Primus Internet Review: A Complete Overview
Primus has been a recognizable name in Canadian telecommunications for over two decades, evolving from a long-distance calling specialist into a full-service internet and home phone provider. This Primus internet review examines the provider’s current network capabilities, plan value, coverage across Canada, and how it compares to both major carriers and independent alternatives — including the important context of its corporate ownership under the Distributel and Bell umbrella.
Primus currently offers internet service using Bell’s fibre infrastructure in Ontario and Quebec, Rogers cable in Ontario, and DSL in western provinces. This wholesale access model allows Primus to deliver competitive speeds — up to 1 Gbps on fibre — at prices that undercut Bell’s directly branded plans while using the identical underlying network. The company’s Ontario and Quebec fibre offerings represent its strongest value proposition, with the inclusion of whole-home mesh WiFi equipment on select plans adding practical appeal for larger households.
The corporate ownership structure is worth understanding: Primus was acquired by Distributel Communications in 2019, and Distributel was subsequently purchased by Bell Canada. While Primus operates with its own branding, pricing, and customer-facing identity, it is ultimately part of the Bell corporate family. For customers who specifically seek a provider independent of the Big Three carriers, this ownership connection is relevant — though it does not diminish the practical value of Primus’s plans for customers focused primarily on price and performance.
Key Takeaway: Primus delivers strong internet value in Ontario and Quebec, where fibre-grade speeds up to 1 Gbps are available at competitive pricing with included mesh WiFi equipment. Western Canadian offerings are less compelling due to lower speeds and higher relative pricing. Customers should be aware of Primus’s Bell ownership when evaluating the provider against genuinely independent alternatives.
Primus Internet Network and Technology
Fibre Internet (Ontario and Quebec)
In Ontario and Quebec, Primus offers fibre internet through wholesale access to Bell’s fibre-to-the-home network. Plans deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps download with symmetrical or near-symmetrical upload speeds, depending on the specific plan tier. This is the same physical fibre infrastructure that Bell uses for its own Fibe Internet service — meaning Primus fibre customers receive identical network quality at different pricing.
Primus’s fibre plans are among the most competitively priced in Ontario and Quebec, with the 500 Mbps tier frequently available below $50 per month during promotional periods. The 1 Gbps plan includes whole-home mesh WiFi pods alongside the primary modem, providing comprehensive coverage for larger homes without additional equipment costs.
Cable Internet (Ontario)
In Ontario locations where fibre is unavailable, Primus offers cable internet through Rogers’ wholesale infrastructure. Cable plans provide download speeds up to 500 Mbps with asymmetrical upload speeds. Cable service is available across much of urban and suburban Ontario, extending Primus’s reach to addresses that Bell fibre has not yet connected.
DSL Internet (Western Canada)
In British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, Primus offers DSL-based internet plans with download speeds up to 75 Mbps. These plans use existing telephone infrastructure to deliver broadband service. While functional for basic browsing, streaming, and video calls, the Western Canadian offerings do not match the speed or value of Primus’s fibre plans in central Canada.
Primus Internet Coverage Across Canada
Ontario
Ontario represents Primus’s strongest market, with both fibre and cable options available depending on address. Major cities including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, and surrounding suburban communities are well served. Fibre availability follows Bell’s deployment footprint, while cable covers Rogers-served areas.
Quebec
Quebec customers can access Primus fibre plans with speeds up to 1 Gbps in communities served by Bell’s fibre network. Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau, and other urban centres offer the strongest availability. Primus’s Quebec pricing is often slightly more competitive than its Ontario counterparts.
Western Canada
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are served through DSL infrastructure with a maximum speed of 75 Mbps. Coverage in these provinces is available across many communities but at significantly lower speeds than what Primus offers in central Canada. Customers in Western Canada seeking higher speeds may find better value from regional providers or resellers using Shaw/Rogers cable infrastructure.
Primus Internet vs Other Canadian Providers
| Feature | Primus | Bell | TekSavvy | Oxio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Network Type | Fibre/cable/DSL (resale) | Own FTTH and DSL | Cable/DSL resale + own SkyFi fibre | Cable/fibre resale |
| Max Speed (ON/QC) | Up to 1 Gbps (fibre) | Up to 8 Gbps (fibre) | Up to 1 Gbps | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Mesh WiFi Included | Yes, on select fibre plans | WiFi pods available for additional fee | Not included | Not included |
| Contracts | No contracts | Month-to-month and 2-year terms | No contracts | No contracts |
| Corporate Independence | Owned by Bell (via Distributel) | Bell Canada (parent) | Fully independent | Fully independent |
| Bundling | Internet + home phone | Internet, TV, phone, wireless | Internet + phone | Internet only |
Primus competes most directly with other Bell fibre resellers and independent ISPs in Ontario and Quebec. Its pricing on 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps fibre plans is competitive with TekSavvy and Oxio, with the added value of included mesh WiFi equipment. However, customers who prioritize supporting a genuinely independent provider may prefer TekSavvy or Oxio, which operate without corporate ties to Bell, Rogers, or Telus. Bell itself offers the highest maximum speeds and full-service bundling, but at higher monthly costs.
Who Should Choose Primus Internet
Ontario and Quebec Fibre Customers
Households in Bell fibre areas seeking competitive pricing with included mesh WiFi equipment will find Primus’s fibre plans among the best value options available. The combination of gigabit speeds, unlimited data, and whole-home WiFi coverage creates a compelling package.
Customers Seeking Costco-Channel Deals
Primus frequently offers exclusive promotions through Costco, providing additional savings for members who purchase plans through the warehouse retailer. These promotions have made Primus a popular choice among deal-conscious Canadian consumers.
Home Phone Bundlers
Customers who still use a home phone line benefit from Primus’s internet and phone bundles, which leverage the company’s long-standing expertise in voice services to deliver integrated packages at competitive rates.
How to Switch to Primus Internet
Step 1: Check Availability
Visit primus.ca and enter your address to view available plans. The technology and speeds available depend on Bell fibre, Rogers cable, or DSL infrastructure at your specific location.
Step 2: Select Your Plan
Choose a speed tier that matches your household needs. Note the promotional pricing period — most Primus plans offer a lower introductory rate for the first 6 to 24 months before reverting to the regular price. Consider adding home phone service for a bundled discount.
Step 3: Receive Equipment and Activate
Primus ships modem and WiFi equipment to your address. Fibre customers receive mesh WiFi pods on eligible plans. Self-installation guides are provided, with activation typically completed the same day equipment is connected. Primus handles the transition from your previous provider, including any required number porting for phone service.
Primus Corporate Background
Primus was founded in 1997 as Primus Telecommunications Canada, initially focused on competitive long-distance calling services. The company established itself as a household name through aggressive pricing on international and domestic long-distance calls during a period when Bell Canada’s rates faced growing consumer criticism.
As the telecommunications market evolved, Primus expanded into internet and VoIP phone services while maintaining its long-distance business. In 2019, Distributel Communications — itself a well-established independent ISP founded in 1988 — acquired Primus, combining the two brands under a single corporate umbrella. Distributel’s subsequent acquisition by Bell Canada placed both the Primus and Distributel brands within Bell’s portfolio of consumer internet offerings.
Today, Primus operates alongside other Distributel-family brands including ThinkTel (business VoIP) and the Distributel consumer brand. The company serves both residential and business customers with internet and voice solutions across multiple provinces, with the Primus brand primarily focused on residential internet and home phone services.
About This Primus Internet Review
Stackup.ca provides independent analysis of Canadian internet service providers to help consumers find plans matching their household needs and budget. This Primus internet review reflects current service offerings, network capabilities, and market positioning based on publicly available information and industry analysis.
Primus plan information on Stackup.ca is updated regularly to reflect current pricing and availability. Plan details, promotional offers, and availability may change — verify current information on primus.ca before purchasing.
Stackup.ca operates independently and receives no compensation from Primus for this review or plan listings. Our analysis aims to provide accurate, unbiased information helping Canadians navigate internet options effectively.