Aerial View of the Peterborough Lift Lock. Courtesy Wikimedia Foundation.

How to choose the right unlimited plan in a Cogeco-dominant city without overpaying or getting stuck in contracts.


Why Peterborough Residents Search for “Unlimited Internet” More Than Most

Peterborough has a unique Internet landscape.
You’ve got:

Cogeco, the dominant cable provider
Bell, with a mix of fibre and older copper depending on the street
Nexicom, a respected local provider with partial fibre
Independent ISPs like NetJOI offering no-contract unlimited plans

It’s a city where choice exists, but only if you know where to look, and only if you compare plans beyond the usual promo deals and 12-month price jumps.

If you’re a student, a renter, a family, or a work-from-home household around Lansdowne, Kawartha Heights, Water Street, or the South End… the biggest question is simple:

Who actually offers unlimited Internet at a fair price?

This guide breaks it all down.


What Unlimited Internet Really Means Today

Most major ISPs advertise “unlimited,” but the experience varies widely depending on:

• Whether the plan uses fibre, cable, or older copper lines
• Whether the provider throttles during peak times
• Whether prices stay consistent after the first year
• Whether a contract locks you in

And, in cities like Peterborough, the biggest factor of all:

Which network your home can actually access.

That’s why unlimited Internet in Peterborough isn’t just about data, it’s about choosing a provider whose pricing, speed, and customer care match how you live.


Which Providers Offer Unlimited Internet in Peterborough?

Here’s the neutral, fact-based comparison table designed to help you understand what’s actually available without hype, bias, or “top 10” fluff.


Comparison Table: Unlimited Internet in Peterborough (2025)

ProviderTechnologyUnlimited DataContractsTypical Price After PromoNotes
CogecoCableYesOften yesIncreases after 12 monthsWidespread availability; install fees common
Bell FibeFibre (FTTH/FTTN mix)YesSometimesIncreases after 12 monthsFast, but coverage varies by street
OxioCable (Cogeco network)YesNoUsually stableNow owned by Cogeco; operations integrated
NexicomFibre (FTTH in some areas), DSL in othersYesNoMid-to-highLocal provider; strong rural/small-town coverage
NetJOICable (Cogeco network)YesNoLocked-in pricingNo credit checks; personal support; price never rises

Provider-by-Provider Breakdown (What You Should Know)

This section expands on the table so you can understand how each provider fits different Peterborough households.


1. Cogeco

Peterborough’s dominant cable provider. Solid performance, but:

  • Promo prices almost always rise after the promo period ends
  • Install fees common
  • Contracts or commitments may apply

If you want “set it and forget it” pricing, this may not be ideal.


2. Bell Fibe

Where Bell fibre is available, speeds are excellent but rollout is inconsistent:

  • Some streets have FTTH
  • Some only get older copper VDSL
  • Prices typically rise after the promo ends, and Bell is noted for regular yearly price increases

Bell is fast, no question, but not universally available.


3. Oxio (Now Owned by Cogeco)

Once the indie darling of Reddit and tech forums.

Today:

  • Operates on multiple networks
  • Recently acquired by Cogeco
  • Pricing is still stable, but no longer independent

If you’re looking specifically for a non-corporate option, this is no longer it. If you want the full breakdown of what the Oxio acquisition means for consumers, here’s our Cogeco + Oxio Alternatives Guide.


4. Nexicom – The Local Favourite

A long-time community-rooted provider serving Peterborough, Millbrook, Lakefield, Selwyn, and the Kawarthas.

Strengths:

  • FTTH in some neighbourhoods
  • Excellent reputation and local support
  • Loves rural customers the big players often overlook

Limitations:

  • Fibre availability varies street-by-street
  • DSL can be too slow for modern households
  • Prices tend to be mid-high

If you’re lucky enough to be on a Nexicom fibre street, it’s a solid choice.


5. NetJOI – A Simple, No-Contract Alternative

NetJOI focuses on:

  • Locked-in pricing (no promo jumps)
  • Unlimited data always
  • No contracts or credit checks
  • Personal support from a small team
  • Easy self-installation for most homes
  • Add-on TV & Phone options

For students, renters, families, and newcomers who just want a predictable bill each month, this is the “no surprises” option.


Choosing the Right Unlimited Plan in Peterborough

When picking a provider, focus on the three things that actually affect your experience. Want more help choosing the right plan? Browse our Internet Guides.


1. The Network Your Home Can Access

Some streets get fibre.
Some get cable.
Some get older copper.

It’s best to run a quick availability check here to see which Internet plans are available at your address


2. Performance Consistency (Not Just the Advertised Speed)

For most households:

• 60–120 Mbps covers typical usage
• 150–300 Mbps is ideal for multi-device homes
• Fibre is always best when available
• Cable is excellent in PTBO because Cogeco’s core network is solid


3. Long-Term Costs, Not the First 12 Months

Promo → Regular pricing is what catches most people. We break down why promo pricing is so unpredictable in our 2025 Internet Pricing Report.

That’s why:

• NetJOI markets locked-in pricing
• Nexicom markets community support
• Bell markets speed
• Cogeco markets bundles + promotional discounts

Different strengths. Different fits.


What About Students and Short-Term Rentals?

Peterborough has a huge student population:

• Trent University
• Fleming College

Many students (and landlords) look for unlimited Internet that:

• Doesn’t require credit checks
• Has no contract
• Doesn’t spike in price mid-year
• Doesn’t require a technician visit

This is precisely where independent ISPs shine.

NetJOI is often chosen by students for this reason.


When NetJOI Makes the Most Sense

It’s not the fastest provider (that’s fibre).
It’s not the oldest provider (that’s Nexicom).
It’s not the biggest provider (that’s Cogeco).

But it is the most predictable one:

• No contracts
• Unlimited data
• Locked-in pricing
• Easy self-installation
• Add TV & digital phone anytime
• Personal support
• Service-versary rewards (5–15% back)

It’s built for people who just want Internet that works — without the “gotchas.” Looking for unlimited Internet outside Peterborough? Check our Belleville Internet page.

You can also bundle Digital Home Phone for just $11.95/month. And if you want TV too, our 35+ channel live TV service is available as an optional add-on.