1Understanding data caps and unlimited plans
- Data caps limit how much you can download and upload each month, typically measured in gigabytes (GB) or terabytes (TB). Exceeding caps triggers overage charges or speed throttling.
- Unlimited plans remove these caps, allowing you to use as much data as you need without additional charges or slowdowns. For heavy users, gamers downloading large files, 4K streamers, households with many devices, unlimited data provides peace of mind.
- The shift to unlimited: Most Canadian residential internet plans are now unlimited, especially at mainstream price points. Data caps have largely moved to entry-level budget plans and some mobile hotspot services.
- However, 'unlimited' doesn't always mean truly uncapped. Some providers include fair use policies that allow throttling for extremely heavy users or during network congestion. Read the terms to understand what unlimited actually means.
2Why unlimited matters
- Even modest internet usage adds up faster than most people realise. Understanding typical consumption shows why caps create problems.
- 4K streaming: One hour of 4K video uses about 7 GB. A family watching several hours nightly can easily consume 500+ GB monthly.
- Gaming: Modern games are enormous, 50-100+ GB downloads. A few new games per month, plus updates, consumes hundreds of gigabytes.
- Cloud backup: Unlimited photo backup to Google Photos, iCloud, or similar services runs constantly, using gigabytes monthly.
- Smart home devices: Security cameras uploading continuous video, smart displays streaming content, and connected devices all contribute.
- Work from home: Video conferencing, cloud file sync, and large file transfers add up for remote workers.
- With caps, households must monitor usage anxiously or risk overage charges of $2-4 per GB above the limit. A family exceeding their cap by 50 GB faces $100-200 in overage charges, often more than the monthly service itself.
- Unlimited eliminates this anxiety. Use what you need without counting gigabytes.
3Finding cheap unlimited internet
- Most mainstream Canadian internet plans now include unlimited data, but prices vary significantly. Finding value requires comparison.
- Independent providers like oxio typically offer unlimited data at competitive prices. Their business model doesn't rely on extracting overage revenue, so caps aren't part of the equation.
- Incumbent providers usually include unlimited on higher-tier plans but may cap budget options. Check carefully, the cheapest advertised plan may have data limits while slightly more expensive tiers are unlimited.
- Price isn't everything. A $50/month unlimited plan with transparent pricing beats a $45/month capped plan at any usage level where you'd approach the cap. And it definitely beats a $40/month promotional plan that becomes $70/month after 12 months.
- Compare total costs over 24 months, including equipment rental and post-promotional pricing. The cheapest unlimited option often isn't the one with the lowest advertised rate.
4Data caps still exist: where to watch
- While most residential plans are now unlimited, caps remain in certain contexts.
- Entry-level budget plans sometimes have caps of 100-200 GB. These appeal to very light users but create risk for anyone who might stream video or download games.
- Smaller regional providers may still use caps. Check terms carefully if choosing a provider you're less familiar with.
- Mobile hotspot and LTE home internet often have data limits or deprioritisation policies. These services use cellular networks where capacity is more constrained.
- Business-class services sometimes have different data policies than residential. If you're running a home business, confirm the terms apply to your usage patterns.
- Older legacy plans may have caps that current plans don't. If you've been with the same provider for years, your plan might be less favourable than current offerings.
5Fair use policies: the fine print
- Some 'unlimited' plans include fair use policies that allow the provider to throttle or manage excessive usage. Understanding these policies prevents surprises.
- Typical fair use policies target users who consume dramatically more than average, often multiple terabytes monthly. Normal heavy usage (500-1000 GB) rarely triggers fair use provisions.
- Network management during congestion is common. During peak hours with network strain, providers may temporarily prioritise some traffic over others. This differs from data caps, you're not charged extra, but speeds may briefly decrease.
- Prioritisation affects real-time applications more than downloads. Streaming and gaming may notice brief quality drops during congestion; downloads simply take slightly longer.
- Read the specific policy. Good providers are transparent about when and how they might manage traffic. Vague policies that allow undefined 'reasonable' limits give the provider too much discretion.
- For most users, fair use policies never affect their experience. They exist to prevent abuse, not to limit normal heavy usage.
6Calculating your data needs
- Before worrying about unlimited, understand what you actually use.
- Most households use 200-500 GB monthly. Gaming households, multiple 4K streamers, and work-from-home professionals often reach 500-1000 GB.
- Check your current usage. Your provider's account portal or app should show monthly consumption. Review several months to understand your pattern.
- If you're consistently under 100 GB, a capped plan might be fine, but the price difference to unlimited is often minimal, making the security worth it.
- If you're approaching 500+ GB regularly, unlimited isn't optional, it's essential to avoid risks of overage charges.
- New situations increase usage. Moving to a new home, adding household members, upgrading to 4K streaming, or working remotely all increase data consumption. Unlimited accommodates growth.
7Best unlimited internet options
- For value-conscious consumers seeking unlimited data, several providers stand out.
- oxio offers unlimited data on their plans with transparent pricing. No promotional games mean stable, predictable costs. The online-first model reduces overhead, which translates to competitive pricing.
- TekSavvy provides unlimited plans with their established reputation. Phone support available for those who prefer traditional service channels.
- Incumbent unlimited plans exist but often at higher prices and with promotional pricing that increases after the initial period. Calculate total costs over 24 months before choosing.
- The best option depends on your location, not all providers serve all addresses. Check availability at your specific address before making decisions.
- Consider the complete package. Unlimited data is table stakes; also evaluate pricing transparency, contract flexibility, and customer service model.
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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
Frequently Asked Questions
Most mainstream residential plans are now unlimited, but some entry-level plans and mobile/LTE services still have caps. Always verify before signing up, as hitting a cap can result in expensive overage fees. If you stream video or download games, ensuring your plan is truly unlimited is essential for avoiding surprise charges.