Two Technologies, Very Different Experiences
When shopping for internet in Canada, you’ll see two main options: fibre optic and cable. Both can deliver fast speeds, but they work differently — and those differences matter more than most people realize.
Here’s an honest comparison to help you choose.
How They Work
Fibre Optic Internet
Fibre uses thin glass or plastic strands that transmit data as pulses of light. It’s the newest and fastest internet technology available. Fibre connections are typically delivered by providers like Telus (in Western Canada) and offer symmetrical speeds — meaning your upload speed matches your download speed.
Cable Internet
Cable uses coaxial cables — the same infrastructure originally built for cable TV. Providers like Rogers and Shaw (now Rogers) deliver internet through these existing lines. Cable speeds are typically asymmetrical — fast downloads, slower uploads.
Speed Comparison
| Feature | Fibre | Cable |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed | Up to 1 Gbps+ | Up to 1 Gbps |
| Upload Speed | Up to 1 Gbps (symmetrical) | 15-100 Mbps (much slower) |
| Latency | Very low (1-5 ms) | Low-moderate (10-30 ms) |
| Consistency | Very consistent | Can slow during peak hours |
When Fibre Is the Better Choice
- Working from home: Video calls, cloud apps, and large file uploads need strong upload speeds. Fibre’s symmetrical speeds shine here.
- Gaming: Lower latency means less lag. Competitive gamers notice the difference.
- Multiple users: Fibre handles 4+ devices streaming simultaneously without breaking a sweat.
- Future-proofing: Fibre infrastructure can support much higher speeds as technology improves.
When Cable Is the Better Choice
- Budget-conscious: Cable plans are often cheaper, especially at lower speed tiers.
- Availability: Cable is available in more areas than fibre, especially in older neighbourhoods.
- Casual use: If you mostly browse, stream Netflix, and check email, cable is more than enough.
- No contract preference: Cable plans often come without long-term contracts.
What About Reliability?
Fibre is generally more reliable because light signals don’t degrade over distance the way electrical signals do in coaxial cable. Cable is also susceptible to network congestion — since you share bandwidth with your neighbours, speeds can dip during peak evening hours when everyone’s streaming.
Fibre connections are dedicated, so your speeds stay consistent regardless of what your neighbours are doing.
Availability in Western Canada
Fibre is expanding rapidly but isn’t everywhere yet. In Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan, Get Wifi offers both Telus fibre and Rogers cable plans, so you can choose whichever is available at your address — or pick the one that fits your needs and budget.
The Bottom Line
If fibre is available at your address and fits your budget, it’s the better long-term choice. If you want a more affordable option or fibre isn’t available yet, cable is still excellent for most households.
Not sure what’s available at your address? Check your options with Get Wifi — we’ll help you find the best plan for your location.
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