Wightman Internet Review: A Trusted Local Provider in Ontario
Wightman is a family-run telecom provider that has been delivering telecommunications services to communities across Ontario since 1908. Known for its dependable customer service and strong local presence, Wightman is one of the few truly independent providers in the region. It focuses on offering high-quality internet, digital TV, and home phone services to smaller towns and rural communities often underserved by national carriers. In this comprehensive review, we explore Wightman’s internet plans, service quality, installation experience, customer satisfaction, and how it compares with other ISPs in Ontario.
Company Overview
Wightman is headquartered in Harriston, Ontario, and serves multiple surrounding towns and communities including Clifford, Hanover, Mount Forest, Drayton, Durham, Fergus, and Walkerton. Unlike large telecom giants, Wightman has retained its independence and prioritizes building infrastructure in places that have often been overlooked. The company has heavily invested in fibre-optic networks, bringing high-speed connectivity to rural households and small towns.
Internet Plans and Speeds
Wightman offers a range of residential internet plans, primarily focused on fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) where available. Here’s a look at the types of plans customers can expect:
- Fibre 100: Up to 100 Mbps download and upload speed – ideal for browsing, streaming, and remote work.
- Fibre 500: Up to 500 Mbps symmetrical speeds – suitable for larger families and heavy data users.
- Fibre Gig: Up to 1 Gbps – perfect for gamers, 4K streaming, and small home-based businesses.
All plans include unlimited data, making Wightman a good choice for those who do not want to worry about overage fees. The symmetrical speed offering (equal upload and download rates) is especially helpful for users engaged in video conferencing, uploading large files, or using cloud-based services.
Installation and Equipment
Wightman offers professional installation services at no cost for most new customers signing up for fibre plans. The technician visit includes full wiring, connection, and modem/router setup. Equipment provided is modern and capable of supporting high-speed fibre connections, including dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities.
The company is transparent about its installation timelines and coordinates well with customers to ensure a smooth setup. This focus on customer experience is part of what distinguishes Wightman from larger telecom companies that often rely on third-party contractors.
Customer Service Experience
One of Wightman’s standout features is its exceptional customer service. Unlike national providers with long wait times and offshore call centers, Wightman provides support through a local Ontario-based team. Their representatives are knowledgeable, friendly, and responsive to customer issues. Support channels include phone, email, live chat, and even walk-in service at local offices in certain areas.
According to customer testimonials, most support tickets and troubleshooting issues are resolved promptly, often within 24 hours. Customers especially appreciate the transparency, lack of hidden fees, and easy-to-understand billing system.
Bundled Services
In addition to internet, Wightman offers bundled services that include:
- Digital TV: Dozens of HD channels, customizable theme packs, and a user-friendly guide interface.
- Home Phone: Reliable VoIP service with calling features such as call display, voicemail, and unlimited Canada/US calling options.
Bundling these services allows customers to enjoy discounts and manage all their telecom needs with one provider. Many customers find Wightman’s bundles to be competitively priced when compared to big-name telecom packages that often come with contract obligations.
Service Availability
Wightman primarily serves small towns and rural areas in Southwestern Ontario. Service availability depends on local infrastructure, especially for fibre. Towns currently served include:
- Harriston
- Clifford
- Mount Forest
- Hanover
- Fergus
- Durham
- Walkerton
- Drayton
The company is continuously expanding its fibre footprint. Interested customers can check service availability on the Wightman website by entering their address or contacting customer service directly.
How Wightman Compares to Other ISPs
While national providers like Bell, Rogers, and Telus dominate urban markets, Wightman fills a unique gap in Ontario’s telecom ecosystem. Here is how it stacks up:
Feature | Wightman | Bell | Rogers |
---|---|---|---|
Service Area | Small towns and rural Ontario | National | National |
Fibre Available | Yes (growing) | Yes (in urban centers) | Limited |
Customer Support | Local and responsive | Mixed reviews | Mixed reviews |
Data Caps | None | Some plans capped | Some plans capped |
Contracts | No contracts | 2-year contracts standard | 2-year contracts standard |
Who Should Choose Wightman?
Wightman is ideal for:
- Residents in rural or underserved towns in Ontario
- Families who want fast, unlimited internet with no surprise fees
- Remote workers and home-based business owners needing strong upload speeds
- Seniors or non-technical users who value local support
Final Thoughts
Wightman is a gem in Ontario’s telecom landscape. Its focus on local service, transparent billing, and investment in fibre infrastructure makes it a standout provider for customers who value quality and community. While its reach is limited to specific regions, customers within its coverage area have access to some of the best telecom services in Canada.
For those seeking a dependable internet connection with local roots and personalized service, Wightman is a strong and trustworthy choice.