Top 6 Best, Reliable and Most Affordable Internet Service Providers in Alberta

There’s no doubt that a reliable and lightning-fast Internet connection is the backbone of every Canadian family’s daily life. A fast and stable Internet connection is crucial, whether for working from home, video calling, streaming movies, and TV shows, or indulging in online gaming and social media platforms. However, finding the perfect balance between speed and affordability can be challenging.

In this article, we examine the various Internet Service Providers in Alberta to find the ultimate balance between speed and affordability in an Internet connection for your family of 3+. We considered various use cases within the household, such as parents working from home and engaging in video conferences and kids engaging in online activities like streaming, gaming, and social media, to find the sweet spot.

So what’s the magic number? We recommend an Internet speed of at least 75 Mbps for downloads and 10 Mbps for uploads. This speeds offer a high-performing Internet experience catering to the needs of your family of 3 or more people, we have some packages that you may  want to consider!

Join us as we dive into the world of affordable Internet plans in Alberta, analyzing the best options available to ensure seamless connectivity, enhanced productivity, and endless entertainment for your family.

1.  Shaw

Shaw is one of the most popular Internet Service Providers in Alberta and has earned a reputation for delivering reliable, high-speed Internet connections. Its Fiber+ 75 Internet plan is affordable and reliable for families. For $65 a month, you can cover up to 3 devices with a download speed of 75 Mbps and an upload speed of 7.5 Mbps. This is the most affordable Internet plan for small families.

Shaw leverages advanced technologies such as fiber optics and cable infrastructure to deliver fast and stable Internet speeds, ensuring a seamless online experience for their users.

While Shaw’s initial plan is affordable, if you are not looking for a long term contract, this may not be the best choice for you. Their prices almost double after two years, making its prices unreasonably high. Its customer service too is below par, based on reviews. We believe great customer service is critical, especially in telecom. These are important considerations to keep in mind as you evaluate and consider the various Internet Service Providers in Alberta!

2.  NetJOl

Next on our list is NetJOI, a reliable Internet Service Provider (ISP) that offers various packages to cater to different needs, and its JOI 75 Internet package specifically targets families. This package provides unlimited Internet for a household of 3 to 5 persons at a price of $55, and is designed to meet the demands of multiple users in a family setting.

While the JOI 75 package offers unlimited Internet, it’s important to note that NetJOI delivers long-term value beyond just pricing. Though the initial cost may be higher compared to some providers like Primus, NetJOI offers a Price Lock Promise, ensuring your rate stays constant for at least 10 years, providing peace of mind against unexpected price hikes.

NetJOI’s JOIBucks rewards program adds even more value, allowing customers to earn points monthly, which can be redeemed for exclusive perks and discounts. Additionally, with our service-versary rewards, you’ll receive 50% off your bill on your first anniversary, 75% off on your second, and a free month every year thereafter.

To sweeten the deal, new customers can choose a $50 or $100 Amazon or Netflix gift card upon signing up. With NetJOI, you get reliable, fast service and ongoing rewards that enhance the overall customer experience and provide long-term savings.

3.  TekSavvy

TekSavvy’s mainstream Internet package is a perfect fit for families, providing lightning-fast download speeds of up to 100Mbps and upload speeds of up to 75Mbps. This ensures smooth streaming, online gaming, and remote work for all family members simultaneously. With the capability to connect 5 to 9 devices at once, everyone can stay connected and enjoy their preferred online activities. Additionally, the package offers the convenience of unlimited monthly usage, eliminating worries about data caps.

Unfortunately, the 100Mbps Internet package costs $77.95 per month on a regular plan but there is a $20 bill credit for the first twelve months meaning you will only pay $57.95 initially for up to a year. The next closest package is their Cable 60 package with download speeds of up to 60Mbps and upload speeds of up to 6Mbps at a regular cost of $67.95 discounted by $20 for the first 12 months to $47.95.

4.   Telus

Depending on your location within Alberta, you may be eligible for either the Telus PureFibre Internet package provides blazing-fast download speeds of up to 250Mbps or the Telus Internet product which delivers download speeds of up to 75Mbps and upload speeds of up to 7.5Mbps. for only $75 for two years, delivering a seamless online experience for various activities such as streaming high-definition content, online gaming, and video conferencing.

You can enjoy a reliable and consistent connection, connecting multiple devices simultaneously without compromising speed or performance. This especially benefits families with multiple users with different online needs and preferences.

Telus PureFibre Internet 250, while offering fast speeds of up to 250 Mbps, typically requires a 2-year contract commitment. The same plan costs $110 per month on a month to month basis and the big kicker is there’s a data cap og 550 GB if you’re not on a contract. 550 GB is not much data and a family of 3 or 4 persons can easily blow through that cap in a week’s time. The 2 year contract plus the data cap can be seen as a drawback for customers who prefer more flexibility in their Internet service.

5.  AEBC

AEBC Internet offers the Heavy Users plan, an ideal choice for families seeking fast and reliable Internet connectivity. Priced at $44.95 per month, this plan has good value for money for its features. With download speeds of up to 75Mbps and an impressive 75Mbps upload speed, families can efficiently handle data-intensive tasks such as file transfers and video conferencing. Unlimited data usage ensures businesses can operate without worrying about exceeding any caps.

However, AEBC Internet’s 75 plan has a drawback of a 3-year contract, which may be inconvenient for people looking for short term plans or who prefer flexibility in their Internet service.

6. Primus

Primus offers the Internet 75 plan, ideal for families with light Internet users. This is the closest Primus got to our criteria; priced at $43.95/month for the first twelve months (increases to $54.95), it provides sufficient speed for browsing and SD streaming. HD or 4K streaming is possible with 75Mbps, but connecting a limited number of devices is recommended. The 10Mbps upload speed allows for efficient social media posting.

Another drawback of Primus is that it was acquired by Bell, which means prices are speculated to increase in a few months’ time by Internet forums such as Reddit groups. This is separate from the price increase by 59% for this package at the end of one year of using it! So while it seems like a cost-effective ISP, these factors should be taken into account before you make your decision.

In conclusion, when searching for a reliable and affordable Internet Service Provider Alberta, you need to take into account various factors as we covered in this article. NetJOI is your best bet when you’re looking for an ISP that provides you and your family with fast and reliable Internet!