About Storm Internet
Storm Internet is an independent internet service provider headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario. Founded in 1996, Storm has grown from a small local provider into a respected ISP known for delivering reliable broadband access to both urban and rural communities across Eastern Ontario. With decades of experience in the field, Storm Internet specializes in DSL, cable, and fixed wireless internet solutions tailored for residential users, farms, and businesses located beyond the reach of traditional infrastructure.
As one of the earliest internet providers in the province, Storm Internet takes pride in offering customer-focused services, flexible installation options, unlimited usage, and personalized technical support. Its commitment to expanding digital access to underserved areas has made Storm a popular choice among rural residents seeking alternatives to satellite or inconsistent cellular connections.
Storm Internet Coverage Area
Storm Internet’s service footprint spans Eastern Ontario, with key areas including Ottawa, Kingston, Perth, Cornwall, Brockville, and smaller towns and villages across Lanark, Leeds, Grenville, and Prescott counties. The provider delivers DSL and cable internet in more densely populated neighborhoods and fixed wireless to remote or rural properties, including farms and seasonal homes.
Coverage includes:
- Ottawa and surrounding suburbs
- Carleton Place, Smiths Falls, Kemptville
- Kingston, Brockville, Gananoque
- Rural communities across Eastern and Southeastern Ontario
- Parts of Central Ontario and cottage regions
Storm’s reach into remote locations is made possible through its network of wireless towers, rooftop antennas, and infrastructure partnerships with local utilities and real estate developers.
Technology and Internet Types
Storm Internet delivers connectivity through three core technologies: DSL over phone lines, cable over coaxial networks, and fixed wireless using radio transmission. This diversified delivery model ensures that customers in urban centers and remote farms alike can access dependable internet service tailored to their environment.
DSL Internet
Storm’s DSL internet is available in most communities where telephone lines are present. Download speeds range from 6 Mbps to 50 Mbps depending on line quality and distance from the local exchange. DSL is a cost-effective solution for light to moderate internet users and is suitable for web browsing, video streaming, and online learning.
Cable Internet
In areas with existing coaxial infrastructure, Storm provides cable internet with higher speeds and better performance consistency than DSL. Cable plans generally offer download speeds between 30 Mbps and 100 Mbps, making them a strong choice for families and heavy internet users who need bandwidth for streaming, remote work, or gaming.
Fixed Wireless Internet
Storm is best known for its fixed wireless internet, which uses radio signals from transmission towers to deliver broadband access to rural homes, farms, and businesses. With speeds from 10 Mbps up to 50 Mbps, fixed wireless is a practical and reliable alternative to satellite, especially in regions with limited access to DSL or cable infrastructure. Wireless packages include rooftop antenna installation, which connects to an indoor router.
Installation and Setup Process
Storm Internet offers both professional and self-installation services, depending on the internet type and customer location.
DSL and Cable Installation
For DSL and cable customers, Storm coordinates service activation through infrastructure partners. If required, a technician will visit the premises to ensure proper wiring and configure the modem/router. Self-installation may be available for returning customers or those with pre-wired units.
Fixed Wireless Installation
Storm provides full installation for wireless customers. A technician will assess signal quality, install a directional antenna on the roof or exterior wall, and connect it to an indoor modem/router. Installation typically takes 2–3 hours and ensures reliable connectivity even in forested or low-signal areas.
Modem and Router Rental
Storm Internet offers modem and router rentals for a small monthly fee, usually ranging from $5 to $10 depending on the device. For fixed wireless plans, Storm provides a complete package that includes a roof-mounted antenna and an indoor wireless router. Customers can also bring their own modems if compatible, but using Storm-approved equipment ensures optimal performance and easier remote troubleshooting.
For larger homes, mesh Wi-Fi options are available to extend wireless coverage across multiple floors or wide rural properties.
Internet Speeds and Data Usage
Storm Internet’s plans come with download speeds suited for various use cases, from basic browsing and email to video conferencing and streaming. While DSL speeds top out around 50 Mbps, cable and fixed wireless plans offer faster and more stable connectivity. Most Storm plans include unlimited data usage, making them suitable for households with multiple devices and data-intensive tasks like 4K video or cloud-based work.
In contrast to satellite providers, Storm’s fixed wireless solutions offer lower latency and greater reliability, even in inclement weather. Customers in rural Ontario often experience a marked improvement in performance and consistency after switching to Storm Internet.
Customer Support and Service
Storm Internet is known for its accessible and friendly support team, based locally in Ontario. Support is available via phone, email, and an online portal, with technicians and service agents who understand the unique connectivity challenges of rural living. Unlike national providers, Storm’s support staff can tailor assistance to individual needs and respond quickly to outages or service issues.
Customers can manage their accounts online, track bandwidth usage, submit support tickets, and schedule installation or maintenance appointments through the Storm Internet portal.
Storm Internet Reviews
Storm Internet reviews highlight the provider’s reliability, rural reach, and personalized support. Customers consistently praise Storm’s ability to connect areas where national ISPs fall short, especially farms and seasonal homes. Users appreciate the straightforward pricing, unlimited data, and the helpfulness of the technical team.
While speeds are generally stable, some rural users have noted that performance may fluctuate during peak hours on wireless plans. However, this is often seen as a significant improvement compared to satellite or mobile hotspot alternatives.
Storm Internet vs Other ISPs
Compared to major providers like Bell, Rogers, or Xplore, Storm Internet offers more flexible, community-driven solutions. Its strength lies in addressing the needs of underserved rural markets with wireless technology that performs better than satellite and does not require a phone line or cable TV service.
When compared to other independent ISPs such as TekSavvy, Start.ca, or Distributel, Storm distinguishes itself with its extensive fixed wireless network and its hands-on installation and support in rural areas. Storm’s transparent billing, local focus, and commitment to customer service make it an attractive alternative to impersonal national brands.
Conclusion: Is Storm Internet Right for You?
Storm Internet is an ideal provider for users in Eastern Ontario looking for dependable, unlimited internet without the constraints of urban infrastructure. With DSL, cable, and wireless options tailored for everything from city homes to remote farms, Storm delivers on its promise of connecting communities with reliable broadband access. Its locally managed support, flexible plans, and investment in rural connectivity continue to set it apart in Canada’s ISP landscape.