For Canadians in rural and remote areas, accessing high-speed internet has long been a challenge. While Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service, has gained popularity for providing coverage in underserved locations, it isn’t the only option.
If you’re looking for a Starlink alternative in Canada, several reliable and cost-effective options are available. Whether you need faster speeds, lower costs, or a provider with Canadian-based customer support, this guide will help you find the best alternative.
Why Look for a Starlink Alternative?
Although Starlink offers decent speeds in remote areas, it isn’t the perfect fit for everyone. Some reasons why people seek alternatives include:
✅ High Equipment Costs – The upfront cost for Starlink’s hardware can be expensive.
✅ Limited Availability – In some regions, new customers face long wait times.
✅ Price Increases – Monthly fees have increased over time, making it less affordable for some users.
✅ Weather Sensitivity – Starlink’s service can be affected by heavy snowfall or extreme weather.
✅ Better Local Support – Many Canadians prefer a provider with Canadian-based customer service.
If these concerns apply to you, it’s worth exploring alternative internet solutions that may better suit your needs.
Best Starlink Alternatives in Canada
1. Xplore – The Best Rural Internet Provider in Canada
📍 Service Area: Canada-wide, specializing in rural and remote locations.
🔹 Technology: Fixed Wireless & Satellite
🔹 Download Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps
🔹 Upload Speeds: Up to 10 Mbps
🔹 Data Usage: No data caps on most plans
🔹 Pricing: More affordable than Starlink
🔹 Customer Support: Canadian-based
| Speed | Monthly Usage | Monthly Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50/5 (Satellite) | 350 GB | $99.99 | 1-866-332-9542 Visit Website |
| 25/1 (Satellite) | 350 GB | $79.99 | 1-866-332-9542 Visit Website |
| 25/1 (Satellite) | 250 GB | $79.99 | 1-866-332-9542 Visit Website |
View All Xplore Satellite Plans
Why Choose Xplore Over Starlink?
- More Affordable Plans – Xplore offers competitive pricing with no large upfront equipment costs.
- Reliable Service in Rural Areas – Built specifically for Canadian terrain and climate.
- Local Customer Support – Speak with a Canadian-based support team when you need help.
- Flexible Installation – No need to rely solely on satellite; fixed wireless options are available.
📞 Call 1-866-332-9542 or sign up today: Xplore Internet
2. RuralWave – Best for Ontario Residents
📍 Service Area: Ontario (Durham, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, York)
🔹 Technology: Fixed Wireless & Fiber
🔹 Download Speeds: Up to 1 Gbps (for fiber)
🔹 Upload Speeds: Up to 100 Mbps
🔹 Data Usage: Unlimited on select plans
🔹 Pricing: Mid-range
| Speed | Monthly Usage | Monthly Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000/500 (Fibre) | Unlimited | $160.00 | |
| 500/350 (Fibre) | Unlimited | $145.00 | |
| 250/20 (Cable) | Unlimited | $152.50 |
Why Choose RuralWave?
- Offers fiber internet where available, making it faster than Starlink.
- Lower latency than satellite internet services.
- Unlimited data options for heavy internet users.
3. TekSavvy – Best for Customizable Plans
📍 Service Area: Available in rural and urban areas across Canada.
🔹 Technology: DSL, Cable, Fixed Wireless
🔹 Download Speeds: Up to 50 Mbps
🔹 Upload Speeds: Up to 10 Mbps
🔹 Data Usage: Unlimited on most plans
🔹 Pricing: Budget-friendly
- Customizable plans with no contracts.
- Affordable pricing compared to Starlink.
- Better latency and stability than satellite internet.
How to Choose the Best Alternative to Starlink
1. Availability in Your Area
- Not all providers cover every rural location, so check availability before committing.
2. Speed Requirements
- Light users (email, browsing) – 10-25 Mbps
- Moderate users (streaming, VoIP calls) – 50-100 Mbps
- Heavy users (gaming, remote work, video conferencing) – 100+ Mbps
3. Data Limits
- Unlimited data plans are ideal for those streaming or working from home.
4. Latency Considerations
- Fixed wireless and fiber options provide lower latency than satellite-based services like Starlink.
5. Pricing & Equipment Costs
- Starlink requires a high upfront cost for equipment, while many alternatives offer lower-cost installations.
The Best Starlink Alternative in Canada
While Starlink is a viable internet option for rural Canadians, it isn’t the only choice.
✅ If you want a reliable and affordable alternative, Xplore is the best option for rural and remote areas.
✅ For fiber internet in rural Ontario, RuralWave is a great choice.
✅ If you prefer customizable and budget-friendly plans, TekSavvy is a solid option.
📞 Call 1-866-332-9542 to speak with an expert today.
🌐 Sign up online: Xplore Internet
Thank you compiling this list. However, I was an subscriber to Xplore and often received less than 5 mps download speeds. When you pay for 50 mps service, I find it unacceptable to receive such low internet speeds at any time. The speed was always too low to use streaming options like Pluto TV. Unfortunately, we do not have access to fiber at our location.
We had Xplore here at my remote location in Alberta, it was pretty bad. With download speeds of 5 mps. Depending on the time of day, it would get worse, constant “buffering” due to more costumers using the service. Xplore cannot supply the “bandwidth” to a lot of customer demand. Xplore is renting satellite services off of other suppliers, they DO NOT have their own satellites.
They claim to have “Unlimited Data”. Xplore reduces download speed if you go over a certain “limit”. You need to purchase more data “rights” then Xplore “increases” the speed.
My Xplore Contract plan base price was low, $69.00/month (now they are advertising $49/month). With my purchasing more data, I would be paying anywhere from $170.00 to $240/month, depending on the amount of work ZOOM calls and the movies watched (I’m NOT a gamer). With a lot of constant “buffering”.
We have limited cellphone service even with an expensive Wilson cellphone booster.
My Starlink costs me $720 for hardware (3 years ago, now the hardware is $220) the contract has been $149/month for 3 years. GREAT SERVICE!!!
I’m concerned that Elon “has lost IT” lately and I need to reconsider an alternative.
I’m in such a remote dead zone, I’ve had TELUS, BELL, Rogers, MCS Net, assess my location, here in Alberta, they could not supply the service.
They suggested I put up a 80 foot tower and see if that would work.
I’m now considering putting up the 80 foot tower.