Compare Business Internet Providers in Canada
Business internet isn’t “one size fits all.” The best choice depends on your location, the kind of work you do (cloud apps, VoIP phones, large uploads, VPNs), and how much downtime your business can tolerate. This guide gives you a practical way to compare providers and connection types.
We also offer business services through our other site: WRS Web Solutions Inc. (Business Services).
On this page: Connection Types | What To Ask Providers | Quick Comparison Table | Provider Notes | Conclusion
Business Internet in Canada: Connection Types
Most business internet options fit into a few categories:
- Fiber: Best overall for speed, stability, and low latency where available.
- Cable: Widely available in cities; good speeds; performance can vary by neighborhood/time of day.
- DSL: Uses phone lines; may be limited speeds; sometimes used where other options aren’t.
- Fixed Wireless / 5G: Can be fast and quick to install; performance depends on signal and congestion.
- Satellite: Helpful in remote areas; latency can be higher; weather/coverage can affect performance.
Key Questions To Ask Any Business Internet Provider
- Upload speed: Businesses often care more about upload than residential users (cloud backups, video calls, large files).
- Reliability / SLA: Do they offer an uptime commitment? What’s the credit/refund if they miss it?
- Support hours: 24/7 support or business-hours only? What response time do they commit to?
- Equipment & install: What modem/router is required? Who owns it? Any install/activation costs?
- Contract terms: Month-to-month or term contract? Early cancellation fees?
- Static IP / advanced needs: Do you need a static IP, VPN, hosted PBX, or special routing?
- Backup plan: If internet is critical, consider a second connection type (e.g., fiber/cable + 5G failover).
Quick Comparison (What Each Option Is Best For)
| Type | Best For | Watch Outs |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | High reliability, heavy cloud use, lots of video meetings, large uploads, multi-user offices | Not available everywhere; build costs can be higher in some locations |
| Cable | Most small/medium businesses in serviced urban areas; strong download speeds | Upload can be lower; congestion may affect speeds at peak times |
| 5G / Fixed Wireless | Fast installs, temporary sites, or as a backup/failover line | Signal quality, building materials, and congestion can affect consistency |
| DSL | Smaller sites where only basic connectivity is needed and other options aren’t available | Often limited speeds; distance from infrastructure matters a lot |
| Satellite | Remote areas with limited wired infrastructure | Latency can be higher; weather/coverage considerations |
Provider Notes (High-Level)
Canada has several major providers offering business internet, plus many regional and local providers. Availability depends heavily on your exact address.
- Bell: Often strong fiber footprint in many areas; business-grade options vary by region.
- Telus: Strong in Western Canada; offers a range of business plans and add-on services.
- Rogers: Broad coverage; may offer bundles with phone services.
- Cogeco: Common in parts of Ontario/Quebec; can be competitive depending on location.
- Regional providers: Sometimes excellent value/support within their footprint—always check availability.
Business Internet and Bundles
Bundles (internet + phone) can simplify billing and support. Just make sure the bundle doesn’t lock you into weak upload speeds or unfavorable contract terms.
Conclusion
The “best” provider is the one that delivers reliable service at your exact address with the speeds your business needs, supported by responsive support and fair contract terms. If downtime is expensive for you, consider a backup connection.
If you would like us (The Urban Internet Company) to check your business address to see what plans we can offer, please contact us and include your complete street address, and mention it is a business location. We reply by email within 24 hours (often sooner). No charge and no commitment.