The 5 Best Internet Services Providers in Ottawa
Having a reliable internet connection is now just as important as your other utilities. Now that many have shifted to working from home or hybrid setups, finding the right provider is significant.
That’s why, in this list, we’re compiling some of the best internet services providers in Ottawa so that you can browse, stream, and work with ease.
Read on and find out which one offers the best deal!
How much do internet services cost in Ottawa?
One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of internet services is speed. As an estimate, here is the breakdown of how much you will be shelling out every month:
Mbps stands for ‘megabits per second.’
There are tiny units of data that are called “bits.” Megabits are what you call millions of those bits of data.
The higher the number of Mbps, the faster your internet connection.
1. FibreStream
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Plan Options | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you want your internet up and running right away, then FibreStream is a great option for you. They offer same-day setup and activation services.
You can choose from three plans.
At $40, you can enjoy 100 Mbps. If you want to go higher, you can opt for the 750 Mbps option for $50 a month.
Lastly, you may go full-out and get the 5,000 Mbps option. However, the price for this will vary depending on certain factors that you would need to discuss with their customer service.
Overall, the first two options are great for the budget-conscious. While the last option is great for those who require ultra-fast connection and have money to spend.
Their customer service is great and should be able to assist you with any concerns or troubleshooting questions. They are known for their quick and efficient methods of dealing with customer issues.
If you are looking for home phone services, then you can also purchase that along with your internet plan at $20 each month. This will provide you with unlimited calling anywhere in North America.
Pros
- Affordable plans
- Phone services are offered
- Quick and efficient customer service
Cons
- No upfront cost estimate for 5,000 Mbps plan
Customer Reviews
“I had a wonderful experience with FibreStream. Speeds were consistently fast (as advertised!), fees were fair (far better than Canada’s conventional ISPs), and customer service was consistently friendly, efficient, and easy to access (which was also night and day compared to my past experience with the conventional ISPs). Couldn’t recommend them enough!” – Sean Gudgeon
“I’ve been with Fibrestream for several years now and have truly enjoyed their efficient and cost-effective service and their responsive customer support. They offer the best prices and the up/download speeds definitely met all my needs. Making the phone call to disconnect my service because we’re moving into a house was actually difficult for me. Imagine my surprise when someone answered the phone immediately (I didn’t have to wait on the line through 40 minutes of elevator music like I have with some of their competitors), and my questions were resolved within literally 3 minutes! If these guys offered internet for freehold structures, I definitely would not be leaving them.” – Ayesha Malette
2. Storm Internet Services
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Plan Options | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Storm Internet Services has been around since 1996. This is great for those who are looking for providers who have stood the test of time.
They offer residential internet services for as low as $39 a month with a data cap of 75 GB. But note that this is a DSL connection at 6 Mbps—which is only good for email, web browsing, and online banking.
For those with heavier internet needs, they offer wireless and cable services as well.
Wireless internet services start at $74.95. On the other hand, cable services start at $53.95.
One of the best things about this provider is that they have many plans for you to choose from. This way, you will find the best price for the amount of internet usage that you require.
Their great customer service support should be able to help you find the right one. Their local phone support has knowledgeable staff members and is equipped to help you with your concerns in real time.
Pros
- Established in 1996
- Have a variety of plans
- Great customer support
Cons
- The more affordable plans are slow and have low data cap
Customer Reviews
“Storm has possibly the best customer service I have ever encountered. Unlike some of the big telecoms, they have not outsourced customer service overseas — it’s local, in the Ottawa area. They are early to reach and invariably friendly, knowledgable and always solve my issues promptly.” – Scott McGinn
“I’ve been with Storm for over 15 years on a variety of connection types. Their service and support has been top-notch, never an issue and recently just had a second connection on the Velocity wireless installed at my cottage. Works great!” – Greg Weiss
3. National Capital FreeNet
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Plan Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
National Capital FreeNet has been operational since 1992. They are a local and not-for-profit alternative to commercial internet service providers.
This means they are a social enterprise that aims to provide reliable and affordable internet services.
They have a wide range of DSL plans from 6 Mbps up to 1,024 Mbps. To help you decide which one you need, you may use this link.
Their price ranges from $39.95 and $114.95. The good thing about their services is that their plans don’t have a data cap and have unlimited access.
If you are a business owner, you may avail of their business plans from $49.95 to $104.95.
As for those who live in Ottawa Community Housing, you may get a special rate of $25.00 per month.
Overall, this is an affordable option for those who want to keep their internet bills as low as possible. However, please note that there is a $49.95 plus tax installation fee.
Pros
- Affordable and reliable internet connection
- Wide range of plans for home and business
- Special price for Ottawa Community Housing residents
Cons
- $49.95 plus tax installation fee
Customer Reviews
“Always quick to respond to concerns. Luc was great help getting my modem back up working within minutes. I highly recommend National Capital Freenet – I have been with them since the 90s.” – A Villeneuve
“Easily the best internet service provider in Ottawa. So reliable! My internet has never gone down in the many many years I’ve been with them! When I was with Bell before them, it seemed like every single year I’d have an issue at least once. When I called during NCF’s shown business hours, I was quickly talking to a representative and my issues were resolved!” – Marc’s Yoga and More
4. Virgin Plus
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Plan Options | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
If you are looking for personalized service, then this is the one for you. Virgin Plus has very attentive and friendly customer service people that are flexible to cater to your exact needs.
There are three options for their internet plans. At $70 a month, you can get 25 Mbps of reliable internet connection.
If you want something faster, then you may opt for their 50 Mbps plan at $80 a month. Lastly, you may go all out at $90 a month for their 100 Mbps plan.
All of these plans have unlimited data consumption. If you are wondering just how fast your internet should be, then you may use this guide.
However, such premium and personalized customer service may come with additional costs. As you may notice, their prices are more expensive compared to other providers.
Another great thing about them, though, is that you will have 24/7 support in case you get internet issues. You may contact them via phone or their mobile app.
Pros
- Personalized customer service
- 24/7 phone and mobile app support
- Reliable internet connection
Cons
- Expensive
Customer Reviews
“Very good service, I was there for a problem I had on my bill. The guy was very friendly and helpful.” – Amine Tajiri
“Blake was very helpful and patient. I hadn’t scheduled an appointment (thinking I didn’t need one…oups!) and Blake was nice enough to accept and help me out.” – Karine Bertrand
5. Oxio
| Criteria | Rating |
| Price | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Plan Options | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Customer Service | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Range of Services | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
Oxio is a straightforward internet service provider. They have simple packages that even people who are not well-versed with technology should be able to understand.
They offer services in many places in Canada, including Ottawa.
Please note that they don’t have a physical office, but you should be able to contact them easily through their website or phone.
Starting at $48 a month, you will be able to enjoy unlimited access to a reliable internet connection. They have four options available.
Another good thing about this company is that they disclose how they allocate the payment that you will give them every month. This is divided in terms of network, logistics, hardware, marketing, payroll, and profit.
This way, their customers can rest assured that their internet service provider is ethical.
Pros
- Simple and straightforward
- Unlimited usage
- Have four plan options
- Discloses monthly payment allocation from customers
Cons
- No physical stores
Customer Reviews
“This ISP is by far the best out there. Best Deal Internet Package 75mbps unlimited for only $50. They send you the Modem and Router and the Installation is free. Not to mention the technical support is super friendly and helpful they go out of their way to provide a great service. Extremely Happy With Oxio Finally Fast Internet At A Decent Price. Thank You Oxio!” – Julio Olivos
“I’m am so happy with this company! I have never had this good of an experience with any other internet providers! They are easy to reach, super quick response time, and are extremely helpful! The internet is amazing and fast! I would recommend switching to them! Client portal easy to use, very modern company and no contracts!” – Brittany Redhead
FAQs about Internet Services in Ottawa
These are only some of the most reliable internet providers in Ottawa. We hope this list helps you in finding the right plan for your household or business.
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