How to Lower Your Internet Bill in Canada 2025

Why Canadian Internet Is So Expensive

Canada's internet market has historically been dominated by three vertically integrated telecoms: Rogers, Bell, and Telus. These companies own the physical infrastructure (cables and fibre) and charge other ISPs to resell access on their networks — but historically at rates that made competition difficult.

The CRTC (Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission) has intervened multiple times to mandate lower wholesale rates, most recently in 2023, forcing the Big Three to offer independent ISPs access at more competitive prices. This has enabled independent providers like Start.ca, TekSavvy, Distributel, Oxio, VMedia, and dozens of regional ISPs to offer significantly lower prices for the same physical infrastructure.

Independent ISP Pricing vs. Big Three (2025)

Switching from a Big Three provider to an independent ISP typically saves $25–$50/month ($300–$600/year) for identical speeds on the same physical infrastructure.

How to Negotiate Your Internet Bill with Bell, Rogers, or Telus

If you don't want to switch providers (due to bundling discounts, loyalty, or availability), you can often negotiate a lower rate:

1. Research current competitor prices — Check TekSavvy, Oxio, or local ISPs for your address before calling.
2. Call the retention department — Don't call general customer service. Say "I'm considering cancelling my service" and you'll be transferred to the retention team, which has authority to offer discounts unavailable to regular CSRs.
3. State the competitor price clearly — "TekSavvy offers 150 Mbps for $49/month. I've been a customer for [X years]. Can you match this?"
4. Be willing to cancel. Retention reps are trained to reduce churn. If you genuinely would switch, say so. The script changes from "let me offer you $10 off" to "let me see what we can do."
5. Accept or decline and follow through. If they don't match a satisfactory price, actually switch. Independent ISPs use the same infrastructure — your internet quality won't change.

Typical negotiation outcomes: 20–30% discount for 6–24 months, credits for past months, or a plan upgrade at the same price. Many Canadians get $20–$40/month reductions through one phone call.

Internet Access Subsidies for Low-Income Canadians

Connecting Families Program (Rogers)

Rogers offers low-cost internet ($9.99–$19.99/month for 25–75 Mbps) to households receiving the Ontario Child Benefit, BC Income Assistance, or other qualifying provincial social assistance. Available in Ontario, BC, and some other provinces.

Affordable Access Programs by Province

• Bell: Access internet plans for low-income households at $15–$20/month in ON and QC
• Telus: Internet for Good — $19.95/month for eligible low-income BC and AB households
• SaskTel: Subsidy programs for low-income Saskatchewan residents
• Xplornet: Rural internet subsidy programs in partnership with federal government

Federal Broadband Access

The CRTC's Affordable Access initiative requires major ISPs to offer low-cost plans to qualifying households. Call your ISP and ask about "affordable access" or "low-income" internet plans — they must offer them even if they don't advertise them prominently.

Other Ways to Cut Internet Costs

• Return or own your modem/router. Renting a modem from your ISP typically costs $7–$15/month. Buying a compatible modem outright ($60–$120) pays back within 8–12 months.
• Downgrade your speed tier. Most household internet usage doesn't require gigabit speeds. 50–150 Mbps handles streaming, video calls, and general browsing for 2–4 people simultaneously. Gigabit plans cost $20–$40/month more for marginal real-world benefit.
• Remove bundle bundles you don't use. TV + internet + home phone bundles often save money only on paper — verify you're actually using the TV and phone components before assuming the bundle is worthwhile.
• Use your cell phone hotspot. If you have a high-data cell plan, a phone hotspot can replace home internet for light users. Some Public Mobile and Koodo plans include sufficient data for this.

Frequently Asked Questions