Capital city in Ontario, Canada
Internet in Ottawa: speed, SIM cards and coworking
Is the internet good in Ottawa?
Median fixed broadband in Canada is 258 Mbps and mobile is 86 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Free wifi in cafés, libraries and museums; usually fast.
Getting online in Ottawa
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Home fibre | Rogers, Bell and TekSavvy fibre or cable, 500 Mbps–1.5 Gbps for about C$60–95 a month. |
| Cafés and coworking | Free wifi in cafés, libraries and museums; usually fast. |
| Tourist SIM | Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. |
| eSIM | Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors. |
| Carriers | Rogers, Bell, Telus, Freedom Mobile |
| Monthly data plan | C$35–60 ($25–42) |
Internet speeds in North America
National medians, Speedtest Global Index.
| Country | Fixed | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 307 Mbps | 187 Mbps |
| Canada | 258 Mbps | 86 Mbps |
Quick answers
Is the internet fast in Ottawa?
Median fixed broadband in Canada is 258 Mbps and mobile is 86 Mbps (Speedtest Global Index, 2026-08). Free wifi in cafés, libraries and museums; usually fast.
Which SIM card should I get in Ottawa?
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper.
Can I use an eSIM in Canada?
Yes. Local carriers sell eSIMs to visitors, and travel eSIMs work too.
More about Ottawa
Going to Ottawa solo?
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Sources
- Speedtest Global Index: Canada
- Rogers
- Bell
- Telus
- Freedom Mobile
- OC Transpo
- Ottawa Airport
- NCC
- The Ottawa Hospital
Speeds are medians from Ookla's Speedtest Global Index, cited for reference. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.