Finding the best Internet providers in Nova Scotia can be tricky. Most major carriers advertise “fast and affordable” plans, but the fine print usually tells a different story mostly involving contracts, setup fees, and price hikes after the first year.
In this 2025 update, we focused on plans that keep monthly costs under $65, offer reliable speeds for work and streaming, and are easy to sign up for online. The goal: to help Nova Scotians avoid the surprises hidden behind “limited-time offers.”
For this review, we compared publicly available plans that families can find and order directly online.
Comparing plans across provinces?
See our guides for Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia to get a sense of how pricing and speed options differ across Canada.
Understanding Speed Needs
For most households, 75–150 Mbps offers the best balance of speed and value.
- Streaming HD and 4K video, online classes, and video calls all demand at least 15 Mbps per stream.
- A family of four should aim for 100 Mbps or higher to handle multiple simultaneous devices.
If you’re unsure what speed suits your home, check out our Internet Speed Guide for tips on choosing the right plan.
What Really Sets Providers Apart
Almost every major ISP in Nova Scotia now uses high-speed cable or fiber infrastructure, so performance is rarely the issue. The real difference comes down to:
- Price – Regular (non-promotional) cost under $65/month
- Contracts – Flexibility to cancel anytime
- Signup Simplicity – How easy it is to get connected online
- Transparency – Honest pricing and clear terms
- Customer Service – Responsiveness and care after signup
Detailed Comparison Table: Nova Scotia Internet Providers (2025)
Provider | Regular (Post-Promo) Price | Contracts | Signup Simplicity | Transparency | Customer Service | Overall |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bell Aliant | $122 (150 Mbps after 1 yr @$85) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Eastlink | $113 (350 Mbps after 1 yr @$85) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Internet Atlantic | $57.95 (100 Mbps with Wi-Fi modem) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Purple Cow | $60 (100 Mbps) + setup fees | ✅ | ✅ | ⚪ | ✅ | 🟢🟢🟢🟢⚪ (4/5) |
NetJOI | $59.95 (100 Mbps) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 (5/5) |
Market Overview
When we set our affordability benchmark at $65 per month, both Bell Aliant and Eastlink landed well above that mark. Their discounted prices start around $85 per month, and the regular post-promo rates climb past $100 once the first-year offers end.
For accuracy, we checked several addresses across Nova Scotia directly through each provider’s website. In every case, the lowest Internet tiers available online began at 300 Mbps or higher. It’s possible that smaller or offline-only plans exist in certain regions or through phone-in promotions, but we focused on what customers can easily find and order online.
Most households shop digitally, and hunting down hidden deals or store-only plans isn’t anyone’s idea of convenience. That’s why this comparison centers on transparent, publicly available pricing, and why NetJOI’s simple, online-ready plans stand out.
Local Standouts in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia also has a few regional Internet providers, including Purple Cow and Internet Atlantic, that serve select areas with smaller-scale operations. Their presence adds welcome competition, though plan availability and pricing transparency can vary.
Both companies remain popular in certain communities, but for most households looking for a fully digital signup experience and predictable, long-term pricing, newer entrants like NetJOI tend to stand out.
Providers Reviewed
NetJOI
NetJOI’s JOI 100 plan at $59.95/month hits the sweet spot for Nova Scotian families looking for affordable, high-speed Internet without contracts or credit checks. The plan includes unlimited data, straightforward billing, and pricing that doesn’t change after the first year.
Customers can also add digital phone and TV for one simple, bundled monthly rate. Combined with personal support and Service-versary rewards, NetJOI continues to rank highest for value and simplicity.
Learn more about NetJOI’s Digital Home Phone (VoIP) and TV Service.
Purple Cow
Nova Scotia-based Purple Cow offers 100 Mbps service for around $60/month, plus a $55 setup fee and shipping costs. Equipment return and handling fees can apply if the modem is damaged.
They earn points for being contract-free and easy to sign up with online, but the setup and shipping fees make the first bill noticeably higher. Transparency could improve, though local familiarity gives them a niche following.
Bell Aliant
Bell’s Fibe 150 plan starts at $85/month for the first year, then rises to $122/month. It’s a strong performer on speed and coverage, but exceeds our affordability threshold and requires a credit check.
Eastlink
Eastlink’s entry-level plan starts at $85/month (350 Mbps) for the first year, then increases to $113/month. Their speeds are excellent, but again above our $65/month target, and contract details vary by location.
Internet Atlantic
Internet Atlantic offers 100 Mbps for $57.95/month (or $62.95 with Wi-Fi modem rental). Service is contract-free and includes unlimited data. It’s one of the few regionally rooted ISPs in the province but relies on manual signup and older systems.
Condensed Comparison Table (Quick Glance)
Provider | Regular Price | Overall Score |
---|---|---|
Bell Aliant | $122 (150 Mbps) | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Eastlink | $113 (350 Mbps) | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Internet Atlantic | $57.95 (100 Mbps) | 🟢🟢⚪⚪⚪ (2/5) |
Purple Cow | $60 (100 Mbps + setup) | 🟢🟢🟢🟢⚪ (4/5) |
NetJOI | $59.95 (100 Mbps) | 🟢🟢🟢🟢🟢 (5/5) |
How to Read This Table
Each checkmark (✅) represents a strength in that category, while ⚪ indicates an average or mixed rating.
The overall score reflects the total number of checkmarks:
- 1/5 = baseline service
- 2–3/5 = average value
- 4/5 = strong choice
- 5/5 = exceptional balance of value, care, and simplicity
Conclusion
At the $65/month or less mark, only a handful of providers in Nova Scotia deliver real long-term value.
While local options like Purple Cow and Internet Atlantic offer friendly service, extra setup or equipment fees can quickly raise first-month costs. Bell Aliant and Eastlink, despite strong performance, simply fall outside the affordability range most Nova Scotians are looking for.
That leaves NetJOI as the best balance of price, transparency, and personal care offering reliable, contract-free Internet with pricing that stays locked in.
If you’re moving or comparing options, you can also explore: