Canada's internet service provider in Montreal
Canada's internet service provider in Montreal
I'm looking into which internet providers are popular among Montreal residents. I currently use Bell Giga Fibre at my parents' place because it offers the fastest upload speeds over 50 megabits per second, which is ideal for streaming and large file transfers. While some might say 50 Mbps is sufficient for Plex, most of my media files are high-quality Blu-ray rips with high bitrates, requiring more data. Since we often stream together, a strong upload is essential. The only upgrade I've seen is from 50 to 750 Mbps, but alternatives like Videotron 400 or smaller providers don't match the speed and usually cost more. My dad wanted to avoid expensive bills, so I'm weighing the cost of the high-speed plan against the performance. What do you think would be the best choice?
It varies based on the content you upload. If you aim for high traffic without throttling or issues with your provider, securing a business internet plan is essential. Those options are all tied to contracts. When it comes to Bell versus Videotron, or similar choices like traditional phone lines versus coaxial cables, it depends on your location. If you reside in an older home with outdated wiring, service quality may suffer. Both types of connections are essentially hybrid, relying on fiber until the final connection point—your local area. Bell provides a direct fiber link to your home. However, some customers experience inconsistent billing, which can lead to errors and disputes. You might need to contact them repeatedly to resolve these issues. Bell’s approach often focuses on reminding you of potential risks or costs before you commit, while Videotron usually alerts you about price hikes ahead of time. Videotron tends to be pricier than Bell, though. In either scenario, your plan isn’t automatically upgraded to a faster tier even if it’s cheaper or matches your current rate. Staying informed with both providers is crucial. Bell often emphasizes insurance concerns for telephone lines breaking or catching fire, warning of steep repair fees. Don’t let them pressure you. Avoid any “protection” add-ons—they’re usually just basic licenses with weak security. Videotron rarely includes a router unless you specifically request it (extra cost applies). Unless you need one, opt for a standalone router. Bell typically offers a modem and router package, but it’s more of a generalist offering—consider getting your own for better performance.
We've faced issues with Bell's billing system before, especially sudden spikes without notice. We also have a fiber connection directly in our garage that links to their router—though it’s not ideal. The good part about Bell is they guarantee the advertised speed at any time. In the past with Videotron, we rarely met those speeds. All tests were done over Ethernet (cat6 cables). Regarding static IPs, I don’t think it’s necessary since I use a DNS alias for remote desktop and don’t upload much data—just when someone streams on Plex or similar. Everything is handled smoothly.
Absolutely, this situation varies greatly depending on location. Where I am, things are different—my area has outdated phone lines causing reliability and speed issues with Bell. Videotron faced similar challenges but managed to negotiate with the building and upgrade their connections. Now, thanks to the new lines, I’m consistently getting speeds of 1-5Mbps even during peak times, which is a smart decision since most of the building is now under their control.