"Newbie" Opinions On Best Internet Provider (Toronto)

[fromadiva]

Sorry for asking the usual but after reading so many threads, it seemed as if all the providers have issues.

Alright, The providers I do not want:bell, rogers,primus, acanac, comwave

I was going to go with CIA but after searching reviews they didn't seem to be so good. Although, I called them & someone answered right away. Explained everything in detail so I considered it.

The most important thing I need right now is high speed internet.

I live in Toronto.

What providers has Digital Home decided is worth using? Budget is an issue.

All input would be greatly appreciated.

[Eyebar]

Hello

I use a company called MegaStream. They have their connection equipment in downtown Toronto. I have had excellent connections through them, with no downtime. I am paying $34.50/mth for the 5M service with unlimited traffic. The only thing is that they process all CC and bank payments through Paypal (which is fine for me).

[Alan Toronto]

I use Bell Sympatico. It has been very reliable and I get good download and upload speeds.

[audiofool]

After being a Sympatico/Bell Internet customer on highspeed DSL for 8 years, I've just switched to TekSavvy.

I keep my 5MB profile, the cost is $29.95/mo (you have to buy your own modem but they are available new from $24.95 + shipping). If you need unlimited bandwidth, it's $39.95/mo, something Bell no longer offers, but used to include in my High Speed package until last month (I had a special 'retention' deal set up last year, so I wouldn't leave them then).

The other improvement by switching to this company is that the tech support is here in Canada. The staff there and on their sales phone line really understands the importance of good (if not superior) customer service.

Oh, and after being a Bell home phone/LD (First Rate Plan) subscriber since the early 80's, I've also switched both phone and LD plan to TekSavvy. The money I save on my first 3 phone bills will pay for my new modem.

[recneps77]

I'm with teksavvy also.
$30/month for 200g (more than enough) @ 5mbps.
(sometimes 6 if bell makes a mistake )
Awesome service so far (1.5 years. [wow, it's been that long already?!] )

[legacy]

I was with sympatico, switched recently to Distributel dsl . Good service and no complaints with them. I have been using them for years for long distance phone service. I took a combination long distance and highspeed dsl package with them. They lone you the modem free of charge too. No download cap either.

[SensualPoet]

Originally Posted by fromadiva

Alright, The providers I do not want:bell, rogers,primus, acanac, comwave

I was going to go with CIA but after searching reviews they didn't seem to be so good. Although, I called them & someone answered right away. Explained everything in detail so I considered it.

The most important thing I need right now is high speed internet.

I live in Toronto.

So, you've told us who you do NOT want; and where you live; but you haven't really said what you DO want -- priorities, as in MUST have, NICE to have, BUDGET.

By ruling out primary cable and DSL providers, you don't have much choice left. All other players are resellers of one type or other, I believe.

I was with Bell for some years; and I have been with Rogers for some years; I live in downtown Toronto. I use the net A LOT. I like having oodles of reliable speed; I don't care about "unlimited bandwidth". As a test, I have managed to download 60 GB+ in a month but my normal usage is much closer to 10 GB. A package like Rogers Express or even Rogers Extreme delivers my needs. With bundles, you can save some money.

I would investigate who your current provider is and, if DSL, make sure your new reseller can deliver better performance than you are getting for less money. Your physical location can make a good deal of difference.