oxio vs. Distributel
Distributel has been part of Bell since December 2022, and its public reviews keep pointing at slow support and billing problems. oxio has $0 setup and no term contract.
Published · Updated : Added sourced facts, public reviews and complaint data.
What's actually different
- Bell bought Distributel on December 1, 2022
- Reviews cite slow support, billing issues and missed installs
- oxio: $0 activation, installation and shipping, modem lent
Distributel has been part of Bell since December 2022
Distributel used to be one of the bigger national independents. Bell completed its purchase on December 1, 2022, for $303 million in cash plus up to $39 million more tied to performance targets [1], and the CCTS now counts it in the Bell group [2].
Its public reviews, though few, point the same way again and again: slow support, speeds below what was sold, billing problems and missed installation appointments [3].
What changes with oxio
oxio's setup costs are $0 (activation, installation, shipping) and the modem is lent [5], with no term contract [6]. One monthly number, no equipment line.
Our tip for anyone leaving Distributel: ask for your final-bill amount in writing before you cancel, and return any rented equipment with tracking.
Distributel vs. oxio, sourced
What customers say publicly
- Trustpilot1.3 / 5(67 reviews) Themes: poor customer service, slow speeds, billing issues and missed installation appointments. [3]
Sources
- BCE Inc. 2022 annual report (SEC Form 40-F exhibit): acquisitions of EBOX and Distributel
- CCTS Annual Report 2024–25: Working with service providers
- Trustpilot: Distributel reviews
- CCTS accepted complaints, Aug. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 (data file)
- oxio Help Centre: activation, shipping and equipment fees
- oxio: Internet plans and FAQ
Researched by Simon. Last checked: . Facts are checked against the linked sources on the date shown. Prices and policies change, so confirm with the provider before you decide. Opinions are ours.
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching From Distributel
The practical stuff, answered.
oxio sells in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, over Cogeco, Vidéotron or Rogers cable depending on the area. It isn't available in Atlantic Canada. Enter your address on oxio's site to see the plans at your exact address.
Get Your Free Monthoxio lists $0 for activation, installation and shipping, and lends you the modem at no charge. What you may owe Distributel depends on your current agreement, so check its end date and any equipment you need to return.
Get Your Free MonthUsually just a few days from signup to being online. Keep your Distributel service active until oxio is confirmed working, then cancel — that avoids any gap in your internet.
Get Your Free MonthReturn it through Distributel's own process once you've cancelled — oxio ships you its own equipment regardless, so there's no overlap or workaround needed.
Get Your Free MonthReady to leave Distributel behind?
Get your first month free when you sign up with oxio using this referral code.