If you live in Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough, St. Catharines, Burlington, or any other mid-sized Ontario city where Cogeco is the primary cable provider, you’ve probably noticed the same pattern: people talk a lot about Oxio, and even more about alternatives to Oxio.
It’s one of the most frequent questions we receive at NetJOI.
Whether it’s conversations on Reddit, emails from curious residents, or messages through our website, people ask versions of the same thing:
“What are my options besides Oxio?”
“Are there still independent ISPs in Cogeco areas?”
“Is switching worth it in my city?”
This article exists because these questions come up so often. It explains why they’re so common, outlines Cogeco’s unique position in Ontario’s mid-sized markets, explores how Oxio fits into Cogeco’s long-term strategy, and provides a clear look at the alternative options available today.
Why people in Cogeco regions ask about alternatives
In many Ontario communities including Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough, St. Catharines, and Burlington, the Internet landscape feels very different from what you see in Toronto or Ottawa. Competition is narrower, national fibre rollouts haven’t fully reshaped these markets, and Cogeco remains the dominant cable provider in these cities.
When one provider anchors a region for decades, residents naturally look for options that feel more predictable, personal, or transparent. Most of the people contacting us aren’t looking for the cheapest possible plan. They’re usually saying things like:
“I just want a stable bill.”
“I’m tired of surprises.”
“I want someone I can actually reach.”
“I want to know what I’m signing up for.”
These expectations are what originally drew many Ontarians to Oxio. To understand how things look today, it helps to look briefly at Cogeco itself because the Oxio story is now part of Cogeco’s broader strategy.
Cogeco at a glance: a short history
Cogeco was founded in 1957 and grew steadily into one of Canada’s most established regional telecom companies. While they aren’t part of the national “Big 3” (Bell, Rogers, Telus), they have a major footprint in mid-sized Ontario and Québec communities where residents often have fewer alternatives.
Beyond Canada, Cogeco also owns Breezeline (formerly Atlantic Broadband), which helped them become the 8th largest cable operator in the United States. Despite this scale, Cogeco often flies under the radar. yet for many cities like Belleville, Peterborough, or St. Catharines, they remain the primary connection between homes and the Internet.
Cogeco’s 2024 strategy and where Oxio fits
In 2024, Cogeco outlined a long-term strategic plan focused on several priorities:
- creating shareholder value
- driving synergies across Canadian and U.S. operations
- expanding digitization of sales and service
- increasing the use of analytics and, over time, AI
- selective wireline network expansion
- preparing to launch Canadian wireless services as an MVNO
- modernizing and monetizing its radio content on digital platforms
This direction signals a company leaning into automation, analytics, and integrated operations, an approach consistent with the broader telecom industry.
Oxio’s acquisition aligns naturally with these goals. As a digital-first ISP with modern systems, Oxio’s platform fits well with initiatives centered on digitization, analytics, and operational efficiency.
For many Ontario residents, this connection raises understandable questions especially for customers who originally chose Oxio because it was independent. And those questions are what we hear every week.
Public conversation: what people say online
- Planhub reviews of Cogeco often mention challenges common in large-company environments—such as cancellation fees, difficulty reaching support, or disagreements over billing.
- Public conversations about Oxio frequently discuss its shift from independent ISP to part of a larger telecom group.
- Social media threads and tech community discussions reflect curiosity, and sometimes uncertainty about what the acquisition means in the long run.
These points do not imply wrongdoing. They simply reflect the conversations people are already having.
Why Oxio alternatives matter to people in mid-sized Ontario cities
In our article The Battle for Affordable Internet in Canada, we explored the role of regional monopolies, consolidation, and wholesale rules in shaping competition. Many of these dynamics are especially visible in cities where a single cable provider remains dominant.
Oxio originally gave customers in these regions a modern, independent alternative. Now that Oxio is part of Cogeco’s larger strategy, many residents simply want to understand their options with clearer context.
What people look for in an Oxio alternative
The conversations we have with customers typically revolve around:
- predictable monthly costs
- transparency
- no long-term commitments
- straightforward support
- independence from large telecom structures
- reliable service using existing cable infrastructure
People want clarity and stability especially in regions without many competing infrastructures.
Understanding your actual options in Ontario
In mid-sized cable markets, alternatives generally fall into three groups.
Independent ISPs
TekSavvy remains one of the longest-standing independent ISPs in Canada. They serve many Cogeco regions, though prices often shift once promotional terms expire.
ISPs acquired by major telecom companies
Start.ca, once known for exceptional customer service, is now owned by TELUS.
Distributel, another long-time favourite among indie customers, is owned by Bell.
For customers who specifically want to avoid the large telecom ecosystem, switching from a big provider to a subsidiary of one can feel like stepping out of the pot and into the fire although these brands continue operating under their own names.
Independent digital-first ISPs
NetJOI remains fully independent. Customers often choose us because we offer locked-in pricing, no contracts, and a small-team approach that resonates especially in Cogeco regions such as Kingston, Belleville, Peterborough, and St. Catharines, and Burlington.
For many households, the appeal is the simplicity: the same underlying cable infrastructure, delivered with predictable billing and personal support.
| Provider | Ownership | Connection Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NetJOI | Independent | Cable (Wholesale Network) | Locked-in pricing, no contracts, small-team digital support |
| TekSavvy | Independent | Cable / Fibre | Long-standing independent ISP |
| Start.ca | Owned by TELUS | Cable / Fibre | Operates under TELUS ownership |
| Distributel | Owned by Bell | Cable / Fibre | Part of Bell’s telecom group |
| Oxio | Owned by Cogeco | Cable | Digital-first brand within Cogeco |
Why competition matters
In our advocacy article, The Battle for Affordable Internet in Canada Isn’t Over, we discuss how meaningful competition improves service quality, reduces unexpected bill changes, and gives customers real choice.
In mid-sized Ontario communities, where the dominant provider’s presence shapes the market, having alternatives, large or small, plays a crucial role in keeping the system balanced.
FAQs
Is Oxio still independent?
No. Oxio is now part of Cogeco in alignment with their broader strategic priorities.
Are there still independent providers in my city?
Yes. A few remain, including NetJOI and TekSavvy, depending on your neighbourhood.
Does switching require downtime?
In many cases, switching between providers using the same cable infrastructure involves little to no downtime.
What’s the best alternative to Oxio?
It depends on what you value most – independence, contract rules, stable pricing, or local support. Each provider takes a different approach.
Closing thoughts
People ask about Oxio alternatives because Ontario’s telecom landscape is changing. Cogeco plays a significant role in many mid-sized cities, and Oxio’s integration into a larger corporate strategy has naturally led residents to explore their options.
Whether your priority is independence, predictable billing, or simply understanding the choices in your area, the goal of this article is to help you navigate a shifting landscape with clear, grounded information.
If you want to dig deeper into how Internet options work in Canada, you can explore our Internet Guides hub or review the Internet plans we offer at your address.
The more you understand your options, the easier it is to choose what feels right for your home.
