About Cogeco Internet
Cogeco Communications Inc. is one of Canada’s largest telecommunications companies, delivering high-speed internet, TV, and home phone services to customers in Ontario and Quebec. With a strong regional focus, Cogeco has built a robust hybrid fiber-coaxial (HFC) network that reaches more than a million homes and businesses. Known for consistent service quality, competitive bundle offerings, and localized customer support, Cogeco is a dominant player in many mid-sized cities and suburban communities where national providers may have limited reach.
Founded in 1957, Cogeco has decades of experience in broadband and cable services. The company continues to innovate by rolling out gigabit-capable plans, expanding its fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) coverage, and deploying DOCSIS 3.1 technology across its HFC network. These investments ensure faster speeds, better reliability, and scalable infrastructure for both residential and business customers.
Coverage and Network Infrastructure
Cogeco primarily serves Ontario and Quebec, with significant coverage across more than 1,200 communities. Major Ontario markets include Hamilton, Burlington, Windsor, Kingston, and the Niagara region, while in Quebec it serves areas such as Trois-Rivières, Rimouski, Drummondville, and parts of Montérégie. Service availability varies at the neighborhood level depending on whether HFC or FTTH infrastructure is deployed. Customers can verify address-level coverage using Cogeco’s online availability tool.
Most connections are delivered through hybrid fiber-coaxial, which supports download speeds up to 1 Gbps and is suitable for 4K streaming, smart homes, and remote work. In select areas, Cogeco has deployed full FTTH, enabling symmetrical gigabit speeds and reduced latency for heavy upload users such as gamers, content creators, or businesses with cloud-reliant workflows.
Installation and Equipment
Cogeco offers both professional installation and self-install kits, depending on the service area and infrastructure. Professional installation is common for first-time customers or FTTH connections, where technicians configure the modem, wiring, and router placement for optimal Wi-Fi coverage. Self-install kits are available in existing service areas and include a pre-configured modem/router with step-by-step instructions. Remote assistance is also offered for quick troubleshooting during setup.
Modem and Router Options
Most plans include modem-router combo devices, with advanced options supporting Wi-Fi 6 in higher-tier packages. Customers can also rent mesh Wi-Fi systems or range extenders for larger homes. Rental costs typically range between $5 and $10 per month, while customers using their own equipment may do so, though full technical support is reserved for Cogeco-issued devices.
Internet Speeds, Performance, and Reliability
Cogeco’s plans range from basic 15 Mbps options to gigabit-class packages, with unlimited data available on most tiers or as an add-on. Download speeds typically reach 1 Gbps in HFC areas, though upload speeds are capped around 30 Mbps. In FTTH zones, symmetrical speeds are available, offering superior performance for video conferencing, large file transfers, and cloud storage. Customers generally report stable connections and minimal downtime, supported by Cogeco’s continued infrastructure investments and network upgrades.
Customer Experience and Competitive Position
Cogeco provides bilingual customer support through phone, live chat, and email, with extended service hours seven days a week. Customers can also manage accounts, billing, and troubleshooting through the self-serve online portal. In select areas, retail locations are available for equipment pickup and in-person assistance. While some users report mixed experiences with promotional pricing changes or support consistency, many appreciate Cogeco’s reliable network performance and responsive technicians.
Compared to national ISPs like Bell and Rogers, Cogeco’s strength lies in its regional presence and ability to deliver competitive speeds in underserved mid-sized markets. Against regional peers such as Eastlink or Videotron, Cogeco remains highly competitive on speed and pricing, though its HFC upload speeds are often outpaced by providers offering fully symmetrical fiber. For residents and businesses in Ontario and Quebec, Cogeco represents a strong option for high-speed, dependable internet with localized support.