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Satellite internet plans in Canada

Satellite internet is getting more and more popular, especially in places where a steady connection is harder to come by. Traditional plans are still the go-to for most people, but this technology can be a solid choice if you’re in a remote area. Let’s break down how it works and check out the top plans in Canada to help you pick the best one for you.

What is satellite internet?

Imagine browsing the web from the middle of nowhere—like a remote countryside, a boat out at sea, or even a mountain cabin. That’s all possible with satellite internet! Unlike DSL or fiber, which rely on underground cables, this technology uses… satellites orbiting the Earth.

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Officially Growth Manager, he is also involved in the production of content for the site and the presence of planhub on social networks. Here, Youssef dissects all the mobile and internet news for you.

What are the satellite internet providers companies available in Canada ?

In Canada, satellite internet is a key solution for rural and remote areas where ground-based infrastructure (like fiber or cable) isn’t available. Here are the main providers.

Starlink

Backed by SpaceX and Elon Musk’s big ideas, Starlink uses low-orbit satellites (550 km up) to slash latency down to 20-40 ms. With speeds ranging from 50 to 200 Mbps, it’s giving fiber a run for its money. Available across Canada since 2022, it’s perfect for remote workers and households that need solid internet.

Starlink has three plans in Canada:

  • Residential for $140/month,
  • Roam 50 GB for $70/month,
  • Roam Unlimited for $189/month.

Xplore

Xplore (used to be Xplornet), a Canadian company that’s all about bringing internet to far-off places, has two satellite plans powered by geostationary satellites (36,000 km up) that reach everywhere in Canada, even way up in the Far North.

  • The Sat 50 – 350 GB plan gets you up to 50 Mbps for downloads and 5 Mbps for uploads, with 350 GB of data each month, starting at CA$99.99 a month.
  • The Sat 100 – 500 GB plan steps it up with 100 Mbps downloads and 10 Mbps uploads, plus 500 GB of data, for CA$129.99 a month.

Xplore vs Starlink

Criteria

Xplore

Starlink

Coverage

Remote areas of Canada, including the Far North

Wide coverage across all of Canada

Technology

Geostationary satellites (36,000 km)

Low-orbit satellites (550 km)

Speed (Download)

50 Mbps (Sat 50), 100 Mbps (Sat 100)

50 to 200 Mbps

Latency

Higher (around 600-700 ms)

Low (20-40 ms)

Equipment Cost

No antenna cost (just the monthly plan)

Antenna cost ($249/month)

Monthly Price

$99.99/month (Sat 50), $129.99/month (Sat 100)

Starting at $140/month

Pros
  • Perfect for remote areas
  • Budget-friendly
  • No equipment fees
  • Really low latency
  • Fast speeds
  • Covers a huge area

Cons
  • Speeds are limited
  • Latency’s high
  • Not as fast as Starlink
  • Antenna’s expensive
  • Monthly price is high

How does satellite internet work?

Wifi Satellite is a technology that uses satellites orbiting Earth to bring you internet access. How does it work? It bounces data between a terminal set up at your place and a satellite, no ground cables needed. It’s perfect for spots without fiber, DSL, or cell service, letting you get online even in the middle of the countryside, out at sea, or up in the mountains.

How it works in 3 steps:

  • Sending to the satellite: Your request (like loading a video) goes from your satellite terminal to an orbiting satellite.
  • Relay back to Earth: The satellite passes your request to a ground station hooked up to the internet.
  • Data comes back: The data (such as that video) travels from the satellite to your terminal, then to your devices via Wi-Fi.

 
Where’s it mainly used?

  • Rural/remote areas: Countryside, mountains, or regions without fiber or cable.
  • Mobile settings: Boats, planes, RVs.
  • Emergency situations: Disaster zones (fires, floods) to get communications back up.
  • Temporary projects: Construction sites, outdoor events.

Compare Satellite Plans

Looking for internet in rural or remote areas? Satellite providers like Xplore and Starlink offer reliable connectivity where traditional options fall short.

Compare their plans below to find the one that fits your needs — whether it’s for everyday browsing, streaming, or staying connected off the grid.

xplore

The Sat 50

50 Mbps

350 GB

99.99$

per month

initial

149$

View Offer
xplore
The Sat 100
100 Mbps
500 GB

129.99$

per month

initial

149$

View Offer
Starlink

Roam 50

50 Mbps
50 GB

70$

per month

initial

759$

Link not supplied by Starlink
Starlink
Residential
250 Mbps
Unlimited

140$

per month

initial

759$

Link not supplied by Starlink
There are plenty others plans to choose from if the plans above does not answer to you need, simply perform a complete plan search using PlanHub’s search engine.
Search for plans

How to get satellite internet?

With thousands of Canadian households still without high-speed internet, satellite internet is stepping up as a vital solution, especially in rural and remote areas. Here’s how to get connected, keeping Canadian realities in mind

Customer Focus

Check geographic availability

  • Target underserved areas: Satellite internet shines outside big cities—like the Canadian North, remote parts of British Columbia, the Prairies, etc.
  • Local providers: In Canada, go for Starlink (nationwide coverage, except the extreme North) or Xplore Internet (formerly Xplornet), a Canadian leader with plans tailored for rural needs.

Compare technical offers and pricing

  • Check out PlanHub or the providers’ official websites to weigh your options.

Set up the equipment

  • Self-installation (Starlink): It comes with a kit—featuring a rectangular terminal and a durable cable designed to withstand extreme cold. Use the mobile app to position it (ensure it’s clear of spruce trees or buildings).
  • Professional help (Xplore): Certified techs handle it, ensuring perfect alignment despite snow or permafrost. Cost: usually rolled into the plan.

Plan for weather challenges

  • Defrosting the equipement: Pick a heated model (like Starlink’s “Frost Guard”) to stop ice buildup.
  • Winter stability: Raise the terminal to avoid snowdrifts, or mount it on a pole for extra security.

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Internet plans prices are subject to frequent fluctuations. Let PlanHub Price Alert email you the cheapest prices available.
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Satellite Internet vs. Residential 5G Internet

As Canada ramps up its digital rollout, two technologies are vying to connect rural and suburban areas: satellite internet (like Starlink and Xplore) and fixed 5G (like Bell and Rogers). Here’s a head-to-head breakdown to help you decide based on your needs.

Criteria

Satellite Internet

5G Home Internet

Average Speed

50 to 300 Mbps (varies by provider and traffic)

100 to 1,000 Mbps (near 5G mmWave towers)

Latency

30 to 100 ms (LEO constellations like Starlink)

10 to 25 ms (great for gaming and video calls)

Geographic Availability

Everywhere, even up to 80° North (Nunavut)

Within 20 km of 5G towers (still expanding)

Weather Reliability

Signal drops during heavy snow/rain storms

Stable unless extreme storms (mmWave sensitive)

Monthly Cost

$99 to $140

$60 to $120 (equipment often included)

Contract

None

Often 12 to 24 months

Data

Unlimited (except budget plans)

300 GB to unlimited (Bell/Rogers)

Installation

Self-install possible (terminal needs positioning)

Requires a technician (5G box setup)

Subsidies

Varies by province

Rare

There are plenty others plans to choose from if the plans above does not answer to you need, simply perform a complete plan search using PlanHub’s search engine.
Search for plans

Key Takeaways

Go for satellite if:

  • You’re in a remote area (more than 20 km from a 5G tower).
  • You need it for heavy remote work or 4K streaming.
  • You’re okay with a higher upfront cost but can tap into subsidies.

Pick fixed 5G if:

  • You’re in a suburban area (like Eastern Townships or Central Alberta).
  • You’re into online gaming or virtual reality (super-low latency).
  • You want an affordable, plug-and-play option.

FAQ

What is satellite internet?
Satellite internet is a high-speed connection delivered through satellites orbiting Earth. Unlike wired or cellular networks, it’s available anywhere in Canada—even the most remote spots like Nunavut or the Yukon.
A device at your location communicates with satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) or geostationary orbit. These satellites transmit data to ground stations connected to the global network, providing internet access to your home. LEO technology, used by services like Starlink and Xplore, ensures latency remains below 50 ms.
Yep, especially for rural homes. Speeds have jumped (up to 300 Mbps with Starlink), and some government subsidies cover up to $1,500 for equipment. That said, fixed 5G is faster and cheaper if you’re near a tower.
Start by checking provider coverage on CartoInternet.ca. Pick a plan that fits your needs, order the gear, and set up the terminal yourself (or with a certified tech). Federal and provincial subsidies can cut your startup costs.
Starlink operates through a network of over 4,000 low-orbit satellites (550 km above Earth), with plans to deploy many more. By 2025, Starlink will offer hybrid plans combining satellite and 5G cellular service in select areas.
In ideal conditions, LEO providers like Starlink or Xplore can deliver speeds from 100 to 300 Mbps, but speeds may vary depending on location and traffic.
In 2025, Starlink has three plans in Canada: Residential at $140/month, Roam 50 GB at $70/month, and Roam Unlimited at $189/month.
In 2025, Xplore (formerly Xplornet) offers two main satellite internet plans in Canada. The Sat 50 – 350 GB plan costs $99.99/month after a $20 promo credit for 12 months, with download speeds up to 50 Mbps and uploads at 5 Mbps, plus 350 GB of monthly data. It’s great for browsing, streaming, and video calls on multiple devices. The Sat 100 – 500 GB plan runs $129.99/month, delivering up to 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, with a hefty 500 GB of data. Both include a wireless router, a $149 install fee, and no contract.

Yes! Most providers, like Starlink and Xplore, give you a 30-day trial with no strings attached. Use it to test signal stability during a storm or peak hours.

  • Canada