The bottom line
oxio is best if
- ✓ Households with access to cable infrastructure (Cogeco/Rogers lines)
- ✓ Users who want unlimited data without speed throttling
- ✓ Gamers and video callers needing low latency
- ✓ Customers who want zero setup fees
WaveDirect is best if
- • Rural residents in Southwestern Ontario (Essex/Kent counties) with no cable access
- • Users needing local, rural-focused support
- • Properties requiring custom wireless installation
★The wired advantage
If your home is serviced by cable lines, oxio is almost always the better performance choice. Wired connections offer lower ping (better for gaming/Zoom) and higher consistency during storms.
However, oxio recognizes that for many in rural Essex and Kent counties, cable isn't an option. In those cases, WaveDirect is a vital local service. But if you *can* get oxio, you should take advantage of the wired infrastructure; it's cheaper, faster, and unlimited.
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| Topic | oxio | Wavedirect |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | oxio uses wired cable infrastructure. It's less susceptible to weather and provides consistently higher speeds and lower latency. | WaveDirect specializes in Fixed Wireless (and some fibre). Wireless connects you to a tower via radio waves, which is essential for rural areas but can vary with weather and line-of-sight. |
| Setup costs | oxio charges $0 for activation and installation. oxio keeps the barrier to entry low. | WaveDirect often charges installation fees (e.g., $99-$199) depending on the contract term you choose. Custom rural installations can sometimes cost more. |
| Contracts | No contracts, ever. You can leave month-to-month. | WaveDirect offers no-contract options (often with higher install fees) or 1-2 year contracts (with lower install fees). |
| Usage limits | Unlimited data on all plans. | WaveDirect offers unlimited data on most plans now, but rural wireless bandwidth is a more finite resource than cable, so fair usage policies may be stricter. |
Before you switch checklist
- Check if your current contract has an end date or cancellation fee
- Note when your current billing cycle ends
- Confirm oxio availability at your address
- Review the total monthly cost including taxes and fees
- Understand equipment requirements (modem, router)
- Plan for potential service gap during transition
Referral Code
RRWSBHP
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: January 2026