About CityWide Internet
CityWide Communications is a Canadian-owned and operated internet service provider that has been serving customers since 1996. Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, CityWide has built a solid reputation as a regional ISP focused on providing affordable, no-nonsense internet service to homes and small businesses in Atlantic Canada and parts of Ontario. With a commitment to customer service, contract-free plans, and unlimited data offerings, CityWide presents itself as a dependable alternative to larger national ISPs.
CityWide’s operations emphasize transparency, flexibility, and affordability. It delivers internet through DSL and cable technologies and leverages existing infrastructure to offer a cost-effective and reliable solution for customers who want straightforward internet without bundled services or hidden fees. CityWide is especially known for treating customers fairly, offering honest pricing, and maintaining a friendly and knowledgeable support team that’s easy to reach and work with.
CityWide Internet Coverage Area
CityWide Communications serves customers in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and parts of Ontario. As a regional provider, its focus is not nationwide coverage but rather quality service in select communities where its presence is strong and well-established. Customers in both urban and suburban areas benefit from CityWide’s reliable connections and competitive pricing.
Key areas covered by CityWide include:
- Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM)
- Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, and surrounding areas
- Moncton and Fredericton, New Brunswick
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Southern and Eastern Ontario – including Ottawa, Kingston, and London
Coverage availability varies by neighborhood and the type of infrastructure available. Cable and DSL service depends on the underlying network in each area, which CityWide accesses through wholesale agreements with major carriers.
CityWide Internet Technology
CityWide offers internet services using two primary technologies: cable and DSL. These options provide flexible choices for customers depending on their location, internet usage habits, and household size. CityWide does not currently offer fiber or fixed wireless but has optimized its cable and DSL offerings to deliver strong reliability for daily online activities.
Cable Internet
Cable internet is available in areas with existing coaxial infrastructure and provides higher download speeds than DSL. Typical cable internet packages from CityWide range from 30 Mbps to over 100 Mbps, making them suitable for families, remote workers, and streaming households. Cable internet offers faster performance with more consistent speeds for multi-user environments.
DSL Internet
DSL is widely available in older neighborhoods and rural areas where telephone line infrastructure is still in place. CityWide’s DSL services offer speeds from 6 Mbps to 25 Mbps, suitable for light browsing, emailing, and casual streaming. DSL is a budget-friendly option, particularly for seniors or smaller households that do not require high bandwidth.
Installation Process
CityWide provides both professional technician installations and self-installation kits, depending on service type and customer preference. The process is straightforward, with most installations completed within 5 to 7 business days after order placement.
Technician Installation
If your home requires a new connection or signal activation, a technician visit will be scheduled. CityWide coordinates the appointment and ensures that the connection is properly tested and configured. The technician also assists with modem setup and provides guidance on optimal router placement.
Self-Installation
In homes already wired for service, CityWide offers self-installation options. Customers receive a modem and instructions by mail, along with access to phone support should assistance be required. This method is quick and minimizes wait times, especially in buildings with prior service history.
Modem and Router Rental
CityWide offers modem rentals for a small monthly fee, generally ranging from $5 to $10 depending on the model and connection type. Customers can also purchase the modem outright or use their own compatible device to reduce monthly fees. Approved modem models are listed on the CityWide website, and customer service can help verify compatibility.
CityWide also provides wireless routers and mesh system options for enhanced Wi-Fi coverage. While technical support is only guaranteed for CityWide-provided hardware, they do offer limited assistance for customers using their own equipment as long as it is configured correctly.
Internet Speeds and Performance
CityWide offers a variety of internet plans to suit different user needs. Cable plans typically provide higher download speeds, ideal for streaming, gaming, and large file downloads, while DSL plans offer slower but stable connections for less intensive users. Download speeds range from 6 Mbps on basic DSL to 120+ Mbps on higher-tier cable packages. Upload speeds vary depending on the network but are sufficient for remote work, video conferencing, and cloud backups.
Performance is generally reliable, with minimal interruptions and good consistency across different usage times. Since CityWide uses wholesale access through larger networks, performance may be influenced by local congestion during peak hours. However, customers frequently report a stable experience and minimal downtime.
Customer Support and Service
CityWide has earned a reputation for responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly customer service. Based in Halifax, their support team is easy to reach by phone or email, and wait times are usually shorter than with larger ISPs. Customers praise CityWide for clear communication, helpful technicians, and no surprise billing charges.
Support is available for a wide range of issues including billing, installation assistance, equipment troubleshooting, and account management. The company is known for working closely with customers to resolve concerns quickly and efficiently, often going above and beyond in customer interactions.
CityWide Internet Reviews
CityWide consistently receives high marks from customers who value local service, honest pricing, and reliable connections. Many users have switched from major ISPs due to high costs or poor support and found CityWide to be a refreshing change. Positive reviews frequently mention friendly staff, flexible plans, and smooth service transitions.
Some users on DSL plans mention limitations with speed, especially in older neighborhoods, but this is common with DSL technology in general. Overall, satisfaction is high among CityWide’s customer base.
Read CityWide Internet Reviews
CityWide vs Other ISPs
Compared to major telecom companies like Bell, Rogers, or Eastlink, CityWide stands out for its localized customer care, straightforward pricing, and flexibility. While it may not match the gigabit speeds or extensive bundles of the larger providers, it offers dependable service without the burden of contracts, data caps, or upselling.
Against other regional or independent ISPs such as TekSavvy or Start.ca, CityWide is competitive in terms of price and performance. Its focus on Atlantic Canada gives it a stronger regional presence and more localized support than providers with a broader but thinner national footprint.
CityWide also appeals to customers who value contract-free services, no data overages, and real human interaction with support staff. Its honest and customer-first approach helps it compete effectively in a crowded ISP market.
Conclusion: Is CityWide a Good Choice?
CityWide is an excellent internet service provider for residents in Atlantic Canada and parts of Ontario seeking simple, affordable, and dependable connectivity. With competitive DSL and cable options, responsive support, and no long-term commitments, it is especially suitable for renters, students, seniors, and families looking to avoid the complications of big-name ISPs.
Whether you live in downtown Halifax or a quiet suburb in New Brunswick, CityWide offers straightforward internet that gets the job done without the hassle. Its focus on transparency and customer satisfaction makes it a standout choice among Canadian ISPs.
