Finding low cost internet in Canada matters more than ever. Applying for jobs, booking appointments, filing taxes and staying in touch with family all happen online, and a monthly internet bill can be hard to fit into a tight budget.
At Friendship House in Brantford, we know how many services now expect you to have a connection at home. This guide explains the federal Connecting Families program, who can use it, how to sign up and where to get online for free in the meantime.
Quick answer
How can I get low cost internet in Canada?
The Government of Canada’s Connecting Families program offers discounted home internet to eligible households, including a $20 a month plan with 50 Mbps download speed and at least 200 GB of data. Only households that receive an invitation letter can join; letters are based on household income and the Canada Child Benefit or the Guaranteed Income Supplement. Enter the activation code from your letter on the Connecting Families portal, then choose a participating provider.
What Connecting Families is
Connecting Families (opens in a new tab) is a Government of Canada program run by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. It offers discounted home internet to eligible Canadians through internet service providers that take part voluntarily.
Eligible households can also ask for a low cost computer or other device, while supplies last. Large providers such as Bell, Rogers and TELUS are among those taking part.
The internet plans
Connecting Families has offered two kinds of plans. Here is how they compare.
| Plan | Price | Download speed | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecting Families 2.0 | $20 a month | 50 Mbps (10 Mbps upload) | At least 200 GB |
| Original plan | $10 a month | At least 10 Mbps | 100 GB |
A 50 Mbps plan is enough for video calls, online school, job searches and streaming for most small households. Ask the provider which plans are available at your address.
Who is eligible
You cannot apply for Connecting Families on your own. The government sends invitation letters to eligible households based on a yearly review of household income and benefits.
- Low-income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit
- Low-income seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement
- Only households that received an invitation letter can sign up
Since letters depend on your benefits, filing your taxes every year keeps you in the running. Our guides on how to file taxes for free (opens in a new tab) and how to apply for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (opens in a new tab) explain those benefits.
How to sign up with your letter
- Find the activation code in the top right corner of your invitation letter.
- Go to the Connecting Families registration portal and enter the code, your full name and the address on the letter.
- Confirm your information and start enrolling.
- If wired internet is available where you live, you will see a list of participating providers. Choose one and contact them to sign up for the plan.
- Take a photo of your letter and code and keep it safe.
Guard your letter carefully. The program says letters and codes cannot be reissued.
Need help signing up?
The Computers for Success Canada call centre can help you register; call 1-833-206-0599. If you do not have internet at home yet, you can use the free computers at a public library or community centre to fill out the forms.
Free ways to get online while you wait
If you do not qualify for Connecting Families, or you are waiting for a letter, there are still ways to get online without a home plan.
- Use free computers and Wi-Fi at your public library.
- Ask about free Wi-Fi at community centres.
- Use free Wi-Fi at coffee shops and restaurants for quick tasks, but avoid banking on public networks.
- Ask your current provider if it has any low-income discounts.
What you need at home
To use home internet, you need a modem or router from your provider and a device to connect, such as a computer, tablet or phone. Ask the provider what equipment comes with the plan and whether there are any setup or rental fees.
If you do not have a computer, ask whether a low cost device is still available through Connecting Families. Supplies are limited, so ask early.
What you can do online
Once you are connected, many everyday tasks get easier. You can apply for jobs, attend online classes, book medical appointments, check benefit letters through your government accounts and video chat with family who live far away.
Take it one step at a time. Library staff can often help you learn the basics, like setting up an email address.
Stay safe online
A new connection is a great tool, and it is worth protecting. Use strong passwords that are different for each account, and keep your devices updated.
Be careful with messages asking you to click a link or share personal information. Our guide on how to spot a scam (opens in a new tab) covers the warning signs.
Questions to ask a provider
- Is the Connecting Families plan available at my address?
- Are there any installation, equipment or activation fees?
- Is there a contract, and what happens if I cancel?
- What happens if I go over my data?
- How do I get help if the internet stops working?
Tips to save on your phone and internet bills
- Review your bill and cancel services you do not use.
- Ask your provider about cheaper plans; prices and offers change often.
- Use Wi-Fi at home instead of mobile data when you can.
- Bundle services only if it truly costs less.
Free help in Brantford
Saving on internet frees up money for food, rent and heat. Friendship House at 452 Grey Street serves free breakfast from 8 a.m. and a hot meal Monday to Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m., and runs the Food Bank on Wednesdays (opens in a new tab). For more money tips, see how to budget on a low income (opens in a new tab).
Frequently asked questions
Is there low cost internet for low-income families in Canada?
Yes. The Government of Canada’s Connecting Families program offers discounted home internet, including a $20 a month plan, to eligible households that receive an invitation letter.
Who is eligible for Connecting Families?
Low-income families who receive the Canada Child Benefit and low-income seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, based on a yearly review. Only households that receive a letter can sign up.
How fast is the Connecting Families internet plan?
The Connecting Families 2.0 plan offers 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload and at least 200 GB of data for $20 a month.
What if I lost my Connecting Families letter?
The program says letters and codes cannot be reissued, so keep a photo of your letter and code in a safe place.
Who can help me sign up for Connecting Families?
The Computers for Success Canada call centre can help with registration at 1-833-206-0599.
A good connection opens doors to work, school, health care and family. Watch for your letter, keep your code safe, and visit our free services at Friendship House (opens in a new tab) for help with the basics.
