As enterprises across Canada increasingly rely on internet connectivity and robust cybersecurity where high-performance internet connection is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. A slow, unstable connection can disrupt operations, frustrate employees and damage your brand. This is where Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) comes in.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand what DIA is and compare the top dedicated internet access providers in Canada. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to choose the right solution for your business, if you’re a small startup or a large enterprise.
What is Dedicated Internet Access?
Dedicated Internet Access, also known as a leased line or symmetrical internet, is a private, unshared internet connection. It runs directly from the provider’s network to your business. Unlike traditional broadband, you don’t share bandwidth with other companies or residential users. This guarantees that the speeds you pay for are the speeds you get, all the time.
Key features of DIA include.
- Symmetrical Speeds: Your upload and download speeds are the same. This is vital for businesses that transfer large files, use cloud services, or rely on VoIP and video conferencing.
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs): DIA providers give you a contractually guaranteed level of service. This includes uptime, latency, and packet loss. If the provider doesn’t meet these metrics, you may get a service credit.
- Uncontended Connection: Your bandwidth is not shared. This eliminates slowdowns during busy hours.
| Feature | Dedicated Internet Access (DIA) | Broadband (Cable/DSL) | Get Quote |
|---|---|---|---|
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Connection Type |
Private, unshared. You get a dedicated circuit. |
Shared with other users in your neighbourhood. |
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Speed |
Symmetrical (equal upload/download speeds) and guaranteed. |
Asymmetrical (download is much faster than upload) and “up to” speeds. |
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Reliability |
Extremely reliable with a guaranteed uptime SLA (e.g., 99.9%). |
“Best-effort” service; speeds and reliability can change with network traffic. |
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Support |
24/7 enterprise-level technical support with guaranteed response times. |
Standard customer support, often with long wait times and no guaranteed fix time. |
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Ideal For |
Businesses with critical applications (cloud, VoIP), large data transfers, or multiple users. |
Small businesses, home offices, and general web browsing. |
Common Uses for DIA
- Software Development Firms: Teams uploading and downloading massive codebases to cloud repositories.
- Architecture & Engineering Firms: Collaborating on large CAD files and blueprints stored in the cloud.
- Marketing Agencies: Uploading high-resolution video and image assets to clients.
- Call Centers: Ensuring clear audio quality for hundreds of concurrent VoIP calls.
- Data-heavy Operations: Businesses running real-time analytics, financial trading platforms, or large-scale data backups.
Why Choose a Dedicated Internet Access Provider?
- Guaranteed Reliability and Uptime: An SLA-backed connection ensures your business stays online. This is vital for operations where every minute of downtime costs money.
- Faster, Symmetrical Speeds: Fast uploads are just as crucial as downloads. This allows for faster collaboration, smoother video conferencing, and more efficient use of cloud-based applications.
- Enhanced Security: DIA connections are more secure because they aren’t on a public, shared network. Many providers also offer optional services like DDoS protection.
- 24/7 Enterprise-Level Support: When an issue comes up, you have direct access to a dedicated support team. They understand your business and work quickly to fix the problem, as outlined in your SLA.
- Scalability: DIA plans are highly scalable. This allows you to easily increase your bandwidth as your business grows without needing a complete network overhaul.
a. Rogers Business
10 Mbps – 10 Gbps+
Fiber & Wireless
24/7/365 Technical
Overview: Rogers is a major Canadian telecommunications company with a vast fiber network. They are a leading provider of dedicated internet services, especially after buying Shaw which expanded their network.
Key Features
- Uptime SLA: Guaranteed uptime of 99.9%.
- Tech Support: 24/7/365 dedicated business technical support.
- Redundancy: Options for wireless backup and extra connections to ensure maximum uptime.
Ideal For
Large enterprises and medium-sized businesses that need a high-performance, secure, and reliable connection for cloud applications, large-scale data transfer and multi-site connectivity.
Pros
- Top-tier network reliability and security.
- Extensive coverage especially in major cities.
- Strong reputation and a wide range of business solutions.
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to some regional providers.
- Installation might take longer for new fiber builds.
b. Bell Canada
Fiber & Wireless
24/7/365 Technical
Overview: Bell is another giant in telecommunications with a robust national network. They are well-known for their focus on fiber optic infrastructure and their diverse business services.
DIA Plans and Speed Tiers
- Bell's dedicated internet offers scalable speeds. This ranges from basic DIA up to ultra-high-speed services in the 10 Gbps+ range.
Key Features
- Uptime SLA: They offer strong SLAs, often with a 4-hour average repair time.
- Proactive Monitoring: Their network is monitored 24/7 to find and fix issues before they impact service.
- Network Performance Guarantees: SLAs cover performance metrics like latency, jitter and packet loss.
Ideal For
Enterprises and organizations that need a highly reliable connection for mission-critical applications and prefer a fully-managed solution.
Pros
- Extensive and reliable pure fiber network.
- Proven track record with large Canadian businesses.
- A full suite of managed IT services.
Cons
- Pricing can be complex and is often not public, so you need a custom quote.
- This may not be the most cost-effective option for smaller businesses.
c. TELUS
PureFibre (Fiber)
Managed 24/7
Overview: Serving Western Canada, TELUS is a leading provider of business internet and telecommunications. Their PureFibre network is known for its speed and reliability.
DIA Plans and Speed Tiers
- TELUS offers a range of dedicated internet options. They utilize their fiber network to provide symmetrical speeds of up to 5 Gbps and higher in select regions.
Key Features
- Symmetrical Speeds: A key feature of their PureFibre network by ensuring fast uploads for cloud and collaboration tools.
- Award-Winning Network: Their network has been recognized for its speed and reliability.
- Managed Services: They provide a fully managed service, which includes monitoring and a single point of contact for support.
Ideal For
Businesses in Western Canada that need a high-speed, reliable and managed fiber solution.
Pros
- Excellent reputation for network performance and customer service.
- Strong presence and deep network in British Columbia and Alberta.
- Focus on symmetrical speeds across most plans.
Cons
- Limited service area, mainly in Western Canada.
- Custom quotes are needed for most DIA plans, so pricing isn't transparent.
d. Cogeco Business
100% Fiber
Local Experts
Overview: Cogeco Business serves parts of Ontario and Quebec with a strong fiber network. They are a strong regional player with a focus on delivering dedicated and scalable solutions.
DIA Plans and Speed Tiers
- Cogeco offers dedicated fiber internet with speeds from 5 Mbps to over 10 Gbps. The plans are flexible and scalable.
Key Features
- 100% Fiber Network: Cogeco owns its fiber network by providing a high-quality and uncontended connection.
- Local Support: They have dedicated local experts who know the unique needs of businesses in your area.
- Quality of Service Guarantee: Their service agreements ensure high-quality network performance with minimal delay.
Ideal For
This is a good option for businesses in Ontario and Quebec seeking a dependable local provider with personalized service and a wholly-owned fiber network.
Pros
- Strong regional expertise and customer focus.
- Competitive pricing for the service and scalability.
- Focus on a pure fiber-based delivery.
Cons
- Geographically limited to specific regions in Central and Eastern Canada.
- It may not have the same national-scale infrastructure as Bell or Rogers.
e. Beanfield Metroconnect
100% Fiber
Community-Focused
Overview: Beanfield is a Canadian telecommunications company that specializes in fiber-optic internet for businesses in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. They are known for their high-speed, symmetrical and community-focused approach.
DIA Plans and Speed Tiers
- Beanfield offers dedicated Ethernet internet with symmetrical speeds of 1G, 10G and even 100G. They also have plans for dynamic needs.
Key Features
- Best-in-Class SLA: They are known for having one of the strongest SLAs in the industry by ensuring uptime and performance.
- All-Fibre Network: Their entire network is 100% fiber-optic by providing minimal latency and maximum speed.
- Community-Focused: They use direct peering with other networks which provides a more efficient and reliable data path.
Ideal For
Businesses in major Canadian cities that demand the fastest possible speeds and the highest level of reliability and customer service.
Pros
- Exceptional symmetrical speeds and network performance.
- Known for excellent customer service and fast installation times.
- Simple and transparent plans and pricing.
Cons
- The service area is particularly concentrated in urban cores.
- This is not an option for businesses in rural or suburban areas.
How to Choose the Right DIA Provider for Your Business
- Assess Your Needs
- Speed: How many employees do you have? How much do you rely on cloud tools, video and large file transfers? A good rule of thumb is to factor in 10-20 Mbps of symmetrical bandwidth per heavy user.
- Budget: DIA is an investment. While it costs more than broadband, the returns from better productivity and reliability are often significant.
- Service Area: Does the provider have fiber access to your business location? Check their coverage map or contact them directly.
- Ask for SLA Guarantees: A strong SLA is the foundation of DIA. Please request a copy of their Service Level Agreement. Pay close attention to the promised uptime percentage, latency metrics and the guaranteed fix or response time.
- Consider Local Support and Installation Time: A local support team can be a significant advantage. Also, ask about the typical installation time. It can take a few weeks or several months, depending on whether a new fiber line is needed.
| Provider | Speed Range | Contract Terms | SLA Uptime | Fiber Availability | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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10 Mbps – 10 Gbps+ |
3-5 years |
99.90% |
Extensive (on-net)
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10 Mbps – 100 Gbps+ |
3-5 years |
99.90% |
Extensive (on-net)
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10 Mbps – 10 Gbps+ |
3-5 years |
99.90% |
Western Canada |
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5 Mbps – 10 Gbps+ |
3-5 years |
99.90% |
Ontario & Quebec
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100 Mbps – 100 Gbps+ |
1-5 years |
99.90% |
Urban Cores (select) |
Dedicated Internet for Small Business vs. Enterprise
While the concept is the same, the use of DIA is different for businesses of various sizes.
- Small Businesses: A growing small business with 10-50 employees that uses VoIP and cloud software can benefit from an entry-level DIA plan (e.g., 100 Mbps to 500 Mbps). The guaranteed symmetrical speeds prevent slow video calls and file uploads that kill productivity.
- Enterprises: Large enterprises with hundreds of employees and multiple locations need high-capacity, redundant DIA connections (1 Gbps+). Their needs focus on supporting a massive user base and complex applications. This ensures business continuity with minimal risk of downtime.
What is the difference between broadband and dedicated internet access?
Broadband is a shared connection with asymmetrical speeds and no performance guarantees. DIA is a private, unshared connection with symmetrical speeds and a guaranteed Service Level Agreement (SLA).
Is DIA worth it for small businesses?
Yes, for small businesses that depend on real-time collaboration, cloud software, and reliable communication, DIA is a significant investment. The money saved from avoiding downtime and improving productivity is often much greater than the higher monthly fee.
What are typical SLA terms from DIA providers?
Typical SLA terms include a guaranteed uptime of 99.9% or higher. They also include metrics for latency (ping time), packet loss, and jitter. They also specify a timeframe for technical support to respond and fix issues.
How much does dedicated internet access cost?
The cost changes based on speed, location, and provider. Although it costs more than residential plans, prices have decreased. Most plans are custom-quoted. An entry-level DIA for a small business may start at a few hundred dollars per month. At the same time, an enterprise-level service can cost thousands.
Can I get DIA in rural areas?
DIA is usually delivered via a fiber-optic connection, which is more common in cities and suburbs. While fiber is expanding, it can be challenging to obtain DIA in rural areas without incurring significant upfront construction costs.
How long does installation take?
Installation time can vary. If your building is already on-net (meaning it’s already connected to the provider’s fiber) where it could take a few weeks.
Conclusion
Choosing a reliable and dedicated internet access provider in Canada is one of the most wise decisions you can make for your business’s connectivity and growth. Don’t settle for unpredictable performance and frustrating slowdowns. Take the first step toward a more reliable, productive and secure future. Contact one of the providers listed above to get a custom quote and discuss your specific business needs. An advisor can help you find the perfect DIA solution for your business.
