oxio vs. Ebox
EBOX was a Quebec independent until Bell bought it in 2022 for $153 million. oxio is owned by Cogeco and run as its own brand, with no term contract and $0 setup.
Published · Updated : Updated the Trustpilot review count and pointed the Bell purchase to the filing that states the price.
What's actually different
- EBOX has been part of Bell since February 2022
- oxio has been owned by Cogeco since 2023, run as its own brand
- oxio: no term contract, $0 activation, installation and shipping
EBOX has been Bell since 2022
EBOX built its reputation as a Quebec independent. That chapter ended in February 2022, when Bell bought EBOX and related companies for $153 million in cash; Bell kept the brand running [1]. It's now listed in the Bell group alongside Virgin Plus, Distributel and Primus [2].
To be straight about our side too: oxio isn't independent either. Cogeco bought oxio's telecom operations in 2023, and says oxio continues to operate as its own brand [5]. So this isn't indie vs. big telco; it's two brands owned by bigger companies, with different rules.
What the reviews point to
EBOX's public reviews focus on long waits, missed installation appointments and communication breakdowns [3], and EBOX entered the CCTS's top 25 most-complained-about brands in 2024–25 after a significant jump [2].
oxio's setup has $0 activation, installation and shipping, with the modem lent [6], and no term contract [7]. If you're switching, schedule oxio's activation first and cancel EBOX once you're online.
EBOX vs. oxio, sourced
| What | The facts |
|---|---|
| Who owns it | Bell (BCE), since February 2022; $153 million cash purchase. [1] |
| Complaints (CCTS) | Entered the top 25 brands by complaints in 2024–25; 38 accepted complaints from Aug. 2024 to Jan. 2025. [2][4] |
| oxio's side | Owned by Cogeco since 2023, run as its own brand; no term contract; $0 activation, installation and shipping; modem lent. [5][6][7] |
What customers say publicly
- Trustpilot1.5 / 5(173 reviews) Themes: long wait times for support, missed installation appointments, and poor follow-up communication. [3]
Sources
- BCE Inc. Q1 2022 financial statements (SEC Form 6-K exhibit), note 4: acquisition of EBOX
- CCTS Annual Report 2024–25: Working with service providers
- Trustpilot: EBOX reviews
- CCTS accepted complaints, Aug. 1, 2024 – Jan. 31, 2025 (data file)
- Cogeco: Cogeco Connexion announces the acquisition of oxio (Feb. 21, 2023)
- 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 Ebox
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 Ebox 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 Ebox service active until oxio is confirmed working, then cancel — that avoids any gap in your internet.
Get Your Free MonthReturn it through Ebox'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 Ebox behind?
Get your first month free when you sign up with oxio using this referral code.