1. Residential internet providers in Quebec
The residential internet market in Quebec is less competitive than the mobile market. The two major players are Bell and Vidéotron, which own the fibre optic and cable networks across most of Quebec's territory.
Other providers rent these infrastructures — called resellers or MVNOs. The most well-known: Fizz (uses Vidéotron's network), TekSavvy, Distributel and ICI Net. These resellers often offer lower rates than major carriers for similar speeds, particularly for those who don't need the fastest speeds.
Provider availability depends on the infrastructure in your building — in an apartment, check what cabling is available before choosing.
2. Understanding speeds and what you actually need
Internet plans are sold with download and upload speeds in Megabits per second (Mbps). The speed you need depends on your usage:
- 100 Mbps: sufficient for one or two people browsing, streaming and occasional remote work.
- 500 Mbps: comfortable for a family with multiple people working from home and simultaneous 4K streaming.
- 1 Gbps: aggressively marketed but rarely necessary for standard residential use.
For online gaming or heavy file uploads, upload speed matters — cable networks often have much lower upload than download speed.
Don't pay for 1 Gbps if you only use 150 Mbps.
3. Contract traps to avoid
Major carriers often offer promotions for the first 12 or 24 months, after which the rate rises. Always read the fine print:
- When does the promotion end — after 6 months or a year?
- What is the regular rate after the promotional period?
Contracts with major carriers may have early termination fees — if you need to move or cancel, you could pay several hundred dollars.
Resellers like Fizz and TekSavvy often operate without fixed-term contracts — advantageous for newcomers whose situation may change.
The modem/router can be rented from the carrier for $5–15/month extra, or you can buy your own compatible equipment — check the approved equipment list with your provider.
4. See also
These related guides may be useful:
- Mobile plan in Quebec — how to choose your phone plan.
- Useful apps in Quebec — the best free apps to get settled.
- Building credit in Canada — to access the best offers.
5. Official sources
To compare internet providers in Canada: CRTC comparator — crtc.gc.ca. For consumer rights in residential internet: the CRTC Internet Code for residential customers.
Author's Note: in most Montréal apartments, Vidéotron or one of its resellers like Fizz will be the most logical option — Vidéotron cable is present in most buildings. If you want the best price without a contract, Fizz is generally the best option in Vidéotron-covered areas. If you prefer to pay a bit more for customer service and welcome promotions, the major carriers remain reliable.
