Telecommunications: Lesser-known providers are winning over consumers

Telecommunications: Lesser-known providers are winning over consumers

It’s not always necessary to pay more for good telecommunications service. That’s the conclusion of a survey conducted by Protégez-Vous, which polled over 3,000 Quebec consumers and compared the main telephone, internet, and television providers in Quebec.

At the top of the ranking is Oxio, an internet service provider owned by Cogeco. The company stands out for its quality customer service, clear billing, and competitive prices. Nine out of ten customers say they would recommend it.

Second place goes to Oricom Internet, a subsidiary of Bell, known for its efficient customer service. The Cooptel cooperative completes the top three thanks to its transparent billing and its ability to quickly resolve issues reported by its subscribers.

The survey also highlights a major source of frustration for consumers: many complain about what they call a “loyalty tax.” According to them, the best discounts are often reserved for new customers, while long-time subscribers must regularly negotiate to maintain a favorable rate.

However, the results show that this approach can be worthwhile. Among respondents who contacted their provider to renegotiate their plan, 62% obtained a better deal.

Protégez-Vous also emphasizes that consumers should not hesitate to compare offers and leverage competition when they want to reduce their telecommunications bills.

The survey was conducted between February 19 and March 3, 2026, among 3,165 members of the Protégez-Vous Consumer Panel.