Since 2016, we helped 12 000+ users in all of Quebec to save money with our free comparator.
Since 2016, we helped 12 000+ users in all of Quebec to save money with our free comparator.
How do you know if you’re paying too much, or not enough, for the internet? Finding the right internet plan in Quebec can feel overwhelming. There are so many providers, speeds, and pricing options available. If you’re streaming movies or having multiple work meetings from home, choosing the wrong plan can leave you dealing with frustrating slowdowns.
Smart TVs, gaming consoles, tablets, smartphones, and other home devices all consume bandwidth. To make the best choice, consider the speed but also data caps, installation fees, and contract terms.
In Quebec, we have access to several major internet service providers. The main players include:
Fiber internet generally provides the fastest and most reliable connections, but prices are usually higher. Speeds range from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps or higher.
Most people can be content with cable internet. It offers good speeds and widespread availability, typically ranging from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps.
Some of the best plans include:
If you hesitate between two providers or two different plans, follow the steps detailed in the next paragraphs to make a decision.
Instead of letting yourself be seduced by any internet provider’s marketing, you should assess your needs. What are your household’s specific internet requirements in terms of data consumption, speeds, number of users, etc.?
Log in to your online account or mobile apps and check your monthly data usage. There should be a section labeled “Usage” or “Data Usage” that will show you how much data you’ve used in recent months.
If you don’t have access to this information, you can estimate based on what you use internet for:
However, the vast majority of residential internet plans offer unlimited plans. Unlimited plans are usually only a few dollars more expensive than limited plans. If you decide to save $5 with a limited plan, be careful not to exceed your download volume.
Internet speed determines how quickly you can download and upload data. Users who primarily browse websites and check email can function well with 25-50 Mbps. But if you work from home, you will probably need at least 50-100 Mbps. Heavy users should consider even higher speeds.
The best internet plan for you may simply be the one you can actually afford. Most financial experts suggest keeping utility costs (which includes the internet) under 10% of your monthly income. To make sure you have enough money to cover essential expenses, try to spend no more than 1% of your household income on your internet plan.
When assessing the cost of each internet plan, don’t forget to account for installation fees, equipment rental, taxes, and promotional rates (if they jump to a higher rate after a few months).
Internet availability varies significantly by location. Rural areas may have more limited options, with only cable internet offered by one provider, for instance.
Always start by checking service availability at your specific address using providers’ websites. They should be able to show a list of plans with specific details about speed and data, available at your address.
Here’s a simple way to quickly pick the best option:
Upon receiving your contract, read the fine print carefully. Look for:
Most installations can be completed by customers using self-installation instructions, for free. But if you choose a new service provider, they may have to come to your home to install their line. Professional installation costs $50-150 but ensures proper setup and troubleshooting if issues arise.
Pay with a Credit Card
Using a credit card that offers cashback or points for utility payments is the easiest way to save on your internet service. Some cards offer 2-5% cashback on recurring payments or utilities. However, don’t forget to always pay your credit card bill on time. Otherwise you’ll face interest charges that will offset the savings.
Negotiate Your Internet Plan
You would like to stay with your current provider, but you found a great deal elsewhere? Contact your current provider’s retention department rather than general customer service. Talk to an agent about their competitor’s offer and ask them to match it. These specialists can offer discounts and their job is to keep customers from switching providers.
Be prepared to actually switch providers if negotiations fail.
Are Family Plans Economical?
Shared data plans allow multiple users to draw from a common data pool, which can be more cost-effective if you have a large family or live in a multi-generational household. However, compare family plan costs to individual plans carefully, especially if usage patterns vary significantly among family members.
Promotions and Referrals
Most major internet providers offer referral programs and promotional codes. These are good ways to get discounts or credits. Before subscribing to a new plan, check third-party deal sites for promotional codes.
Once you’ve purchased a plan and started using it, review your monthly bill carefully to ensure you’re being charged the correct amount.
If you have doubts about your service quality, start monitoring it regularly using speed testing tools, for example.
If you find out you aren’t getting what you pay for or have any other issue with your provider, it’s a good idea to switch providers during your renewal period.
When was the last time you compared your current monthly bill with what other providers charge for similar speeds in your area? You may be surprised by what you would find out if you compared plans today!
Find out if you should be downgrading to get a lower-cost plan or upgrading to suit your growing needs.
