oxio vs. Primus
Primus is a Bell brand: Distributel bought it in 2021, and Bell bought Distributel in 2022. oxio sits outside the Bell group, with no term contract and $0 setup.
Published · Updated : Added sourced facts, public reviews and complaint data.
What's actually different
- Primus is in the Bell group
- Reviews cite outages, long waits and billing disputes
- oxio: no term contract, $0 setup, modem lent
Primus is a Bell brand, two acquisitions deep
Distributel bought Primus Canada in 2021, and Bell bought Distributel in 2022 [1]. The CCTS lists Primus in the Bell group [2]. So a switch from Bell to Primus mostly changes the logo.
Its public reviews centre on outages and disconnections, long waits and communication problems, and billing disputes over overcharges and refunds [3].
What changes with oxio
oxio is outside the Bell group, with no term contract [6] and $0 activation, installation and shipping, with the modem lent [5].
Primus sells a menu of bundles. If you only need internet, compare Primus's internet-only price with oxio's at your address, and make sure you're comparing the price after any intro period.
Primus vs. oxio, sourced
What customers say publicly
- Trustpilot1.4 / 5(98 reviews) Themes: frequent outages and disconnections, long waits and communication barriers, and billing disputes over overcharges and refunds. [3]
Sources
- Wikipedia: Distributel (acquisition of Primus Canada, 2021)
- CCTS Annual Report 2024–25: Working with service providers
- Trustpilot: Primus 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 Primus
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 Primus 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 Primus service active until oxio is confirmed working, then cancel — that avoids any gap in your internet.
Get Your Free MonthReturn it through Primus'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 Primus behind?
Get your first month free when you sign up with oxio using this referral code.