Comparing Internet plans: the CRTC's new rules

As the holidays approach, Internet offers multiply: an “up to” speed in big letters, an attractive price for the first few months, and the rest in fine print. On September 10, 2026, the CRTC, Canada's telecommunications regulator, adopted new rules so that Canadians finally see the real speed and the real price before they sign. Here is what changes, and how to compare Internet plans today, without waiting.

What the CRTC decided on September 10, 2026

In its news release of September 10, 2026 (in French; the English version is also on canada.ca), the CRTC announces rules so that consumers have clear and consistent information when shopping for an Internet plan. Two pieces of information will have to appear:

• the real speed you can expect during the busiest times of the day, rather than the advertised theoretical maximum speed;
• the monthly price after any promotion ends, to avoid surprises on the first full bill.

According to The Canadian Press (article of September 10, 2026), these typical speeds will be those measured between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. on weekdays, and the information will be presented on a standardized label, a bit like the nutrition label on food. Also according to The Canadian Press, the rules will take effect in March 2027. The full text is Telecom Regulatory Policy CRTC 2026-238.

The CRTC's chairperson, Vicky Eatrides, sums up the idea this way: “Canadians deserve clear information about speeds and prices” (CRTC news release, September 10, 2026).

Why the “up to” speed doesn't tell the whole story

The number on a plan is the maximum speed of the line. In the evening, when the whole neighbourhood is streaming series and the whole family is online, the measured speed can be lower. That is exactly why the CRTC is asking for the peak-hour speed: that is when you need it.

At home, other factors matter too: the distance between the router and your devices, the walls, the number of screens on at the same time, the age of your router. Before concluding that a plan is too slow, measure the speed over a network cable, directly at the modem. Our frequently asked questions explain how to run the test and what slows down Wi-Fi.

Comparing Internet plans: look at the price after the promotion

An introductory price is not a price. What counts is the amount you will pay each month once the promotion is over, and for how long the discount applies. Before saying yes, ask three questions:

1. What is the regular price of the plan, and from which month will I pay it?
2. What is added to the displayed price: modem rental, installation, service fees?
3. Do I have to commit for a term, and what happens if I leave before?

To go further, our article on the real price of an Internet plan shows how to do the math over twelve months.

A checklist while you wait for the new label

The CRTC's rules arrive in spring 2027. Until then, nothing stops you from demanding the same information. Here is what to check for each offer:

• The download and upload speed, and what you are told about the speed in the evening.
• Data: unlimited or capped? A cap gets expensive the month you go over it.
• The regular price, written in black and white, and the length of any promotion.
• The modem: rented, bought or lent at no charge, and what must be returned at the end.
• The commitment: contract or not, and the cancellation conditions.
• Support: who to talk to, in which language, and where the nearest office is.

And at Club Internet?

We publish our regular prices: the price of your plan does not change and there is no promotional price that climbs after a few months. Our nine speeds, from 6 to 450 Mbps, all come with unlimited data, from $34.95 per month. The modem is a free rental: it is lent at no charge and is returned to one of our offices at the end of the service. There is no contract; the cases where fees apply are written in our cancellation policy.

The speed shown on each plan is the maximum speed of the line; over a network cable, directly at the modem, you should get a speed close to that number. Wi-Fi and your devices then do the rest. If you are hesitating between two speeds, the Internet page gives a guide by number of people and screens.

Prices before taxes. Installation: $50 with monthly payment; pay yearly and get one month free and free installation.

The right first step: your address

In Quebec, the speeds offered depend on each address. Before comparing anything, check your address in one minute: you will know what is available at your home. Already made your choice? Order online or visit one of our offices, in Montréal or Varennes. We answer in English or French.