The Canadian government has taken a significant step toward making high-speed Internet more affordable for low-income families and seniors. In partnership with 14 major Internet service providers (ISPs), they have launched the second phase of the Connecting Families initiative, offering high-speed Internet for just $20 a month.
The new phase of Connecting Families will offer internet speeds five to ten times faster than the previous version. By default, the plan provides download speeds of up to 50 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps, with monthly data caps ranging from 100 GB to 200 GB. However, some internet service providers may offer speeds of up to 1 Gbps and unlimited data, all at the same price. These enhancements ensure that more Canadians have access to the fast, reliable internet needed for work, education, and staying connected with loved ones.
Who is eligible for the Connecting Families Initiative?
- Families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit
- Seniors receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Single seniors with an annual income of less than $4,000 under the Old Age Security (OAS) program
- Seniors in a couple with a combined annual income of less than $8,000 under the OAS program
Available Internet Plans
Major ISPs such as Rogers, Bell, TELUS, Videotron, and Shaw are voluntarily contributing to this initiative to help bridge the digital divide in Canada.
The government aims to ensure that 98% of Canadians will have access to high-speed Internet by 2026, with 100% connectivity by 2030. As the country continues to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to affordable Internet will play a key role in creating stronger, more resilient communities.
This initiative highlights the government’s commitment to making the digital world accessible to all, regardless of income level, and it is a crucial step toward ensuring equal opportunities for everyone in the connected age.
The participating internet service providers and plans
| ISP | Plan 1 | Plan 2 | Plan 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Access | – | – | – |
| Beanfield | $20/month | 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps speed | Unlimited Data | – | – |
| Bell | – | – | – |
| Bell MTS | – | – | – |
| Cogeco | – | ||
| CCAP | – | ||
| CSUR | – | ||
| Hay | $10/month | 10/1 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $20/month | 10/5 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | – |
| Mornington | $10/month | 10/1 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $20/month | 50/25 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | – |
| NorthwestTel | $10/month | 15/1 Mbps speed | 300GB Data | $20/month | 50/10 Mbps speed | 400GB Data | – |
| Novus | $10/month | 35/35 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $20/month | 50/50 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | – |
| Quadro | $10/month | 10/1 Mbps speed | 100GB Data | $20/month | 50/10 Mbps speed | 200GB Data | – |
| Rogers Xfinity | $9.99/month | 25/5 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $14.99/month | 50/10 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $34.99/month | 150/30 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data |
| Rural Net | – | – | – |
| SaskTel | $20/month | 60/30 Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | – | – |
| Shaw | – | – | – |
| Tbaytel | – | – | – |
| TELUS | $10/month | 25Mbps speed | 300GB Data | $20/month | 50Mbps speed | Unlimited Data | $35/month | 150Mbps speed | Unlimited Data |
| Vidéotron | $10/month | 10Mbps speed | 100GB Data | $20/month | 60Mbps speed | 200GB Data | – |
| Westman | – | – | – |
Additionally, Rogers offers low-cost internet and TV bundles. When you purchase internet with Essentials TV, it costs an extra $30 per month. However, this bundle is more expensive than the standalone Essentials TV service, which is only $24.99 per month. On the other hand, if you bundle with the Popular TV package (up to 116 channels), it adds $60 per month, making it cheaper than the standalone Popular TV service, which costs $74.99 per month.
If you are not eligible for the Connecting Families Initiative, you can still access a cheaper internet plan with an introductory discount e.g Acanac, TekSavvy. Typically, this discount period lasts from 3 to 24 months, and you can switch to another ISP after the promotional period if you find a better deal.
FAQ
Which internet service provider is best for low-income families or seniors?
How to claim the Connecting Families Initiative
What to do if you receive the letter for the Connecting Families Initiative
What plans can I choose under the Connecting Families Initiative?
- $10/mth: 10/1 Mbps | 100GB
- $20/mth: 50/10 Mbps | 200GB
