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Internet providers beyond Rogers and Bell
Internet providers in Toronto go beyond Rogers and Bell. As it turns
out, there's a wealth of smaller options: A quick search on Canadian ISP
reveals that there are no less than 119 internet service providers
serving the Toronto area. To get your search off to a good start, I've
rounded up some of the most-recommended internet service providers
currently providing Toronto with a steady stream of cat videos.
Here are my picks for the top alternative internet service providers in Toronto.
Teksavvy
A favourite of nerds across Ontario, Teksavvy offers a healthy mix of over a dozen cable and DSL plans, backed up by pleasant customer service; you're likely to find a package that fits your usage needs and budget. Heavy users can avail themselves of unlimited 50Mbps (megabits per second) DSL for $84.99 a month. (In case you're nostalgic for those weird boing-ing noises coming out of your modem, they also offer dial-up for $7.99 a month. ...Really.)
Primus
The largest alternative telecom in Canada, Primus offers a variety of wireless services (including phone and VoIP) in addition to a handful of DSL packages. Shoppers beware: available speeds rely heavily on the neighbourhood. For example, while some areas can get up to 50Mbps plans, my Danforth neighbourhood is locked into 7Mbps at $42.95 a month, which doesn't impress terribly.
Contact
Contact is clearly trying to court a young, budget-conscious demo - their website looks like it should be for some kind of women-oriented gym. They promise "the best bang for your buck," with a variety of DSL plans at 6Mbps, 15Mbps and 25Mbps speeds - their biggest plan offers 500GB of bandwidth at 25Mbps for a frankly insane $34.95 a month. The secret to their pricing: They ask folks to pay extra for their ContactCare tech support.
Start
Start offers cable, lower-speed DSL, and higher-speed FTTN connections. (For the uninitiated, FTTN is a DSL connection that offers a shorter connection between your home and the fibre network, in an effort to offer a more reliable signal.) Add $15 a month to cable plans or $10 a month for DSL plans to get unlimited data. (Except for the 150Mbps cable plan, which already gives you 400GB of bandwidth. You can just suck that one up.)
Electronic Box
This Quebecois company just set up shop in Ontario (as evidenced by the site's somewhat-rickety translation). But for some, their services just might be parfait. Their biggest cable plan is a whopping 1,000GB of bandwidth at 30Mbps at a dirt-cheap $29.95 (for the first six months ... after that, it nearly doubles). While their DSL plans tap out at 250GB of monthly bandwidth, they all come with unlimited downloads from 2am to 2pm regardless of tier, meaning you can still binge-download on a budget.
VMedia
This Toronto-based media company makes Android-based TV its bread and butter, offering set-top video boxes that mix TV channels with access to extra Internet-delivered content. They're also an ISP, offering two unlimited cable plans at 30Mbps ($49.95) and 60Mbps ($64.95) download speeds.
Distributel
Operating in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C., this telecom (which owns several smaller offshoots, including Acanac) lets you take your pick of cable, DSL, and FTTN connections. A selling point: All of their packages - from an entry-level 6Mbps DSL package ($36.95) to 60Mbps cable - offer unlimited downloads.
Here are my picks for the top alternative internet service providers in Toronto.
Teksavvy
A favourite of nerds across Ontario, Teksavvy offers a healthy mix of over a dozen cable and DSL plans, backed up by pleasant customer service; you're likely to find a package that fits your usage needs and budget. Heavy users can avail themselves of unlimited 50Mbps (megabits per second) DSL for $84.99 a month. (In case you're nostalgic for those weird boing-ing noises coming out of your modem, they also offer dial-up for $7.99 a month. ...Really.)
Primus
The largest alternative telecom in Canada, Primus offers a variety of wireless services (including phone and VoIP) in addition to a handful of DSL packages. Shoppers beware: available speeds rely heavily on the neighbourhood. For example, while some areas can get up to 50Mbps plans, my Danforth neighbourhood is locked into 7Mbps at $42.95 a month, which doesn't impress terribly.
Contact
Contact is clearly trying to court a young, budget-conscious demo - their website looks like it should be for some kind of women-oriented gym. They promise "the best bang for your buck," with a variety of DSL plans at 6Mbps, 15Mbps and 25Mbps speeds - their biggest plan offers 500GB of bandwidth at 25Mbps for a frankly insane $34.95 a month. The secret to their pricing: They ask folks to pay extra for their ContactCare tech support.
Start
Start offers cable, lower-speed DSL, and higher-speed FTTN connections. (For the uninitiated, FTTN is a DSL connection that offers a shorter connection between your home and the fibre network, in an effort to offer a more reliable signal.) Add $15 a month to cable plans or $10 a month for DSL plans to get unlimited data. (Except for the 150Mbps cable plan, which already gives you 400GB of bandwidth. You can just suck that one up.)
Electronic Box
This Quebecois company just set up shop in Ontario (as evidenced by the site's somewhat-rickety translation). But for some, their services just might be parfait. Their biggest cable plan is a whopping 1,000GB of bandwidth at 30Mbps at a dirt-cheap $29.95 (for the first six months ... after that, it nearly doubles). While their DSL plans tap out at 250GB of monthly bandwidth, they all come with unlimited downloads from 2am to 2pm regardless of tier, meaning you can still binge-download on a budget.
VMedia
This Toronto-based media company makes Android-based TV its bread and butter, offering set-top video boxes that mix TV channels with access to extra Internet-delivered content. They're also an ISP, offering two unlimited cable plans at 30Mbps ($49.95) and 60Mbps ($64.95) download speeds.
Distributel
Operating in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and B.C., this telecom (which owns several smaller offshoots, including Acanac) lets you take your pick of cable, DSL, and FTTN connections. A selling point: All of their packages - from an entry-level 6Mbps DSL package ($36.95) to 60Mbps cable - offer unlimited downloads.
Are internet service providers keeping tabs on your browsing?
The Toronto Star contacted Bell, Rogers and TekSavvy to see what kind of information the companies keep about the websites their customers visit
What does your internet service providers know about your internet browsing habits?
The Toronto Star contacted three popular
internet service providers (ISPs) in Toronto — Bell, Rogers and TekSavvy
— to see what kind of information the companies keep that can track the
websites their customers visit.
But first, some background. Customers are
assigned a new IP address, or Internet Protocol address, whenever their
modem connects to the internet. The IP address is a series of numbers
that acts as an address online, telling a website where to deliver its
data. If, for example, a Hollywood studio wants to find out who
downloaded a TV episode illegally, they would try to acquire the user’s
IP address then ask an ISP for the name associated with that number.
When asked whether the companies log such
information, the responses from the internet services providers varied
considerably.
Jason Laszlo, a representative from Bell,
said via email that the company collects and stores information about
the URLs customers visit “for operational and service related reasons,
such as monitoring network quality or diagnosing problems.
“URL information varies, but would include
date, time and domain. Any use of the information would be for
operational purposes such as network capacity and provisioning, network
quality monitoring, resolving billing issues and so on.”
Kevin Spafford, a Rogers representative,
told the Star the company does not collect and store the URLs. TekSavvy
provided a similar response.
Voltage threatening legal TekSavvy
A Canadian Internet service provider has been ordered to hand over the names and addresses of about 2,000 customers who allegedly downloaded movies online.
A Federal Court decision released Thursday compels Ontario-based TekSavvy to identify the customers allegedly linked to downloads of films by the U.S. production company Voltage Pictures, which is behind the likes of "The Hurt Locker," "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Don Jon."
As a result, those TekSavvy customers could eventually receive a letter from Voltage threatening legal action. Under the federal Copyright Act, statutory damages for non-commercial infringement range between $100 and $5,000.
"It's going to be up to the courts to decide what the appropriate penalty is," said Voltage's lawyer James Zibarras, who called the court decision "great" and "well balanced."
"I think to date rightsholders' interests have been ignored and really what this does is adjust the pendulum a bit.
A Federal Court decision released Thursday compels Ontario-based TekSavvy to identify the customers allegedly linked to downloads of films by the U.S. production company Voltage Pictures, which is behind the likes of "The Hurt Locker," "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Don Jon."
As a result, those TekSavvy customers could eventually receive a letter from Voltage threatening legal action. Under the federal Copyright Act, statutory damages for non-commercial infringement range between $100 and $5,000.
"It's going to be up to the courts to decide what the appropriate penalty is," said Voltage's lawyer James Zibarras, who called the court decision "great" and "well balanced."
"I think to date rightsholders' interests have been ignored and really what this does is adjust the pendulum a bit.
Acanac
Acanac History and Values
Acanac is one of Canada's largest independent ISP's. We are currently servicing over 70,000 clients and are still growing. Acanac has grown to this size in just a little over 4 years. We have established a leadership position in the industry by providing clients with affordable and reliable service to both Residential and Business users.
Why have we succeeded when so many have failed?
Acanac's core value is to make sure that you the customer is served withthe utmost respect and professionalism. This is the reason that we are one
of the few companies that offer an unconditional money back guarantee. That's why we have invested heavily in hardware, and facilities. This ensures that you, the client is up and running on 24 hours a day seven days a week.
Stability
Internet Access In Canada
Based on Recent Events we are in the process of revamping the websites.
This site and other websites will include many recommendations for internet providers.
Of the many internet providers we are recommending for outstanding value and service;
Acanac Inc. at acanac.com
and Teksavvy
This site is impartial, it exist to help consumers make a calculated decision when shopping for Internet service. The comments within are supplied/provided by users or potential customers of the Internet service providers
This site and other websites will include many recommendations for internet providers.
Of the many internet providers we are recommending for outstanding value and service;
Acanac Inc. at acanac.com
and Teksavvy
This site is impartial, it exist to help consumers make a calculated decision when shopping for Internet service. The comments within are supplied/provided by users or potential customers of the Internet service providers
Teksavvy Service Review
Okay many years ago when this company was new I was very pleased with TEKSAVVY.com, however many years have passed and a recently receiving the comments listed below and felt the comments summarize many viewers and readers response/comments.
So after 8 years of DSL service from Teksavvy and now 2 years with Cable Internet from Teksavvy my feelings and 'YOU' the readers comments are as follow;
Quality: Teksavvy is a leach to ROGER internet and Bell Internet with "NO" distinction in quality, Teksavvy is simply a reseller to the service from other ISP (internet providers Bell/Rogers)
So after 8 years of DSL service from Teksavvy and now 2 years with Cable Internet from Teksavvy my feelings and 'YOU' the readers comments are as follow;
Quality: Teksavvy is a leach to ROGER internet and Bell Internet with "NO" distinction in quality, Teksavvy is simply a reseller to the service from other ISP (internet providers Bell/Rogers)
TekSavvy or Acanac internet? Which do you like better?
I'll be leaving Rogers by the end of the month and I need a new cable ISP provider. I've been looking to switch to Teksavvy Extreme Cable Pro, but after seeing Acanac, seems like they have a better deal for their unlimited package. I do not mind paying upfront for their service but I just don't want a bad experience. Also, do some areas receive faster speeds then others? (currently north of Scarborough right now).
Should I switch to Teksavvy or Acanac? Which company has better customer support? No downtime, no throttling?
Many have said Teksavvy...without any question.
But a Reviewer said;
I've had Acanac Cable for a few weeks and the only issue I had was Rogers pushed the install date by a day (and I didn't know this until they called on the day of the original install). Since then speeds have been great for my area (DVP/Eglinton). Speeds do seem to vary by location for both Acanac and
TEKSAVVY Price Notice
Price Notice
As of March 20, TekSavvy announced brand new low prices and higher speed options for customers. We are also proud to announce that we will be offering services to new cities in Ontario. By introducing our new Internet plans, we aim to provide Canadians with the best service available by offering unmatched combination of (i) packages tailored to the speed and usage requirements of consumers (ii) 300GB and unlimited usage choices as a standard feature, (iii) prompt, comprehensive, “human” service, and (iv) no-contract, no small print angles, all virtually unbeatable prices.
Cable Internet Ontario Area #1 ( Formerly Chatham Cable)
Click on the City List to see where cable services are available for these products
As of March 20, TekSavvy announced brand new low prices and higher speed options for customers. We are also proud to announce that we will be offering services to new cities in Ontario. By introducing our new Internet plans, we aim to provide Canadians with the best service available by offering unmatched combination of (i) packages tailored to the speed and usage requirements of consumers (ii) 300GB and unlimited usage choices as a standard feature, (iii) prompt, comprehensive, “human” service, and (iv) no-contract, no small print angles, all virtually unbeatable prices.
**Existing customers will be notified by e-mail if there are changes to their account.
Click on a New Package for more information.
DSL Internet Ontario| New Package | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Bandwidth | Monthly Pricing |
| High Speed DSL 6 Lite | 6 Mbps | 800 Kbps | 75 GB | 26.99 |
| High Speed DSL 6 Pro | 6 Mbps | 800 Kbps | 300 GB | 32.99 |
| High Speed DSL 6 Unlimited | 6 Mbps | 800 Kbps | Unlimited | 39.99 |
| High Speed DSL 7 Lite | 7 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 75 GB | 24.99 |
| High Speed DSL 7 Pro | 7 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 300 GB | 29.99 |
| High Speed DSL 7 Unlimited | 7 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Unlimited | 39.99 |
| High Speed DSL 10 Pro | 10 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 300 GB | 32.99 |
| High Speed DSL 10 Unlimited | 10 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Unlimited | 44.99 |
| High Speed DSL 15 Pro | 15 Mbps | 1 Mbps | 300 GB | 32.99 |
| High Speed DSL 15 Unlimited | 15 Mbps | 1 Mbps | Unlimited | 47.99 |
| High Speed DSL 15/10 Pro | 15 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 300 GB | 34.99 |
| High Speed DSL 15/10 Unlimited | 15 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Unlimited | 49.99 |
| High Speed DSL 25 Pro | 25 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 300 GB | 39.99 |
| High Speed DSL 25 Unlimited | 25 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Unlimited | 57.99 |
| High Speed DSL 50 Pro | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | 300 GB | 54.99 |
| High Speed DSL 50 Unlimited | 50 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Unlimited | 84.99 |
Cable Internet Ontario Area #1 ( Formerly Chatham Cable)
Click on the City List to see where cable services are available for these products
TekSavvy or Acanac internet Review?
Teksavvy vs Acanac since I had previous history with Acanac and now currently with Teksavvy.
Acanac:
Pro - Not downtown for the year I was with them.
Con - You get what you pay (?) They cap your DL speed at 5mb but usually it's about 3mb.
- Cheaper for 1 year and they'll try to charge you after a year so make sure you EMAIL your cancellation, not by phone.
Also, you need to pay $8 extra/per month for dry loop if you don't want a phone line.
Teksavvy:
Pro - better speed than Acanac
Con - Downtime. I switched to Teksavvy around end of January 2011 and already had more than 5 downtimes since then. I called them and usually the wait time was around 3 hours to get hold of an operator and the best answer they could provide was that it was roger's problem. The technician was kind in answering my questions but that still didn't resolve the problem.
Acanac:
Pro - Not downtown for the year I was with them.
Con - You get what you pay (?) They cap your DL speed at 5mb but usually it's about 3mb.
- Cheaper for 1 year and they'll try to charge you after a year so make sure you EMAIL your cancellation, not by phone.
Also, you need to pay $8 extra/per month for dry loop if you don't want a phone line.
Teksavvy:
Pro - better speed than Acanac
Con - Downtime. I switched to Teksavvy around end of January 2011 and already had more than 5 downtimes since then. I called them and usually the wait time was around 3 hours to get hold of an operator and the best answer they could provide was that it was roger's problem. The technician was kind in answering my questions but that still didn't resolve the problem.
Fibroptix - Fiber optic internet connection - Montreal , New York, Toronto ; Partners
Fibroptix - Fiber optic internet connection - Montreal , New York, Toronto ; Partners
.
www.fibroptix.com
http://www.fibroptix.com
ZEROFAIL has served over 500 clients including:
* Air Canada
* Century 21
* Domino's Pizza Canada
* Five Roses
* McGill University
* Rogers Communications
* Sprint
* Marriott Hotels
* Days Inn Hotels
* Government of Canada-Dept. of National Defense
* DTZ Barnike
* Jarislowky Fraser
www.fibroptix.com
http://www.fibroptix.com
ZEROFAIL has served over 500 clients including:
* Air Canada
* Century 21
* Domino's Pizza Canada
* Five Roses
* McGill University
* Rogers Communications
* Sprint
* Marriott Hotels
* Days Inn Hotels
* Government of Canada-Dept. of National Defense
* DTZ Barnike
* Jarislowky Fraser
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