Skip to content
Local Guide

Cheap internet in Nanaimo: Vancouver Island hub

Nanaimo, the second-largest city on Vancouver Island, is home to over 100,000 residents and serves as the primary hub for the central island. Known for its waterfront location, outdoor lifestyle, and position as the Island's commercial centre, Nanaimo has grown significantly with retirees, remote workers, and young families attracted by the lower cost of living compared to Victoria or Vancouver. Vancouver Island University makes the city a regional education centre.

Internet options in Nanaimo

Nanaimo's internet market features Shaw (now part of Rogers) as the primary cable provider and Telus offering fibre and DSL options. The competitive BC market extends to the Island, giving residents solid choices.
Downtown Nanaimo, the VIU campus area, and established neighbourhoods like Departure Bay have good infrastructure. Newer developments in the north end and south Nanaimo also have solid coverage.
Resellers like oxio and TekSavvy operate on the Shaw cable network, providing alternatives without contracts. This appeals to VIU students and the growing remote worker population.
Nanaimo's position as the Island's ferry hub means people relocate here from across BC. Flexible internet options without long-term commitments suit this transient population.

Why Nanaimo residents choose oxio

Vancouver Island University students need internet that matches academic schedules. oxio's month-to-month model means no penalties for cancelling during co-op terms or summer breaks.
Nanaimo's growing population of remote workers needs reliable home internet for professional use. Consistent service without the promotional pricing games of big providers appeals to this demographic.
Retirees moving to Nanaimo for the lifestyle appreciate simple, transparent pricing. No complex contracts or surprise fee increases makes budgeting straightforward.
The included eero router handles Nanaimo's mix of older character homes and newer developments, providing solid coverage regardless of floor plan.

Local notes

  • The VIU campus area has good infrastructure with options for student housing.
  • Downtown Nanaimo and the harbour area have mature infrastructure.
  • Ferry workers with irregular schedules appreciate online account management available 24/7.
  • Many Nanaimo residents work remotely for Vancouver or Victoria companies. Consider speeds for video conferencing.
  • New developments in north Nanaimo have modern infrastructure with multiple provider options.

Independent website. Not endorsed by or affiliated with oxio. Personal referral code disclosure applies.

Referral Code

R99URP9

Get 1 Free Month

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

Nanaimo is served by Shaw (cable), Telus (fibre and DSL), and resellers like oxio and TekSavvy. As Vancouver Island's second-largest city, Nanaimo has better options than smaller Island communities.