Compare Satellite Internet in Canada

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2 live offers compared from 1 providers, from C$99 /month. Updated daily.

What is satellite internet in Canada?

Satellite internet beams your connection from orbit rather than through ground cables, making it the practical option for rural, remote and northern parts of Canada where fibre and cable do not reach. Modern low-earth-orbit (LEO) services like Starlink have transformed the category, delivering far faster speeds and lower latency than the older geostationary satellite systems.

For a cottage, farm, remote worksite or northern community beyond the reach of terrestrial broadband, satellite is often the only route to a usable, always-on connection.

How the Canadian market works

The market is dominated by Starlink, whose LEO constellation covers virtually all of Canada including remote and northern regions. You buy or rent a dish kit, self-install it with a clear view of the sky, and pay a monthly subscription with typically unlimited or generous data. Legacy providers such as Xplore (formerly Xplornet) still offer geostationary satellite in some areas, but with higher latency and stricter data limits. Coverage is the selling point: satellite works where nothing else does.

Speeds and latency depend on satellite type — LEO is dramatically better than geostationary for real-time use.

Benefits

Reaches anywhere — works in rural, remote and northern locations beyond fibre and cable.

Self-install — modern kits set up quickly with a clear view of the sky.

Low-latency LEO — new constellations support video calls and gaming, unlike older satellite.

Portable options — some plans allow use at multiple sites, useful for cottages and travel.

How to choose

Confirm coverage and expected speeds at your exact location, then weigh the upfront hardware cost against the monthly fee. For everyday internet with video calls, prioritise a low-latency LEO service; for lighter use in an area LEO does not yet serve, a geostationary plan may suffice. Check data policies, whether the plan is portable, and any contract or equipment-return terms.

Leading providers in Canada

Starlink is the dominant provider, offering nationwide LEO coverage including remote and northern Canada, with residential, roam and business tiers. Xplore continues to serve some rural customers with satellite and fixed-wireless options. For most Canadians needing satellite today, Starlink is the reference point on speed, latency and coverage.

What it costs

Monthly satellite plans in the market sit in roughly the C$99 to C 40 range depending on tier and location, on top of a one-time hardware cost for the dish kit (often several hundred dollars, sometimes discounted). Higher tiers for priority data or mobile use cost more. Factor the equipment outlay into the first-year total cost.

Protections and regulation

Satellite internet providers operating in Canada fall under CRTC oversight and must hold the appropriate spectrum and operating authorizations from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). Consumer billing and service complaints can be raised with the CCTS. Because satellite fills genuine coverage gaps, federal and provincial rural-broadband programs sometimes subsidise access.

Common questions

Is satellite as fast as fibre? — LEO services are far faster than old satellite and handle video calls well, though fibre remains superior where available.

Does weather affect it? — Heavy storms can briefly disrupt the signal, but modern LEO systems are far more robust than legacy satellite.

Do I need a professional installer? — Most modern kits are designed for self-installation with a clear view of the sky.

Satellite Internet in Canada — FAQ