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Local Guide

Cheap internet in Vancouver: navigating the West Coast market

Vancouver's internet market has been shaped by the Shaw-Rogers merger and Telus's aggressive fibre investments, creating a landscape that differs significantly from Eastern Canada. With a dense urban core, sprawling suburbs, and some of Canada's highest living costs, Vancouver residents are understandably focused on finding good value, including for their internet service.

Internet availability across Vancouver

Urban Vancouver has excellent infrastructure throughout. Downtown, the West End, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Commercial Drive all have mature cable and increasingly fibre connectivity. The city's older housing stock, many heritage homes and older apartment buildings, may have infrastructure that favours certain technologies over others.
The East Van neighbourhoods, South Vancouver, and the areas toward UBC generally have good options. Newer condo developments often feature modern fibre connectivity as a selling point.
The Shaw-Rogers merger has reduced competition somewhat, though Telus remains a strong alternative with extensive fibre investment. Resellers like oxio and TekSavvy provide options for consumers seeking different terms or pricing structures.
Vancouver's rental market and high mobility among residents, particularly younger demographics and students, create demand for flexible internet arrangements without long-term contracts.

Why oxio appeals to Vancouver's mobile population

Vancouver's high cost of living makes value-conscious consumers of everyone. oxio's transparent pricing appeals to residents tired of promotional games and surprise bill increases that eat into already-stretched budgets.
The city's tech-forward population, substantial tech industry presence, and young professional demographic appreciate online-first service that doesn't require phone calls during work hours. Account management happens on your schedule, not the provider's.
Many Vancouverites move frequently, whether chasing lower rent, changing jobs, or upgrading their living situation. oxio's flexible terms work better for mobile lifestyles than multi-year contracts with early termination fees.
UBC and SFU students, in particular, benefit from arrangements that align with academic schedules rather than forcing year-round commitments.

Local notes

  • Downtown Vancouver condos often have building-wide Shaw or Telus deals, check with your strata before assuming you can choose any provider.
  • Heritage houses in Kitsilano and Kerrisdale may have older wiring that affects maximum speeds, test actual performance.
  • If you work in tech, reliable home internet is essential for remote work and after-hours oncall, don't skimp on connectivity.
  • Vancouver's rainy climate rarely affects internet, but power outages can, consider a UPS for your modem if you work from home.
  • UBC and SFU students in off-campus housing should verify provider flexibility for eight-month academic leases.

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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

Vancouver is served by Shaw/Rogers, Telus, and resellers like oxio and TekSavvy. The best choice depends on your address, speed needs, and preferences around contract terms.