The average Canadian household now pays $80–$95 per month for home internet — one of the highest rates among OECD countries. But verified programs exist that bring that cost down to as little as $9.99 per month, permanently, for eligible seniors. Most providers won’t tell you about these options unless you ask directly.
📍 Find Low-Cost Internet Service Near You
Tap a button to load the map for your area. Always call the provider directly to confirm eligibility and current pricing — plans and terms change, and the map shows general results only.
📌 Map shows general results — always call to verify availability at your address.
Check eligibility: rogers.com/connected-for-success ·
telus.com/internetforgood ·
Connecting Families (federal) ·
Dial 2-1-1 (free · local referrals)
The questions seniors and their families search for — answered plainly, without the runaround. These are the things providers rarely volunteer upfront.
The lowest verified monthly price is $9.99 per month plus applicable taxes, through Rogers Connected for Success. This gets you 25 Mbps download speed, unlimited data, free installation, and free modem rental. Eligibility is broad: seniors receiving any amount of the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), those on provincial income support programs like Ontario Works or ODSP, and rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing tenants in Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland all qualify. Critically, no government access code letter is required — you apply directly at rogers.com/connected-for-success or by calling 1-866-689-0758.
It depends which program you use. The federal Connecting Families Initiative requires a government access code letter mailed to eligible households — you cannot sign up without it. The Government of Canada sent approximately 460,000 letters to eligible Canadians in early 2025. However, Rogers Connected for Success does not require a government letter. You apply directly with Rogers using proof of GIS, provincial income support, or RGI housing status. TELUS Internet for Good similarly lets you apply directly using your T4A(OAS) slip. If you qualify for GIS but have not received a Connecting Families letter, Rogers Connected for Success is your fastest path to discounted service.
This distinction matters enormously. For the federal Connecting Families Initiative and for Bell’s participation in that program, you must be receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement — partial GIS recipients are not eligible. For Rogers Connected for Success, any GIS amount qualifies — there is no minimum or maximum requirement. For TELUS Internet for Good for Seniors, you must be receiving at least $6,500 per year in GIS (Box 21 of your T4A(OAS) slip). In practice, if you receive any GIS, Rogers Connected for Success is almost certainly available to you even if the other two programs are not.
TELUS Internet for Good for Seniors is available in British Columbia, Alberta, and some areas of Quebec only — it is not a national program. If you live in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, PEI, Newfoundland, or a Quebec area outside TELUS’s service territory, this program does not apply to you regardless of your GIS status. Seniors in BC and Alberta who receive at least $6,500 in annual GIS and want the fastest speeds should prioritize TELUS Internet for Good — the plan includes unlimited data and faster speeds than the Connecting Families minimum. Outside BC and Alberta, Rogers Connected for Success is the broadest coverage option for GIS recipients.
For Rogers Connected for Success: your most recent GIS statement, a provincial income support letter (e.g., Ontario Works, ODSP), or written confirmation from your housing provider of RGI status. No credit check is required. For TELUS Internet for Good: your current T4A(OAS) slip showing at least $6,500 in Box 21 (Net Supplements Paid). Redact your SIN before submitting. For the Connecting Families Initiative: the 8-digit access code from the government letter you received — no other document is needed once you have the code. If you are unsure whether you receive GIS or how much, call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 and ask for your current GIS benefit amount.
Yes — for typical senior internet use, they are fully adequate. The 25 Mbps speed on Rogers Connected for Success handles video calls (FaceTime, Zoom), standard-definition and HD streaming (Netflix, CBC Gem, YouTube), email, web browsing, and government services without issue. You may notice speed limitations only if multiple people in the same household are streaming 4K video simultaneously. The Connecting Families 2.0 plan at $20/month includes 50 Mbps, which is the CRTC’s benchmark for “good internet speed” and comfortably handles most households. The connection runs on the same physical network infrastructure as Rogers’ or TELUS’s regular plans — the equipment and reliability are identical. What you pay less for is the plan price, not the network quality.
Canada has among the highest broadband prices in the OECD. The core reasons are geographic (vast distances with a relatively small population outside major cities), regulatory history (Bell, Rogers, and TELUS built and largely control the physical infrastructure), and limited head-to-head competition outside urban centres. After introductory promotions expire, typical real-world monthly internet bills run $85–$110 for many Canadian households. For seniors specifically, the gap between paying $85–$110 at standard rates and paying $9.99–$20 through a subsidy program represents a saving of up to $900–$1,200 per year — money that matters considerably on a fixed OAS or GIS income. The programs exist precisely because the open market has failed to produce affordable pricing on its own.
If you don’t qualify for GIS-based programs, the most consistent low-price options come from independent ISPs (third-party resellers) that use Bell, Rogers, or TELUS infrastructure under CRTC-regulated wholesale access agreements. These include TekSavvy, Oxio, Start.ca, Carry Telecom, and EBOX (Quebec). They typically charge 20–40% less than the big carriers for comparable speeds on the same physical lines. Plans from these providers start around $40–$50 per month for 60–100 Mbps — significantly less than the $80–$95 average from incumbents. You can also negotiate directly with your current provider — calling retention departments and mentioning competitor pricing often unlocks unpublished loyalty rates. Many seniors have reduced their bills by $20–$30 per month simply by calling and asking.
Every senior internet assistance program in Canada, organized by type. Use the table to find what fits your situation, then scroll to the full section for contact details and exactly what to say when you call or apply.
| # | Program / Provider | Type | Price | Eligibility | Provinces |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rogers Connected for Success | Direct senior program | From $9.99/mo | Any GIS, ODSP, RGI housing | ON, BC, AB, MB, NB, NL |
| 2 | TELUS Internet for Good | Direct senior program | ~$10–$20/mo | GIS ≥ $6,500/yr on T4A(OAS) | BC, AB, parts of QC |
| 3 | Connecting Families 2.0 (Federal) | Government initiative | $20/mo | Maximum GIS · govt letter required | All provinces (19+ ISPs) |
| 4 | Connecting Families 1.0 (Federal) | Government initiative | $10/mo | Maximum GIS · govt letter required | All provinces (19+ ISPs) |
| 5 | Bell Canada (via Connecting Families) | Federal program ISP | $10–$20/mo | Maximum GIS · letter required | ON, QC, Atlantic |
| 6 | SaskTel (via Connecting Families) | Federal program ISP | $20/mo (60 Mbps, unlimited) | Maximum GIS · letter required | Saskatchewan only |
| 7 | Cogeco (via Connecting Families) | Federal program ISP | $10–$20/mo | Maximum GIS · letter required | Parts of ON and QC |
| 8 | Vidéotron (via Connecting Families) | Federal program ISP | $10–$20/mo | Maximum GIS · letter required | Quebec |
| 9 | Eastlink (via Connecting Families) | Federal program ISP | $10–$20/mo | Maximum GIS · letter required | Atlantic Canada |
| 10 | TekSavvy | Independent ISP | From ~$40–$50/mo | No subsidy · open to all | ON, QC, BC, AB |
| 11 | Oxio | Independent ISP | From ~$40/mo | No subsidy · urban areas | ON, QC |
| 12 | Computers for Success Canada | Digital access program | Free/low-cost device + support | Low-income seniors | Nationwide |
Canada’s federal government runs one initiative specifically designed to make internet affordable for low-income seniors. Understanding the difference between who needs a government letter and who doesn’t is the single most important detail in this entire guide.
Rogers Connected for Success is the most accessible senior internet subsidy in Canada — and the one most seniors never hear about. Plans start at $9.99 per month plus tax for 25 Mbps with unlimited data, free installation, and free modem rental. Unlike the federal Connecting Families program, no government letter or access code is required. You apply directly with Rogers using your GIS statement, a provincial income support document (Ontario Works, ODSP, BC Income Assistance, Alberta AISH), or a letter from your RGI housing provider. The program covers Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland. Rogers Connected for Success also offers TV bundles from $39.99/month for eligible customers. To apply or check eligibility, call 1-866-689-0758 or visit connectedforsuccess.ca. No credit check is required at any stage of the application.
TELUS Internet for Good for Seniors offers affordable high-speed fibre internet with three available speed tiers and unlimited data — no data caps, no contracts, and no cancellation fees. To qualify, you must receive at least $6,500 per year in the Guaranteed Income Supplement, verified through Box 21 (Net Supplements Paid) on your T4A(OAS) slip. The program is available only in British Columbia, Alberta, and select areas of Quebec where TELUS operates its own network. The discount for eligible seniors is ongoing — unlike the family program which requires reapplication after two years, the senior GIS-based discount continues as long as you remain eligible. Eligible seniors in BC and Alberta can also purchase a low-cost refurbished computer through the B.C. Technology for Learning Society or Alberta Computers for Schools. Apply online at telus.com/internetforgood or mail your redacted T4A(OAS) to TELUS, Attn: Mobility for Good Program, 4535 Canada Way, Burnaby BC V5G 1J9.
Connecting Families 2.0 is Canada’s federal broadband affordability initiative, delivered through partnerships with over 19 participating internet service providers. The 2.0 plan offers 50 Mbps download speeds (or the fastest speed available in your region, whichever is less) with at least 200 GB of monthly data for $20 per month — no equipment or installation fees. To qualify as a senior, you must be receiving the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement, OR be single with an annual income under $4,000 and eligible for OAS, OR be part of a couple with a combined income under $8,000 and eligible for OAS. A letter from the Government of Canada containing an 8-digit access code is mandatory to register. The government mails these letters annually to eligible households. To register once you have your letter, visit cf-fb.ca and enter your name, address, and access code. If you need help registering, call Computers for Success Canada at 1-833-206-0599. Participating ISPs include Bell, Rogers, TELUS, Cogeco, SaskTel, Vidéotron, Eastlink, Tbaytel, Westman Communications, Access Communications, Novus, Hay Communications, Mornington, and CCAP, among others.
Connecting Families 1.0, the original version of the federal initiative launched in 2018, remains available alongside the 2.0 plan. It offers up to 10 Mbps download speed with 100 GB of monthly data for $10 per month. This tier is sufficient for basic email, web browsing, and government services, but may feel slow if you make frequent video calls or stream video regularly — in those cases, the 2.0 plan at $20/month is the better choice. The same eligibility rules apply: maximum GIS (or low-income OAS-only seniors), and a government access code letter is mandatory. The same letter is valid for both plans — you choose which tier to take when you register at cf-fb.ca. For most seniors who use the internet regularly, the 2.0 plan’s 50 Mbps is worth the extra $10 per month. The 1.0 plan is best suited to seniors who primarily use the internet for email and occasional browsing only.
These providers participate in the federal Connecting Families Initiative and deliver the $10/$20 plans through their own networks. The best value depends entirely on which provider serves your address. SaskTel stands out — its Connecting Families offering includes unlimited data and 60 Mbps speeds, both exceeding the program minimums.
Bell Canada participates in the federal Connecting Families Initiative and delivers $10/month and $20/month plans to eligible seniors in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Bell does not offer a separate standalone senior internet discount outside this framework — all senior pricing flows through Connecting Families, and you must have a government access code letter to qualify. Bell’s Pure Fibre network was named Canada’s fastest internet for six consecutive reporting periods in Ookla Speedtest Awards as of 2025, so where Bell fibre is available and you qualify through Connecting Families, it is an excellent option. Contact Bell at 1-866-301-1942 or visit bell.ca/bell-for-better for Connecting Families registration help once you have your access code. Note: Bell cannot determine your eligibility and will not have access to your tax information — that determination is made entirely by the federal government’s letter process.
Among all ISPs participating in Connecting Families, SaskTel’s offering stands out as the strongest value: its $20/month plan includes 60 Mbps speeds and unlimited data — exceeding the program minimums of 50 Mbps and 200 GB. Saskatchewan seniors who receive the maximum GIS and have received a government access code letter should prioritize SaskTel for Connecting Families enrollment. The combination of unlimited data and above-minimum speeds means you will never run into a data overage or speed cap during normal household use. SaskTel also offers bilingual customer support. Contact SaskTel’s residential line at 1-800-727-5835 or visit sasktel.com to learn more about Connecting Families enrollment at your address.
Cogeco serves select regions of Ontario and Quebec — including Hamilton, Kingston, Peterborough, Trois-Rivières, and Sherbrooke — and participates in Connecting Families to offer the $10 and $20 subsidized plans to eligible seniors in its coverage area. Cogeco is widely praised for network reliability and transparent billing. If Cogeco is your area’s primary cable provider, Connecting Families through Cogeco may be your best-priced option for eligible seniors. Check whether Cogeco serves your postal code at cogeco.ca before contacting them, as coverage is geographically specific. Then call 1-800-267-1414 and reference the Connecting Families initiative once you have your access code. Cogeco does not offer a standalone senior internet discount outside this program.
Vidéotron, owned by Quebecor, is Quebec’s largest cable internet provider and one of the reasons Quebec consistently has the lowest internet prices in Canada. The combination of stronger provincial competition and Vidéotron’s participation in Connecting Families means Quebec seniors who qualify can access $10–$20 plans through a provider with strong network performance. Vidéotron also operates Fizz, a lower-cost flanker brand, for Quebec seniors who don’t qualify for subsidized plans but want competitive pricing. Contact Vidéotron at 1-888-433-8689 or visit videotron.com/residentiel/internet to verify service at your address and inquire about Connecting Families enrollment.
Eastlink is the dominant regional broadband provider across Atlantic Canada — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, and some areas of Quebec — and participates in the Connecting Families initiative to offer subsidized plans to qualifying seniors. If you live in Atlantic Canada, are not eligible for Rogers Connected for Success in your province, or find Eastlink is the provider serving your address, Connecting Families through Eastlink is your federal subsidy route. Eastlink also has a reputation for responsive local customer service — something that matters considerably for seniors who may need setup assistance. Contact Eastlink at 1-888-345-1111 or visit eastlink.ca to verify coverage at your address before applying.
These options are for seniors who don’t qualify for GIS-based programs or who want a provider with no income requirements at all. Independent ISPs run on the same physical lines as Bell, Rogers, or TELUS — but charge 20–40% less because they operate on CRTC-regulated wholesale access without the incumbent’s overhead.
TekSavvy is one of Canada’s best-known independent internet service providers, using Bell or Rogers infrastructure under CRTC wholesale access agreements to offer rates typically 20–40% lower than the incumbents. There is no income requirement, no senior-specific program, and no means testing of any kind — anyone at any age can sign up. Plans are available on cable (Rogers lines) and DSL/fibre (Bell lines) depending on your address, with speeds starting around 30–75 Mbps at entry-level pricing. TekSavvy as of 2026 does not offer a dedicated senior discount, but their standard pricing is competitive enough that many seniors find it the best non-subsidized option available. Month-to-month plans are available with no cancellation penalty — important for seniors who may move to assisted living or need flexibility. Enter your postal code at teksavvy.com to see what plans are available at your specific address.
Oxio is a Quebec-founded independent ISP serving Ontario and Quebec with straightforward flat-rate pricing, no contracts, and no hidden fees — a setup that suits seniors who dislike promotional pricing that jumps after a few months. Like TekSavvy, Oxio uses wholesale access to run on existing Bell or Videotron infrastructure. Plans start around $40/month for 60 Mbps in most urban service areas. Oxio’s pitch is simplicity: one rate, one page, no surprises on the bill. There is no income requirement. Check whether Oxio serves your postal code at oxio.ca — availability is stronger in Ontario and Quebec urban and suburban areas than in rural regions. For seniors in rural areas, Xplore Technologies (formerly Xplornet) or Starlink may be the best option where wired service is unavailable.
Computers for Success Canada is a federal program that provides low-income seniors with access to refurbished computers and digital literacy support. If you have internet access but no device — or if the cost of a computer or tablet is the barrier — this program can bridge that gap. Refurbished computers are available at low or no cost to qualifying individuals. The program also operates the Connecting Families registration help line at 1-833-206-0599, making it the first call to make if you have received a Connecting Families access code letter and are not sure how to register. Staff are trained to help seniors navigate the registration process step by step. Digital literacy workshops are available in some regions to help seniors get started online once connected. Visit the ISED website or call 1-833-206-0599 to find out what is available in your area.
Call Rogers at 1-866-689-0758 and ask about Connected for Success. This is the fastest path because no government letter is required — you apply directly using your GIS statement. Rogers accepts any GIS amount (not just the maximum), covers Ontario, BC, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland, and can usually set up service within a few days. Internet starts at $9.99 per month plus tax with unlimited data and free installation. If you live in BC or Alberta and receive at least $6,500 in annual GIS, also check TELUS Internet for Good — call TELUS or visit telus.com/internetforgood to compare which provider offers faster speeds in your neighbourhood. Apply to both simultaneously — you don’t have to choose before comparing what each offers at your specific address.
That letter is your ticket to $10 or $20 per month internet through the Connecting Families Initiative. Go to cf-fb.ca and enter your full name, address, and the 8-digit access code from the letter. You will then be directed to choose a participating ISP in your area. If you need help with the registration, call Computers for Success Canada at 1-833-206-0599 — they are specifically trained to walk seniors through this process. Choose the $20/month plan (Connecting Families 2.0) rather than the $10 plan if you make video calls or stream any video — the speed difference is significant. If SaskTel serves your address (Saskatchewan residents), choose SaskTel: their offering includes unlimited data and 60 Mbps, the strongest Connecting Families package in Canada.
Rural internet access in Canada remains a documented challenge — the federal government’s own goal is 98% of Canadians with access to 50/10 Mbps by 2026 and 100% by 2030, acknowledging that coverage is not yet universal. For rural seniors, the priority steps are: (1) Check whether any Connecting Families ISP — including Access Communications, Tbaytel, Westman, or regional providers — serves your address. (2) Call Rogers or TELUS to see whether Connected for Success or Internet for Good is available where you live. (3) If no wired service is available, consider Starlink satellite internet (starlink.com) — hardware costs have dropped and speeds are generally adequate for video calls and streaming, though monthly prices are higher ($120–$150/month) and no senior discount applies. (4) Call 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) and ask whether any rural internet support program exists in your region — some provincial programs are not widely advertised.
If you receive OAS but not GIS (meaning your income is above the GIS threshold), or if you have a workplace pension that puts you above eligibility thresholds, the budget path runs through independent ISPs and direct negotiation. First, call your current provider and ask about loyalty pricing — simply mentioning that you are considering switching to TekSavvy or Oxio often prompts retention agents to offer unpublished rates 20–30% below what is on the website. Second, get an actual quote from TekSavvy (teksavvy.com, 1-877-281-6772) or Oxio (oxio.ca) for your postal code — these providers typically run $40–$55 for plans comparable to what the big carriers charge $80–$95 for. Third, check whether your province has any supplementary senior internet support — some provincial seniors’ programs have begun adding digital access components in recent years.
Getting a device and getting internet access are two separate steps, and help exists for both. Call Computers for Success Canada at 1-833-206-0599 — they provide refurbished computers at low or no cost to qualifying low-income seniors and can also walk you through Connecting Families registration on the same call. Libraries across Canada offer free internet access and many run digital literacy workshops specifically for seniors — your local branch librarian is one of the best sources of practical help for getting started online. If a smartphone is more practical than a computer for your needs, TELUS’s Mobility for Good for Seniors program provides access to a discounted smartphone and a low-cost $25/month mobile plan for GIS recipients — visit telus.com/mobilityforgood or ask a TELUS store for details. You do not need to have internet at home to apply for any of these programs — all applications can be made by phone or in person at a library or TELUS store.
Promotional pricing on regular plans typically expires after 12–24 months, causing bills to jump $20–$40 per month without warning. If you are not on a subsidized program and your bill has increased, you have three options. First, call your provider’s retention department (not customer service — specifically ask for “loyalty” or “retention”) and say you are considering cancelling due to cost. Agents in this department are authorized to offer rates not available to regular customers — many seniors get $20–$30/month reductions this way. Second, get competing quotes from TekSavvy and Oxio, then call back and mention the lower price. Third, if eligible, switch to Rogers Connected for Success or apply for Connecting Families — a move that can reduce a $90/month bill to $9.99 permanently for qualifying seniors. Call Service Canada at 1-800-277-9914 to confirm your current GIS benefit amount if you are unsure whether you qualify.
This guide is for general informational purposes only. Program eligibility, pricing, coverage areas, and terms change frequently — always verify current details directly with each provider or government program before enrolling. Prices shown exclude applicable taxes. The Connecting Families Initiative eligibility is evaluated annually by the Government of Canada. Rogers Connected for Success and TELUS Internet for Good eligibility criteria are set by those companies and subject to change. Service Canada can confirm your current GIS benefit status at 1-800-277-9914. This content is entirely original and independently researched.