oxio vs. TekSavvy
TekSavvy is a genuine independent from Chatham, Ontario, and we respect that. If a price that doesn't move and $0 setup matter more to you, that's what oxio is built around.
Published · Updated : Added sourced facts, public reviews and complaint data.
What's actually different
- TekSavvy is independent; oxio is owned by Cogeco
- TekSavvy raised most plans $3/month in October 2021
- oxio: no term contract, $0 setup, modem lent
A real independent, with the trade-offs that come with it
TekSavvy is genuinely independent, based in Chatham, Ontario, and has been one of the loudest voices against high wholesale rates [1]. We respect that. To be clear about our side: oxio isn't independent. Cogeco owns it and runs it as its own brand [4].
Being independent doesn't make TekSavvy immune to rate changes. It raised most residential internet prices by $3 a month in October 2021, and pinned it on a CRTC wholesale-rate decision [1]. Its recent reviewers also mention outages, unstable speeds and price increases [2].
How we would choose
If supporting an independent matters most to you, TekSavvy is the honest pick. If what you want is a price that doesn't move and setup that costs nothing, oxio is built around that: no term contract [6], and $0 activation, installation and shipping with the modem lent [5].
Both usually run over the same cable in the street [7], so speed at your address is more about the plan than the brand. Compare the plan tiers side by side.
TekSavvy vs. oxio, sourced
| What | The facts |
|---|---|
| Who owns it | Independent, based in Chatham, Ontario. [1] |
| Past price change | +$3/month for most residential internet customers from October 2021, attributed by TekSavvy to CRTC wholesale rates. [1] |
| Complaints (CCTS, Aug. 2024 – Jan. 2025) | 37 accepted complaints. [3] |
| oxio's side | Owned by Cogeco since 2023, run as its own brand; no term contract; $0 setup; modem lent. [4][5][6] |
What customers say publicly
- Trustpilot2.3 / 5(429 reviews) Themes: outages and unstable speeds, monthly price increases, and trouble reaching responsive support. 162 of the reviews are from the last 12 months. [2]
Sources
- TekSavvy blog: TekSavvy forced to raise prices as CRTC pads Big Telecom profits (Aug. 24, 2021)
- Trustpilot: TekSavvy 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
- oxio: Ground rules (networks, guarantee, fees)
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 TekSavvy
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 TekSavvy 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 TekSavvy service active until oxio is confirmed working, then cancel — that avoids any gap in your internet.
Get Your Free MonthReturn it through TekSavvy'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 TekSavvy behind?
Get your first month free when you sign up with oxio using this referral code.