I remember exactly how I felt during my first month in Canada. I was sitting on an air mattress in an empty apartment, staring at my phone screen, trying to figure out how to get Wi-Fi.

Every company wanted a Canadian credit history. They wanted me to sign a two-year contract. And the prices were completely confusing. It felt like a trap.

You are probably feeling that same stress right now. Getting connected to the internet should not be this hard. You just want to message your family back home, stream a movie, and apply for jobs.

Today, we are looking at Oxio Internet. It is a newer company that does things very differently than the massive Canadian telecom giants.

Here is the quick answer so you can stop stressing.

The Quick Answer

Oxio is an independent, online-only internet provider that rents network lines from major telecom companies to give you fast internet at lower prices. They do not require a credit check, they do not lock you into contracts, and they promise your monthly price will never increase. Plans start as low as $25 to $40 per month, making Oxio one of the absolute best, risk-free choices for newcomers in their first year.

Why the Canadian Telecom System is Broken

When you arrive in Canada, you will quickly hear about the "Big Three" telecom companies: Bell, Rogers, and Telus.

They own almost all the physical internet cables in the ground. Because there is so little competition, Canada has some of the most expensive internet prices in the world. This is a known fact backed by data from the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), the government body that manages broadcasting and telecommunications.

Here is the biggest mistake newcomers make: The Promo Trap.

A big company will offer you a "special deal" of $50 per month. But read the fine print. That price is only valid for 12 months. On month 13, your bill suddenly jumps to $110 per month. If you try to cancel, they hit you with a massive cancellation fee because you signed a contract.

I fell for this mistake. I ended up paying hundreds of dollars in surprise fees. You do not have to do that.

What Makes Oxio Different?

Oxio acts as a "wholesaler". They lease the physical internet lines from the big companies and sell the service directly to you. You get the exact same connection quality as the big brands, but without the toxic billing tricks.

Let's break down exactly why this company is highly recommended for people who just moved to Canada.

1. Zero Credit Checks

When you first arrive, your Canadian credit score is exactly zero. Many big internet providers will demand a "credit check" before they install your Wi-Fi. If you fail, they will ask for a large cash deposit (sometimes $200 or more).

Oxio completely skips this step. They do not check your credit score. You simply pay for your first month with any standard credit card or Visa Debit, and your service begins. This removes a massive barrier for immigrants and international students.

2. Fixed Pricing (No Hikes, Ever)

Oxio has a "forever price" policy. The price you sign up for today is the price you keep. There are no secret 12-month promos. There is no bargaining.

If you sign up for a $45 per month plan today, you will still pay $45 next year. This makes budgeting so much easier when you are managing your money in a new currency.

3. No Contracts or Hidden Fees

You are free to leave at any time. If you move to a new apartment, or if you simply decide you want to try another company, you just cancel.

There are no activation fees. There are no cancellation fees. You just send the equipment back.

4. The Equipment is Free

When you buy internet from other companies, they often charge you a $10 to $15 monthly "rental fee" for the modem and router.

Oxio includes the hardware for free. And they do not give you cheap junk. They provide a high-quality eero 6 Wi-Fi router, which is an advanced mesh system owned by Amazon. It provides excellent coverage, even if you live in a larger basement apartment with concrete walls.

5. A 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee

This is almost unheard of in Canada. Oxio gives you 60 days to test their service. If you are not happy with the speed or the connection drops, you can cancel and they will refund 100% of your money. It makes trying them completely risk-free.

How Much Does Oxio Cost?

Your exact price depends on your province (they currently operate in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec).

However, their pricing is extremely transparent. Here is what you can expect in 2026:

• 15 Mbps to 30 Mbps ($25 - $35/month): Best for a single person who just needs to check emails, browse social media, and watch regular YouTube videos.

• 100 Mbps ($40/month): The sweet spot. Perfect for a couple or a small family. This easily supports Netflix in 4K and working from home.

• 500 Mbps ($45 - $50/month): Great for larger households, competitive gamers, or families with multiple people streaming video at the same time.

• 1 Gbps ($55 - $65/month): Massive speed for heavy downloaders and smart homes.

You can easily check the exact prices for your specific street address directly on their website.

The Catch: What You Need to Know

I promised to always be completely honest with you. Oxio is fantastic, but it is not perfect for everyone. There are two specific downsides you must understand before signing up.

1. There is No Phone Support

Oxio runs 100% online. They do not have a customer service phone number. If your internet goes down, you cannot call them. You must use SMS text messaging, Facebook Messenger, or email to get help.

• The Bad News: If you are someone who likes speaking to a human voice to solve a problem quickly, this will frustrate you.

• The Good News: For many newcomers learning English as a Second Language (ESL), this is actually a massive benefit. Texting gives you time to translate words, think about your response, and keep a written record of what the company promised you. You never have to deal with a fast-talking salesperson on the phone.

If you read reviews on sites like PlanHub, Oxio scores very high (around 4.4 out of 5 stars) because their text agents are very polite and based in Canada. However, you will find negative reviews from people who hate waiting for chat replies.

2. Slower Technician Visits

Because Oxio rents the physical lines from companies like Rogers or Shaw, they also have to rely on those companies' technicians.

If a physical cable breaks outside your house, Oxio has to submit a repair ticket to the big company. The big company will always prioritize their own direct customers first. This means if you need a technician to visit your home, you might wait a few days longer than someone who pays full price for Rogers.

How to Get Your First Month Free

Oxio has a fantastic referral program. Once you become a customer, they give you a unique code. If a friend uses your code to sign up, your friend gets their first month for free, and you get a free month, too.

Many newcomers share these codes in community groups online. A quick search on Reddit for an "Oxio referral code" will instantly give you a promo code you can use at checkout to get 30 days of free Wi-Fi.

The Step-by-Step Plan: How to Set Up Your Internet

Ready to cross this task off your newcomer to-do list? Here is the exact process to get connected today.

1. Check Your Address: Go to the Oxio website and type in your new Canadian address. The system will tell you instantly if they have coverage in your building.

2. Pick Your Speed: Select the 100 Mbps or 500 Mbps plan. This is more than enough for 95% of households.

3. Place Your Order: Pay for your first month online. Remember, there is no credit check.

4. Wait for the Mail: Oxio will ship the free modem and eero router directly to your door through Canada Post. This usually takes 3 to 5 business days.

5. Plug It In: Follow the simple instructions in the box. You usually just plug the modem into the wall, connect the router, and download the app on your phone to name your Wi-Fi network.

You do not need a technician to drill holes in your wall. It is a very easy self-setup.

The Verdict & Your Next Step

Moving to Canada is expensive and exhausting. Your internet bill should not be another source of anxiety.

By choosing a company like Oxio, you skip the heavy credit checks, avoid the scary 12-month price traps, and keep more money in your bank account for the things that actually matter.

Get your Wi-Fi sorted out today. The peace of mind is worth it.

Disclaimer: NewcomerSetup.ca is a research and educational platform. We are not certified financial or legal advisors. This guide is for informational purposes only. We may earn a commission if you sign up through our links, at no extra cost to you.