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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsEligible Canadian families and seniors can access discounted home internet now through Connecting Families 2.0. The federal initiative offers plans priced at $10 or $20 per month plus applicable tax, but enrollment requires an official government invitation letter and a participating internet provider at the household’s address.
This is a Canadian program administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), not a U.S. broadband benefit. ISED currently lists the initiative as active, with program planning extending availability until March 2027.
What Connecting Families 2.0 offers
Connecting Families began in November 2018. Its second phase, Connecting Families 2.0, launched on April 1, 2022, expanded eligibility to qualifying low-income seniors and increased the faster plan’s allowance to 50 Mbps download, 10 Mbps upload and 200 GB of monthly data.
Internet providers participate voluntarily and offer the discounted plans without a government subsidy paid to the provider. The available service, equipment terms and installation arrangements depend on the provider serving your address.
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- AX1800: Enjoy smoother and more stable streaming, gaming, downloading with 1.8 Gbps total bandwidth (up to 1200 Mbps on 5 GHz and up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz). Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
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Current program details are published by ISED.
The two plans
| Plan | Monthly price | Download speed | Upload speed | Monthly data | Practical fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plan 1 | $10 plus tax | Up to 10 Mbps | Up to 1 Mbps | 100 GB | Browsing, email, government services, job applications and light use by one person |
| Plan 2 | $20 plus tax | Up to 50 Mbps | Up to 10 Mbps | 200 GB | Video calls, remote learning, streaming, telehealth and several connected devices |
These are maximum advertised speeds, not guarantees. Where 50 Mbps is unavailable, the government’s announcement says the household should receive the fastest speed available in that region. The usage guidance above is a practical interpretation of the limits, not a government performance guarantee.
Who is eligible?
The word “low-income” alone does not establish eligibility. The government identifies households through specific benefit records and sends invitations to those it finds eligible.
Families receiving the maximum Canada Child Benefit
A family must receive the maximum Canada Child Benefit (CCB). Receiving some CCB is not enough. Eligibility is assessed annually. See the official eligibility criteria.
Seniors receiving at least 80% of maximum GIS
A senior must receive at least 80% of the maximum Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), according to ISED’s current eligibility page. Age alone, Old Age Security alone or another provincial senior benefit does not automatically qualify someone.
Rank #2
- Dual-band Wi-Fi with 5 GHz speeds up to 867 Mbps and 2.4 GHz speeds up to 300 Mbps, delivering 1200 Mbps of total bandwidth¹. Dual-band routers do not support 6 GHz. Performance varies by conditions, distance to devices, and obstacles such as walls.
- Covers up to 1,000 sq. ft. with four external antennas for stable wireless connections and optimal coverage.
- Supports IGMP Proxy/Snooping, Bridge and Tag VLAN to optimize IPTV streaming
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
- Advanced Security with WPA3 - The latest Wi-Fi security protocol, WPA3, brings new capabilities to improve cybersecurity in personal networks
An invitation letter is mandatory
Even if your benefit situation appears to meet the threshold, you cannot simply tell an ISP that you have a low income and receive the plan. Only invited households can enroll. The government invitation contains a unique eight-digit access code.
How to apply
- Find the invitation letter. Keep the letter and its access code.
- Open the Connecting Families registration portal from the official ISED program page.
- Enter the code, name and address exactly as printed on the letter.
- Confirm your information. If you have moved, the government says you must initially use the address on the invitation; you can update the address later in the registration process.
- Review providers shown for your area. The portal provides the address-level options.
- Select a participating ISP.
- Contact that ISP to finish signup for the selected Connecting Families plan and ask about modem, installation, billing and contract terms.
Registration identifies which providers can serve the address; it does not mean every provider on the national list is available at your home.
Which providers participate?
ISED’s current list includes Access Communications, Beanfield, Bell Canada (including Bell Aliant and Bell MTS), Cogeco, CCAP, CSUR, Hay Communications, Mornington, Northwestel, Novus, Rally, Rogers, Rural Net, SaskTel, Tbaytel, TELUS, Vidéotron and Westman Media Cooperative.
Participation and coverage can change. Use the registration portal as the final authority rather than relying on an old provider list or a nearby company’s advertising.
Rank #3
- NIGHTHAWK WIFI 6 ROUTER FOR YOUR WHOLE HOME: Delivers fast, reliable WiFi across every room of your apartment or small home for streaming, gaming, video calls, and smart home devices, all running at the same time without slowing each other down.
- WORKS WITH YOUR EXISTING INTERNET SERVICE: Pairs with your existing modem or gateway via ethernet. Compatible with most cable, fiber, DSL, and satellite providers. Some gateways and modem router combos may require bridge mode. No coax needed.
- SET UP AND MANAGE YOUR NETWORK WITH THE NIGHTHAWK APP: Download the free Nighthawk app on iOS or Android for guided setup. Manage WiFi, run speed tests, pause devices, and set up guest networks from anywhere. Active internet required.
- READY FOR THE DEVICES YOU ALREADY OWN: Your phones, laptops, and TVs work right out of the box. WiFi 6 delivers speeds up to 1.8 Gbps across 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Backward compatible with WiFi 5 and earlier.
- COVERAGE IN EVERY ROOM: Covers up to 1,500 sq. ft. for up to 20 connected devices. Walls, floors, and interference can reduce range. Larger or multi-story homes may benefit from a NETGEAR Orbi mesh WiFi system.
Important limits before you enroll
The price is before tax
The advertised amounts are $10 plus tax and $20 plus tax. Your bill will not necessarily total exactly $10 or $20.
Data is capped
Neither plan is unlimited: the allowances are 100 GB or 200 GB per month. Several people streaming high-definition video, downloading games or backing up large files could use 200 GB quickly. Ask the selected ISP what happens after the allowance—such as reduced speeds, overage charges or restrictions—because ISED does not set one universal policy.
Coverage is not nationwide
Providers participate voluntarily and may not serve every community, especially rural and remote areas. A participating company in your town may still be unable to connect your specific address.
Switching providers is generally restricted
Once enrolled, participants generally must remain with the selected ISP. Moving to an area outside that provider’s service area is an identified exception. Confirm the move and transfer rules with the provider before changing homes.
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Existing contracts may still cost money
If you already have an ISP contract or promotional commitment, the ISED FAQ warns that you may remain responsible for the value left on that agreement. The $20 plan is not an automatic penalty-free cancellation route.
Equipment and installation are provider-specific
The federal program specifies the price, speed and data allowance, but it does not promise free Wi-Fi equipment, installation, a modem, unlimited data or identical contract terms. Get those details in writing from the selected ISP.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you lost the invitation or have no provider
Lost invitation letter
The access code cannot be independently replaced by an ISP. Use the government’s invitation-letter guidance to contact the Connecting Families Initiative team. Do not submit personal information to unrelated “free internet” websites.
No participating provider at your address
The program is not a cash voucher that can be used with any internet company. If the portal shows no provider, ask the program team whether your eligibility or address record needs correction, then compare ordinary low-cost wired, fixed-wireless or mobile-home internet options. Public libraries and community centres can provide temporary access, but they are not a substitute for home service.
Best Value
- Dual band router upgrades to 1200 Mbps high speed internet (300mbps for 2.4GHz plus 900Mbps for 5GHz), reducing buffering and ideal for 4K stream
- Full Gigabit Ports - Gigabit Router with 4 Gigabit LAN ports, ideal for any internet plan and allow you to directly connect your wired devices
- Boosted Coverage - Four external antennas equipped with Beamforming technology extend and concentrate the Wi-Fi signals
- MU-MIMO technology - (5GHz band) allows high speeds for multiple devices simultaneously
- Access Point Mode - Supports AP Mode to transform your wired connection into wireless network, an ideal wireless router for home
Could the $20 plan be enough?
Plan 2 is better suited to a family sharing video calls, schoolwork, streaming and multiple devices, but 200 GB remains a finite allowance. Plan 1 can cover essential online tasks for a light-use household, while simultaneous video, large downloads or professional uploads may exceed its speed and data limits. Choose based on actual household use, not the headline price alone.
Discounted devices may also be available
Eligible participants may be able to obtain a discounted refurbished laptop, computer, tablet or accessory through Computers for Schools Plus. Stock and participating affiliates vary by region, and supplies are limited.
Quick eligibility checklist
- You live in Canada and receive the maximum CCB, or you receive at least 80% of maximum GIS.
- You have the official Connecting Families invitation letter and eight-digit code.
- Your address appears in the registration portal.
- A participating ISP serves that exact address.
- You understand the applicable tax, 100 GB or 200 GB allowance and provider-specific equipment terms.
- You have checked any existing ISP contract before switching.
As of August 18, 2026, Connecting Families 2.0 is operating and is listed in ISED planning material through March 2027. Check the official program page for changes before enrolling.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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