Which internet providers are available in your area?

As one of Western Canada's fastest-growing cities, Calgary offers a wide variety of internet service providers capable of meeting the needs of both private households and small and medium-sized businesses. Whether you live in a high-rise in the city center, a townhouse in the suburbs, or a cozy home on the outskirts, having a high-speed and reliable internet connection remains a critical component of comfort and efficiency. Below, we take a look at the main companies providing network access services in Calgary, as well as the key factors to consider when choosing a provider.

Telus

Telus, one of the province's major telecommunications companies, offers Calgary residents not only cable internet via its Fiber+ fiber optic network, but also DSL (dial-up) service for more remote areas. Fiber optic plans start at 150 Mbps and go up to 1 Gbps, ensuring smooth video conferencing, high-definition streaming, and online gaming. Fiber+ combines internet, digital TV, and phone service into a single package and includes unlimited data for home users. Telus is actively expanding its fiber optic coverage, so residents of most neighborhoods in Calgary can order this type of connection with consistently low latency and high bandwidth.

Shaw

Shaw is another major provincial player that provides internet access primarily through a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. Speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps are available in central and northern Calgary. Shaw is known for its plans, which include unlimited data packages, as well as comprehensive “internet + TV” solutions with a large number of channel packages. The Shaw BlueCurve digital set-top box is often included in the plans, allowing you to control your viewing from any device and record programs to a cloud DVR. Thanks to its extensive coaxial network coverage, Shaw remains a reliable option for residents of both central and suburban areas of the city.

Rogers

Rogers, although based in Ontario, is also present in Calgary through its alliance with Shaw, and more recently directly. Rogers Ignite Internet uses a hybrid DOCSIS 3.1 network, which allows speeds of over 1 Gbps in areas where the network has been completely upgraded. In addition to high bandwidth, Rogers offers its own cable TV and home phone solutions. A unique feature of Ignite is its integration with the Ignite WiFi Hub, which automatically optimizes the signal throughout your apartment or home through self-learning and network monitoring.

Xplornet

For those who live in the suburbs or rural areas near Calgary, Xplornet is an affordable option. The company specializes in satellite and, in many cases, wireless radio access. Satellite packages offer download speeds of up to 25 Mbps, but come with noticeable delays, which can make it difficult to participate in online games or real-time conferences. Xplornet's radio access solutions are less dependent on weather conditions and can provide 50-100 Mbps in the coverage area of nearby transmitters, but require a direct line of sight between the antenna and the network hub.

Independent operators

In addition to the major providers, there are several independent operators active in Calgary, including TekSavvy, EBOX, and VMedia. These companies lease network infrastructure from the major players but offer more attractive pricing packages, often with lower monthly fees or more flexible contract terms.

  • TekSavvy offers unlimited DSL internet with speeds up to 75 Mbps in some areas and has a solid reputation for customer-focused service.

  • EBOX focuses on internet + phone packages, as well as bundled VPN and cybersecurity services.

  • VMedia stands out for its ability to order internet, IP TV, and phone service as a single “bundled” solution with affordable monthly fees and no long-term contracts.

Recommendations based on needs

The wide variety of providers means that Calgary residents can choose the plan that best suits their needs. For watching movies in 4K, working with cloud services, and gaming with minimal latency, fiber optic or DOCSIS 3.1 solutions with guaranteed speeds above 300 Mbps are best suited. Families with moderate streaming and web surfing needs will be fine with plans in the 100–150 Mbps range. Those who work remotely should pay attention not only to download speeds, but also to upload speeds and latency. For high-quality video calls, 10–20 Mbps upload speed and latency below 30 ms are sufficient.

Comprehensive services

Special mention should be made of the comprehensive “internet + TV + phone” services offered by Telus, Shaw, and Rogers. Entertainment packages, access to premium streaming platforms, special channels, and interactive TV box features are a nice bonus. Independent providers may offer digital TV via IPTV, but without the number of channels and DVR capabilities offered by large operators.

What to look for

When choosing a provider, it is important to pay attention to the availability of technical support in your area, as Calgary has neighborhoods with varying infrastructure: some have modern fiber optic cables, while others still rely on old telephone lines. Reviews from neighbors, coverage maps on providers' official websites, and consultation with the company's technical department will help you determine the actual speed and stability of the connection.

Contract terms

Consider the length of the contract, any hidden fees for equipment, installation or technician call-out charges, and the option to change your plan if your needs change. Many providers now offer free connection during promotions or a reduced price for the first month, which can significantly reduce your initial costs.

Conclusion

Calgary offers a wide selection of internet providers with a variety of technologies: fiber optic, DOCSIS, DSL, radio channel, and satellite. Each solution has its own advantages and limitations, and the best option is determined by your location, budget, and network usage. Whether you're a fan of online gaming, a remote worker, a 4K video streamer, or just an active social media user, there's a provider in Calgary ready to provide you with fast and reliable internet.