Montreal
TV & Internet in Montreal
TV
Over 99% of households own a television in Québec. Television format conforms to North American standards of a typically 30-minute programming grid, commercials, etc., but the dominant language is French.
Programming & Networks
Canada has its own television industry, but it is strongly influenced by the American media. The government actually institutes quotas for "Canadian content", about 60% of program has to be Canadian-produced, and 50% on prime time. Québec is perhaps least affected as its programming is predominantly French-language.
Cable TV
Québec has the lowest cable television-satellite television penetration rates in Canada, but services and options are still widely available. TV subscription services are normally bundled with a phone line and broadband internet.
Installation is usually arranged online through the provider's website or by telephone. You first must set-up an account with your provider. This includes providing all of your basic contact information (name, address, telephone number, email address). You may also be asked to provide a credit card number and/or credit history. If you do not have a credit history in Canada you may be required to put down a deposit on your account. A request for service is placed and a technician visits your home. If you there is equipment in place, it may just take changing the name on the contract and setting-up payments. Be advised that you may be required to get permission from your landlord or property manager to install certain satellites, particularly if your installer will be drilling through interior or exterior walls. Disconnection fees are applicable if you break your contract.
- Basic digital packages - start at $20 per month
- Enhanced HD services - start at $82 per month
- Full-tier TV services - start at $80 per month
Most TV service providers allow you to access your account and pay bills online, by telephone, or personally at an office or outlet.
Satellite TV
Direct-broadcast satellite services are also known as direct-to-home or DTH. Satellite services usually start at $36 per month for basic service and $110 per month for premium services. Most TV service providers allow you to access your account and pay bills online, by telephone, or personally at an office or outlet. TV subscription services are normally bundled with a phone line and broadband internet.
Installation is usually arranged online through the provider's website or by telephone. You first must set-up an account with your provider. This includes providing all of your basic contact information (name, address, telephone number, email address). You may also be asked to provide a credit card number and/or credit history. If you do not have a credit history in Canada you may be required to put down a deposit on your account. A request for service is placed, a technician will come to your home, and installation should be completed within a week. Installation fees may be waived during promotions, or delayed. Beware that you may also be charged monthly fees to rent a receiver or satellite from your provider. Be advised that you may be required to get permission from your landlord or property manager to install certain satellites, particularly if your installer will be drilling through interior or exterior walls. Disconnection fees are applicable if you break your contract.
ProvidersInternet
Internet penetration in Canada is excellent and all types of connections are available from fibre optic to DSL to IPTV. The minimum speed for broadband Internet in Canada is 1.5 Mb/s with the fastest Internet speeds at 1GB/s download (Shaw) and 200 MB/s (Videotron and Eastlink). Many products are advertised as "up to" speeds while in reality, listed speeds may not be delivered regularly or in all areas.
Contracts & Prices
Most providers charge from $25-110 a month and can be purchased for a monthly fee on a 1, 2 or 3-year contract. Be aware that many companies advertise introductory price offers, and that per monthly fees are likely to increase after 3, 6, or 12 months of your contract. You may also be charged monthly fees to rent equipment.
Most Internet providers allow you to access your account and pay bills online, by telephone, or personally at an office or outlet. Internet service is usually bundled with either cable or satellite TV service and a phone line. Installation fees are applicable, although some providers may offer free installation as an incentive. Disconnection fees are applicable if you break your contract.
Usage caps, or usage-based billing (UBB) have recently been introduced which limit the monthly Internet usage of consumers. UBB allows Internet providers to charge you for every megabyte or gigabyte used over a certain threshold. For example, an Internet service plan might have a 25GB monthly cap, with a $1.90/GB over usage fee. Caps and over usage fees vary from company to company.
Providers
Installation
Contact your preferred provider and they can usually set-up an appointment over the phone or online. Installation may be necessary if the necessary wiring and equipment is not already installed.
- Proof of identity
- Utility bill or tenancy agreement
- Deposit
WiFi
Free Wi-Fi is available in many public places in Canada, including public parks, libraries, schools, airports, hotels, electronics stores and some cafes and restaurants such as Starbucks or Tim Horton's. Look for "Île Sans Fil" on windows for access, or use the http://www.ilesansfil.org/ website to find locations. Acknowledge that it is expected that you buy something to use the wifi. Free, public access computers are also available at libraries across Canada, but you will need a library card to use one.
Mobile Service
Most Internet service providers in Canada offer mobile Internet services for $35-$70 per month, allowing consumers to connect to the Internet on their laptops while on the go. Some mobile phone users in Canada can also tether their phones to their computers. When tethering, you are charged for Internet usage on your mobile phone bill. Ask at your provider for details and options.
Internet Cafe
Internet cafes can be found throughout Montréal. Costs vary from $1.50-5.00 per hour. Printing, scanning, CD-Rom burning, and other services are usually an additional fee. Cafes may also be a target for thieves and pickpockets so take care of your belongings.
The nonprofit, Île Sans Fil, offers over 150 free hotspots. However, you must establish membership before connecting. Their site includes a map of access points.
Cafelenet.24
Address: 903 decarie, Montréal, QC
Tel: 514-748-0094
Popular with gamers, this is one of Montréal's most popular internet cafes. There are more than 35 computers available at $3.50 per hour. Open 24 hours.
NEO Internet Café
Address: 1839 St. Catherine West, Suite 110 (2nd Fl.), Montréal
Tel: 514-670-2108
Located near Concordia University, this cafe holds more than 30 computers. Offers gaming, photocopying, scanning, chatting, and more.
Boba Cafe-Internet
Address: 704 Sainte-Catherine West, Montréal
Tel: 514-390-0638
More than 18 stations available for surfing/gaming/chatting. CD/DVD Burning, printing, fax services are available.
Espresso Net
Address: 1152 St Catherine Street, Montréal
Tel: 514-527-0564
Chic internet cafe with over 25 PCs available in multiple languages. Internet service include extreme high speed internet connection, a wifi zone, PC gaming zone, scanning, printing, cd copy etc.
Mont Royal Depot
Address: 1680 avenue Mont Royal Est, Montréal, QC, H2J 1Z5
Tel: 514 788 0068
A cyber cafe that provides high end computers for rent to chat, surf, or play. $3 per hour.
Update 21/05/2013
Related articles:
When you move internationally you are taking a big step. Lots of things are changing and you have a million things to think about and take care of. If you are able to select a top of the line moving company that moves for a modest price, it can take a big weight of your shoulders in busy times.
Our network of international removal companies can move your furniture & possessions to Canada and anywhere overseas.
Filling in the form will allow you to request up to 5 quotes from various moving companies. This service is free of charge and will help you select an international moving company that suits your needs and budget.
Do you have comments or personal information to communicate about this article? Add your comment.
Find links about moving in / tv & internet in Montreal and a lot more in The links of expatriation.
Find more definitions and general answers on expatriation issues in the Expat FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
Go to the Forum to talk more about tv & internet in Montreal, moving in.