article we will explain the Winnipeg Internet Providers available to you and the difference between them.

After reading this article you’ll be able to make an informed decision on the best home Internet. 

In a hurry? 

Understanding Your Internet Needs

Before you look at cost, it’s crucial to understand your specific Internet needs.

Were you looking to learn about business Internet? Go to our Internet and my Business Article instead.  

While each provider may seem comparable, there are notable differences between every Internet option available in Winnipeg. 

Are you a heavy gamer requiring ultra-fast speeds? 

Or perhaps you’re a casual user mainly using the Internet for browsing and checking emails? 

Different types of users will require different connection speeds. For instance, streaming in 4K or playing online games requires a faster* Internet plan compared to simply browsing the Internet or checking emails.

*Reminder – faster Internet means lower latency and enough bandwidth. Speed is a function of latency multiplied by bandwidth to get the resulting data throughput. 

Many providers try to wow you with advertising bandwidth only – latency is what often dictates your experience.

Evaluating Winnipeg Internet Providers

When evaluating Internet service providers, consider the following factors:

• Bandwidth Packages: Ensure the provider offers service packages that meet your needs. If you plan to stream videos, play online games, or work from home, you’ll want a faster connection than someone who just uses the Internet for basic web browsing.

• Reliability: Consistent service is crucial. Unpredictable connection drops can disrupt your online activities, leading to frustration. 

• Availability: Not all Internet service providers operate in all areas. Ensure the ISP you’re considering is available in your location. 

For instance, in Winnipeg, BellMTS is building fibre-optic Internet in some communities, while others have only (old) copper DSL available. The disparity becomes more granular in downtown Winnipeg or in some condos, where you could have anything from expensive DSL to high-speed fibre-optic connectivity included with your rent. 

• Cost: The cost of the plan should align with your budget. However, don’t sacrifice quality for cost. Sometimes, paying a bit more can significantly improve your Internet experience.

• Customer Service: Efficient and responsive customer service is important. If you face any issues with your Internet connection, you’ll want a provider that can quickly and effectively resolve your problem.

Now, let’s dive into the top options you have in Winnipeg.

BellMTS, Rogers (Shaw), Vmedia, Flexnetworks, Valley Fiber

BellMTS

BellMTS is the largest network in Manitoba.

Bell offers the highest bandwidth available in most Winnipeg neighborhoods.

The service is delivered on GPON fibre-optic infrastructure. GPON means fibre right into your home, but a shared network. Theoretically fibre-optic technology should deliver the lowest latency and best experience, but according to some users, the fibre Internet doesn’t always perform perfectly, but no service will be perfect.

This can be different by neighborhood, street, even house, depending on how new your infrastructure is and how many neighbors are signed up.

My guess, the core network around the city has fibre-optic cable that is at-capacity and over-used. But this is my educated guess. Any Internet network built with a shared GPON or similar configuration, when filled up with subscribers, can experience issues. Bell would likely be building new fiber to ensure more capacity keeps getting built to each neighborhood.

Key Features

• Speeds: Bell MTS offers speeds of up to 1.5Gbps for download and 940Mbps for upload.
• Contract: initial contract often required on fibre services.
• Bundling Options: You can bundle your Internet service with TV and phone services for additional savings.
• Connection Type: Bell MTS offers a fibre-optic connection in some communities, providing a superior online experience where available, and a sub-par Internet experience over DSL.

VMedia

VMedia is a DSL reseller that offers an affordable Internet connection with unlimited usage and no contract. VMedia is an appealing choice for the budget user. 

Key Features

• Speeds: VMedia offers speeds of up to 1000Mbps for download and 100Mbps for upload.
• Unlimited Usage: All VMedia plans offer unlimited usage, so you won’t have to worry about overage charges.
• No Contract: There is no contract required to sign up for VMedia.
• Connection Type: VMedia offers copper-based cable connections.

Rogers (Shaw)

Rogers offers high-capacity cable-based Internet in Winnipeg. 

Cable Internet is delivered to your home over coaxial cable. The infrastructure was originally built for delivering TV Service, but with core-network upgrades, the ability to send data in both directions allowed for Internet over cable, technology called Docsis. 

Key Features

• Speeds: Rogers Ignite plans offer speeds of up to 1Gbps for download and 100Mbps for upload.
• Unlimited Usage: All plans come with unlimited usage, so you won’t have to worry about data caps.
• Rogers has the best mobile network in Manitoba, therefore look for deals across all your services. 

FlexNetworks (Fastnet)

You’ll find Winnipeg’s newest fibre-optic Internet provider in select buildings around Winnipeg. The parent brand is called FlexNetworks, and the residential brand is called Fastnet. 

While the majority of the residential network is being built in Saskatchewan, you’ll find select buildings around Winnipeg, mostly apartments, with Fastnet Internet. This often means Internet is included in your rent and supported by this new organization. 

Key Features

• Speeds: symmetric bandwidth up to 1000 Mbps.
• Unlimited Data: Their plans come with unlimited data, providing uninterrupted connectivity.
• New network means less issues
• Connection Type: fibre-optic

Valley Fiber

On the outskirts of Winnipeg you’ll start to see Manitoba’s fastest growing ISP, Valley Fiber. Valley Fiber is delivering Internet, TV, and voice services all across rural MB, but is getting close to Winnipeg. 

While Valley Fiber is new also, the dedicated fiber and local customer service continue to make it the standout ISP operating and expanding around Manitoba. They are worth noting, but not the top provider in Winnipeg due to a lack of availability.

Key Features

• Speeds: Valley Fiber Internet plans offer speeds of up to 2500 Mbps symmetric.
• Unlimited Data: All of their plans have unlimited data, so you don’t have to worry about going over the limit.
• Contract: Valley Fiber is building new infrastructure, and requires contracts on the initial service term.
• Connection Type: Dedicated Fiber. Valley Fiber has a unique build style with dedicated (not shared) fibre-optic Internet. 

Choosing the Best Internet Plan for You

When choosing an Internet plan, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your household. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand which speed is best for your lifestyle and type of household:

Remember, the type of device you use and your location can impact your Internet speed. Living in a rural area (unless you’re on Valley Fiber) or having many households in your neighborhood connected to the same network can slow down your speeds. 

Always consider these factors when choosing an Internet plan.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Internet service provider in Winnipeg, Manitoba depends on your specific needs, budget, and location. 

By considering the factors outlined in this guide and examining the offerings of each provider, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect Internet service for your home.

Please note that the information provided in this article is based on the latest data available and may vary based on the provider’s current offerings. Always check with your chosen provider for the most up-to-date information.