Advertisement

Lifestyle Sponsored Content

The top five alternative internet providers in Toronto that aren’t Bell or Rogers

If internet providers in Toronto are providing underwhelming customer service and the connection is spotty even at the best of times, switching providers is the ideal solution. This process can be stressful but if you do your research thoroughly, you won’t need to switch internet service providers (ISPs) ever again.   

Despite always seeing the Bell and Rogers’s service vans driving through your neighbourhood, there are more options than the two large telecommunication companies – many you probably don’t know about. In fact, there are several independent ISPs offering plans that can fulfill your internet needs at the best value possible. 

After taking the time to review a number of internet providers in Toronto and across the GTA, we’ve discovered five that we would consider switching to from Bell, Rogers, or Cogeco. To evaluate the ISP’s we came up with a basic 5 point scale that took into consideration the qualities that mattered most to us. They were: setup experience, network performance, customer service, billing, and technical support.

At the end of our assessment, one ISP, in particular, stood out – Diallog. 

Diallog

This Canadian telecommunications company has been offering dependable voice and data solutions to Canadian businesses since 1998. But within the past few years, Diallog has expanded its high value service to homes. 

The independent ISP is best known for its friendly customer service and professional technical support. Diallog’s customers receive unlimited internet access without being locked into a contract or charged any cancellation or hidden fees. 

Its network reliability and availability, cost-effective rates, customized billing options and passion for customer service is what sets Diallog apart from other internet providers in Toronto. Instead of focusing solely on finding the ISP with the cheapest prices, search for a company with high-quality customer support and connection.

Diallog’s home plans start at $30 per month and include the installation of a wide-coverage WiFi router. Home phone bundles are also available. 

Internet provider in Toronto Diallog
SETUP EXPERIENCE
(Courteous, prompt, effective, informative)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
(Speed, coverage, dropped calls, stability)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(Helpful, knowledgeable, effective, polite)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BILLING
(Transparency, clarity, aligned with contract)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
(Simple, clear, easy to reach)
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Start

This ISP has been providing high-speed internet services to residents and businesses in Ontario since 1995. Start boasts honest and reliable internet, television and phone packages, along with professional customer service. 

The majority of the plans offered by Start include unlimited usage so you don’t need to track how much time you’re spending surfing the web. 

Start has three internet packages to choose from – the best package for you depends on your desired download speed and how many people are living in your household. However, not all of the packages are available across Ontario, which means you’ll need to check the availability before committing to a plan. 

Start also provides customers with 24-hour support and month-to-month contracts at a friendly price.

internet provider in toronto start.ca
SETUP EXPERIENCE
(Courteous, prompt, effective, informative)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
(Speed, coverage, dropped calls, stability)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(Helpful, knowledgeable, effective, polite)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BILLING
(Transparency, clarity, aligned with contract)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
(Simple, clear, easy to reach)
⭐⭐⭐

Primus

Primus offers comprehensive internet, home phone and wireless connectivity options for Canadian residents and businesses. The ISP aims to ensure that its customers are equipped with the technology and speeds they need to communicate at their best. 

The company has been providing internet plans to Canadians for more than 20 years with emphasis on genuine customer service. 

Primus also delivers award-winning voice service, cloud-based phone systems and competitive long-distance plans, making it a one-stop-shop for all of your communication needs.

SETUP EXPERIENCE
(Courteous, prompt, effective, informative)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
(Speed, coverage, dropped calls, stability)
⭐⭐⭐
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(Helpful, knowledgeable, effective, polite)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
BILLING
(Transparency, clarity, aligned with contract)
⭐⭐
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
(Simple, clear, easy to reach)
⭐⭐⭐

Distributel

Distributel is an independent Canadian telecommunications company that evolved from being a long-distance provider to a full service provider on a national scale. For more than 30 years, the ISP has been offering DSL and cable high-speed plans while building trustworthy relationships with its customers. 

Along with affordable bundles, this ISP has four internet plans available. Whether you casually browse the internet or spend hours streaming content or gaming on a daily basis, Distributel has an unlimited package for you. The ISP also offers internet services for businesses. 

Like many other ISPs, Distributel seeks to challenge the stereotypes of the industry by proving its commitment to customer experience and fairness. 

SETUP EXPERIENCE
(Courteous, prompt, effective, informative)
⭐⭐⭐
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
(Speed, coverage, dropped calls, stability)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(Helpful, knowledgeable, effective, polite)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BILLING
(Transparency, clarity, aligned with contract)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
(Simple, clear, easy to reach)

Teksavvy

Teksavvy is another ISP providing telecommunications services to homes and businesses across Toronto at a relatively low cost. Gamers tend to gravitate toward Teksavvy as the company’s speed response times or latency is low, which is valuable to those gaming online. 

The ISP offers three internet packages: Good Internet, Better Internet and Best Internet. 

Choosing between these bundles is simple as the description of each one specifies what you’ll be using the internet for. If you’re looking for a straightforward plan for basic communication and casual browsing, the Good Internet package will likely suffice. However, if you’re living in a smart-home and want the fastest available speeds, you should opt for the Best Internet package. 

Internet provider in Toronto Teksavvy
SETUP EXPERIENCE
(Courteous, prompt, effective, informative)
⭐⭐⭐
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
(Speed, coverage, dropped calls, stability)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
CUSTOMER SERVICE
(Helpful, knowledgeable, effective, polite)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BILLING
(Transparency, clarity, aligned with contract)
⭐⭐⭐⭐
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
(Simple, clear, easy to reach)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

To conclude, whether you’re looking for a home ISP for your job, or for hobbies like gaming and content streaming, Diallog was the best all-around player. Installation is fast, effective, and not awkward with their friendly technicians. They do exactly what they say they are going to do with reasonable prices that are completely transparent. With excellent up-time and network speeds they are definitely an ISP to watch, and consider switching to.

To learn about Diallog’s internet service options, submit a service availability inquiry here. For more information, visit diallog.

Advertisement

Exclusive content and events straight to your inbox

Subscribe to our Newsletter

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

By signing up, I agree to receive emails from Now Toronto and to the Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

Recently Posted