Chat with Satellite Internet Plans in Canada: Complete 2026 Guide
What is satellite internet?
Satellite internet makes it possible to connect to the internet without fibre or cable, using a dish that communicates with a satellite in orbit.
In Canada, it is mainly used in rural and remote regions, where no other high-speed technology is available.
This is no longer the slow internet of ten years ago. With Starlink and Xplore, you can now work remotely, make video calls, and stream content under decent conditions, even far from major cities.
What satellite internet providers are available in Canada in January 2026?
Starlink
Starlink operates using low-Earth-orbit satellites, much closer to the Earth than traditional satellites. As a result, latency is low and speeds are high.
Under good conditions, real-world speeds are often between 100 and 200 Mbps. That’s enough for heavy remote work, video conferencing, and 4K streaming.
Starlink offers three plans in Canada:
Starlink has three plans in Canada:
- Residential at $140/month
- Roam 50 GB at $70/month
- Unlimited Roam at $189/month.
Xplore
Xplore (used to be Xplornet), is a long-established Canadian provider specializing in rural areas. Its satellite plans rely on geostationary satellites. The advertised speeds go up to 50 or 100 Mbps depending on the plan, while data is limited to 350 or 500 GB per month.
- The Sat 50 – 350 GB plan offers a maximum download speed of 50 Mbps and 5 Mbps upload, with 350 GB of monthly data, starting at $99.99 CAD per month.
- The Sat 100 – 500 GB plan, more powerful, reaches 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload, with 500 GB of data, for $129.99 CAD per month.
Xplore vs Starlink
If you are looking for the best possible performance, without too many compromises on latency and speed, Starlink is currently ahead of the pack. The experience is smoother, more stable, and closer to what you would expect from modern internet, even in the countryside.
If you are instead looking for a simple solution to install, with a lower upfront cost and local support, Xplore remains a good compromise. It’s not the fastest connection on the market, but for typical family use, it gets the job done without too much frustration.
In real life, the right choice mainly depends on your usage. If you work remotely full time or need a truly responsive connection, Starlink is clearly worth the extra cost. If your usage is more basic and your budget is tighter, Xplore remains a logical choice.
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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 |
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|
|
Cons
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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 - Best Deals for January 2026
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.
The Sat 50
50 Mbps
350 GB
Roam 50
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
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.
Don't miss opportunities
Satellite Internet vs. Residential 5G Internet
Let’s be honest, satellite internet is still more expensive than fibre or cable, and that’s not about to change.
With Starlink, you should expect to pay between $70 and $140 per month depending on your area, plus the upfront cost of the equipment. In return, you get unlimited data and high speeds, which makes it the most comfortable solution for heavy usage.
With Xplore, you are looking at a monthly range of about $99 to $129, with limited data and higher latency. It’s more accessible on the monthly bill, but less powerful in everyday use.
In some provinces, subsidies can reduce part of the installation costs. It’s not automatic, but it’s definitely worth checking before placing an order.
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 |
A new competitor for Starlink and Xplore: Blue Origin (Amazon)
The satellite internet race just got a new player: Amazon, through Blue Origin (Jeff Bezos’ space company) and ULA. On April 28, 2025, the U.S. giant cleared a major milestone for its Project Kuiper, launching 27 satellites into low Earth orbit. The goal? To build a network of 3,200 satellites in the coming years to connect rural and remote areas, directly competing with Starlink (SpaceX) and Xplore.
Blue Origin’s promised speeds
With promised speeds of up to 400 Mbps, Project Kuiper is targeting users of Viasat and HughesNet, but also Starlink and Xplore, potentially matching their performance. It’s a bold move, especially since SpaceX dominates the field with 6,750 satellites already in orbit and millions of subscribers.
Still, Amazon is banking on its financial muscle ($10 billion invested) and tech ecosystem to catch up. The project could bolster AWS, its cloud service, and might even integrate with Amazon Prime down the line.
When will Blue Origin be available?
Pixel 10: First WhatsApp Calls via Satellite
Google announced that the new Pixel 10 phones will be the first to enable voice and video calls on WhatsApp via satellite. Launching on August 28, 2025, the feature will rely on SpaceX’s Starlink cellular service, currently offered through T-Mobile. It’s designed to help users stay connected in areas without regular coverage. However, the service will be limited to participating carriers, and questions remain about call quality and network stability.
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?
How does Satellite Internet work?
Is satellite internet a good option in 2026?
How do I get satellite internet in Canada?
How does Starlink work?
What’s the real speed of satellite internet?
How much does Starlink cost in Canada in 2026?
In 2026, Starlink has three plans in Canada: Residential at $140/month, Roam 50 GB at $70/month, and Roam Unlimited at $189/month.
How much does Xplore (ex-Xplornet) cost in 2026?
In 2026, 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.
Can I test satellite internet before committing?
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.
