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Review by brkcanuck 
member for 7 years, 3 visits, last login: 3.1 years ago
updated 3.1 years ago
 Etobicoke,ON
 $55 per month- (60 month contract)
 about 2 days "Fast for basic web-surfing." "Traffic shaping messes up VPN (PPTP, L2TP), SSL and any remote login services where traffic is encrypted." "Don't use this ISP if needing to connect to work VPNs or personal PC's remotely"
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I’ve been a Rogers customer for over a decade, but at this address for at least 5 years. For the longest time I was quite happy with the service. The speeds were the best in the industry (pre-Bell Fibe) and connections were reliable.
Connectivity to the house is still extremely reliable and at least the hardware side of their business should be commended. But about 2 or 3 months ago, Rogers cranked up some form of traffic shaping in my neighbourhood. A Google search yields interesting results on who Rogers partners with and these results would seem to confirm some of what I will share here.
Firstly, let me share the good news. If I was a basic web-surfer using simple POP and SMTP services provided by Rogers, I probably would never have noticed the difference. If this is you, take my review with a grain of salt.
I’m more of a power-user who very much relies on the advertized services being protocol agnostic and reliable. For example, where most home users might use web-mail, I’m connecting like many users working from home to an Exchange server (RPC-over-HTTP) when not connected to the work’s Virtual Private Network (VPN) which Rogers appears to be restricting based on my tests. My tests also reveal problems for users tunnelling traffic through their VPN connections (PPTP and L2TP in my case, but could be equally applicable to other VPN connections where the connection is encrypted).
Because Rogers does not share it’s traffic shaping parameters in its terms of service nor publicly online and because the CRTC has no requirement incumbent upon ISPs to disclose this information, I can only share anecdotal information.
When one large encrypted tunnel is opened, Rogers appears to be limiting to approximately 500 kbps to 1 mbps down regardless of the speed the end-points in the tunnel would otherwise be capable of. Yes my service is the 10 mbps service and no I don’t expect to get that full amount, but, when my external tests yield quintuple the throughput from a different client endpoint pointing to the same server endpoint, clearly something is amiss. Often this tunnel will get squeezed or throttled further back than this resulting in terminated sessions (like remote desktop, file downloads from work, emails perpetually stuck in the outbox, etc.) even when the Speed test from Rogers would have me believe from their test-server to my house I’m getting the full 10 mbps or even more.
I have some unproven suspicions leading me to believe they may be limiting the number of simultaneous TCP streams preventing reliable connectivity even when my VPN is not being used (e.g. Outlook connecting to Exchange using RPC-over-HTTPS) .
My thinking, with search results from Google appearing to corroborate, is that this is all to be expected due to Rogers’ traffic shaping that it’s implemented to combat Bit-torrent users where VPN users are caught-up in the fray. I believe they may simply be implementing rules to have their shaping services restrict anything encrypted on the assumption that it must be a Torrent.
That assumption squarely puts teleworkers, flexworkers and many more in my category at complete odds with their secret traffic shaping rules I can only assume have forced my connectivity to be completely useless to me.
I really liked Rogers for the longest time, but this experience with whatever they've done to twist their network has left and extremely bitter taste in my mouth and I can't wait to get subscribed to my next provider in the next few days. Traffic shaping in moderation is understandable. But preventing people from using the internet beyond basic web page surfing is beyond un-fair.
I hope my experience with my next provider will be a non-issue and look forward to doing up a report. But as a parting thought, if that turns out to be equally as frustrating for the same reasons, Canadians may want to consider pushing parliament or the CRTC to intervene with some form of net neutrality stance in markets such as ours prone to so little competition.
And Rogers, I hope that you begin listening to your tech-savvy customers (or in my case former customers). I really would have preferred to stay with your company, but you squeezed me out. Get well soon!
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Review by static416
member for 6.3 years, 805 visits, last login: 52 days ago
updated 3.1 years ago
- Toronto,ON
- $69 per month
- "Speed as advertised for HTTP use only"
- "SSL, VPN, and bittorrent are all throttled to the extreme"
- "25Mbit service is like owning a Ferrari with a 80kph governor. Expensive and pointless."
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UPDATE: March 24, 2010
I dropped the 25Mbit package briefly, then returned when the price dropped to $69. While the monthly cost is more reasonable, the throttling is the same. And the caps have gotten worse, exceeding 125GB now has a max overage of $50.
Bell 25/7 service is a better deal if you can get it. Faster upload and they allow you to buy bandwidth.
Rogers CSRs still know nothing. Not familiar with the packages they offer or even aware that they throttle traffic.
OLD REVIEW:
Previously used Teksavvy. First thing I noticed with Rogers is that their CSR's, even the techs, are not very knowledgeable. I'm more familiar with the technology than they are and I'm just a software engineer.
The 25Mbit and 50Mbit plans are a complete ripoff. What's the point of having a fast connection if it's throttled down to nothing 24/7. Bittorrent and VPN are essentially useless. Which raises concerns not only about honesty in advertising, but also privacy as well if they are not going to let you use VPN to protect yourself.
I don't see Rogers is going to get anyone to continue to pay for this service. Speed is only useful for downloading large files, and they won't let you do that, so what's the point in paying $100 for the speed?
Don't pay for anything higher than the $45 10 Mbit package.
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Review by DaemonQ
member for 8.5 years, 268 visits, last login: 1.9 years ago
lodged 3.1 years ago
- St Catharines,ON
- $110 per month
- (24 month contract)
- about 5 days
- "Fast and reliable"
- "Up to $50 in bandwidth overage every month..."
- "If you stay within your tier for usage its great! If not... It can get expensive FAST!"
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I do video editing and deal with high def video content - My average transfer is over 200GB a month - My base plan is $60 a month - up until the end of Feb 2010 the most that I had to pay for internet was my base price of $60 for 95GB of usage plus $25 over use fee. $85 for 10 Meg access no limit is pricey but livable... I received a notice that the $25 over limit fee would be increased to $50. Teksavvy DSL dryloop is being installed Thursday...
So-Long Robbers... Its been fun...
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Review by fshafique
member for 3.2 years, 48 visits, last login: 2.2 years ago
updated 3.2 years ago
- Toronto,ON
- $50 per month
- "Reliable for the most part."
- "Very Pricey! Bad for torrents! Vague EULA caused them to threaten me with disconnection a bunch of times!"
- "If price isn't an issue, and if you don't mind heavy throttling, then go for it."
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I was with Rogers since about '98/'99. Kudos to them for being one of the first few to offer broadband to the home, but since then, they've tightened up a lot.
I had been threatened with disconnection for "heavy usage" -- before limits were even defined, or bandwidth meters were in place. IIRC, I believe I was abruptly disconnected too and had to make a call.
I had also been threatened with disconnection for having rogue malware on my home network -- I'd be disconnected if the malware was still detected the next day, and they didn't give me the technical details, so I couldn't figure out if they had made a false positive on a valid program.
Then there's always the throttling of p2p and other uploads.
And finally, the prices were too high and not competitive enough.
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Review by backness
member for 7.8 years, 2280 visits, last login: 25 days ago
updated 3.2 years ago
- Ottawa,ON
- $49 per month
- "NONE"
- "Throttleling/ connection drops randomly"
- "I wish rogers would just get out of the internet business"
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Rogers is CRAP
Get Teksavvy
Update: I'm still a hater.
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 Review by ssherwood
member for 11.2 years, 1710 visits, last login: 1 days ago
updated 3.3 years ago
- Toronto,ON
- $60 per month
- about 7 days
- "When you use HTTP only it can be very fast ..."
- "Value for the dollar, Throttling and Bandwith Monitoring (the monitor can't add it seems)"
- "Speed tests are great, but how about real world usage? (see updates)"
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UPDATE --> as of January 29, 2010
My relationship with Rogers for Internet is coming to a close. I've canceled my account and will no longer be receiving their services in a few more days.
I can chalk this up to one simple reason - I no longer see the value in this service.
When I first signed up for Roger's Extreme Internet service in 2005 (not my initial review which was pre-DOCSIS), it was certainly one of the fastest and most reliable connections around.
Fast forward to 2010, and I'm paying more for less.
Less speed doing anything other than NNTP and HTTP
Less bandwidth allowed monthly
While watching most of the other services at Rogers get service improvements, the Extreme tier was left at the same service level while the price increased.
I've moved on to greener pastures - at least as far as my wallet is concerned, and doubt I will miss this side of the fence much.
See ya!
-- SS
UPDATE --> as of April 1, 2008
My Extreme internet now “up to” 10mbit/1mbit speed. I’ve just received a letter indicating a new bandwidth capping regime which will limit extreme accounts to 95GB of total transfer allowance. What is striking about this is that they include an analysis of 3 previous months usage which I know with 100% certainty is incredibly inaccurate. How can Rogers possibly justify charging its customers for over usage when their tools can’t even get the figures straight?
I pay about $55/month for this service. This price would be fair if Rogers delivered what they promised me when I signed up – my connection’s rated speed and unlimited bandwidth. As I don’t really use P2P, their current throttling regime doesn’t bother me, but how long until they start throttling everything like email and www?
I am now in the difficult position of having to evaluate cancelling my home internet with Rogers to look at other alternatives… do yourself a favor and avoid Rogers until these issues are sorted out.
-- SS
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UPDATE --> as of October 17, 2005
My Extreme internet continues to be fairly rock solid. I've been upgraded to the new and improved 6mbit service. (6000/800kbit)
My speed tests are very static, never mind the time of day. There is a slight variation, but the dip is hardly worth mentioning.
Typical results range from 5400 / 740 to 5800 / 785 kbit/s.
Forget using many P2P programs with Rogers though. BitTorrent, while I rarely use it, once ran very quickly with Rogers, and now generally crawls. They apparently have new hardware which allows them to throttle certain types of traffic, and they seem to dislike P2P applications traffic the most. Typical speeds using BT can be as low as 20-30kb/s, with well seeded torrents. (100+ seeds) So, if BT is important to you, be prepared for disappointment.
I should say that this behavior seems to be limited to certain areas as they don't have enough of the "boxes" to throttle their whole network simultaneously, and apparently move them from place to place to share the speed limiting joy. YMMV
I'll close this update by saying that it is great for all the speed tests to show that your connection is working very close to its maximum potential only to find that when you try to use your application of choice that you are being throttled as "somebody" has decided that certain types of traffic are either low priority or undesirable. I find it more than a little annoying that they continue to flaunt the idea of unlimited usage and lightning fast speeds/downloads when the vast majority of users of P2P applications will find that this is NOT the case.
Last I had heard Bell/Sympatico, the other major ISP in this area, do not impose bandwidth caps or limits... you may be better off with them if you are a heavy downloader!
-- SS
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UPDATE as of January 13, 2005
I've switched from Bell/Sympatico's DSL to the new Roger's / Yahoo Hi-Speed Internet - Extreme. I made this decision based on a special offer with digital cable and wireless bundling. So far the speeds have been fairly good, though slowdowns have been experienced.
The installation at my new location went very well, with the installer arriving during the 3 hour window and spending a great deal of time wiring things to my specifications. I was very pleased on the whole with the installer. (though I didn't let him touch my computer system) 
Typical daytime speedtests are 4500kbit / 700kbit and I do sometimes enjoy even faster results.
Unfortunately, a large part of the day, especially in "peak hours" from 4pm until midnight, my speed are 50% of the rated speed. (2500kbit / 350 kbit)
For a few weeks during the Christmas break, my speeds were fairly slow 24/7. We're talking 1500kbit / 200kbit tests at any hour, including early morning. (2am - 4am)
But for the most part, speeds have been greatly improved over my Rogers @home experience noted above in the review. Roger's internet services have improved and I am going to stick with them for the time being.
-- SS
===========================
Original Review
If peaks and valleys are your thing, then Rogers "High Speed" internet is for you. When its fast, its VERY fast. (3 times faster than most of the major DSL providers here in Toronto) The trouble is that during peak hours, I'm lucky to get 1/4 of the advertised speed, though I am usually able to manage at least a 65kb/s download from major Tucows mirrors. I've had several outages that have lasted beyond 24 hours ... well ... to be completely honest, I wasn't completely out. My service was simply slower than dial-up. (12kbit down and 20 up for over a week from several speed tests) I'm currently in an upward swing with my service resembling that of "good" cable internet, though I'm still VERY unhappy about the speed swings that occur through "peak" hours. From 4pm until 2am it can be down right slow. It certainly isn't the advertised 3000kbit speed ... through the day I'm lucky to test at 800kbit ... with real world transfer speeds of no more than 65kb/s. Is this worth $50 / month? At least with Bell (Sympatico HSE), which I subscribed to in my last city of residence, I 95% of the time enjoyed 900kbit speed ... and I typically got my maximum download speed of about 110kb/s from sites like Tucows, at all times of the day!
As I said at first ... with Roger's, its all about peaks and valleys ... if you use it when nobody else does, I suppose its likely worth it ... for "normal" people, I'm not so sure.
For the record, my best and worst speeds tested were :
2500kbit DOWN / 385kbit UP
12kbit DOWN / 20kbit UP
I'd also like to state for the record that I only got that top speed ONCE and the lower speed was sustained for over 8 days on all attempts to run a speed test ... when they would even complete. I typically test at about 1000kbit DOWN / 350kbit UP ... just ran a test a short while ago and that was the result ... though it is 2:45am and I would have expected a result closer to 2000kbit in the downstream!
-- SS
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 Review by HardWired
member for 3.4 years, 370 visits, last login: 2.6 years ago
updated 3.3 years ago
- Ottawa,ON
- $41 per month
- (month by month)
- about 3 days
- "It works at advertised speed all the time"
- "Too restrictive upload speed and ridiculous caps"
- "Best ISP when there's absolutely no other available choice."
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I first tried ADSL but was too far from the DSLAM to get a decent connection. It was extremely painful attempting to order Rogers. The 'deals' advertised on the web page aren't available on the phone or at the stores; it's like you're talking to 3 separate companies. They try to trick you into a long term contract even if you insist that you're not interested. In my experience they are the worst company to deal with their sales / billing department.
That said, the cable connection was installed in a jiffy with absolutely no problems since.
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 Review by CatsDogs
member for 3.3 years, 0 visits, last login: 3.3 years ago
updated 3.3 years ago
- Ajax,ON
- $38 per month
- about 7 days
- "fairly good connectivity without dropouts"
- "service is poor"
- "is ok for what they offer"
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Rogers. is essentially a monopoly and it costs too much for what they give you. The connectivity is good but service is rotten when there is something wrong with the cable modem. Tech Support isn't too bad but I have nothing to compare it to so I really don't know how good or bad it is.
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Review by mcreskilller
member for 3.5 years, 531 visits, last login: 1.2 years ago
updated 3.4 years ago
- Kitchener,ON
- $70 per month
- "it was fast"
- "dns server highly unrelible switched to open dns, customer support was insanly bad and CAPS"
- "avoid rogers like the plague if you can switch to teksavvy the customer support is amazing the dns serers are amazing i love it"
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Just save your self some time dont go with rogers the caps are horrible the speeds are good when the internet works but teksavvy is soo much better i called the customer support and after 3 rings i spoke to a human not a robot and best of all the 200gb cap on a 30 dollor plan here is teksavvys website »www.teksavvy.com just go there and sign up rogers also was really bad at it randomly throatling torrents and such (i get linux distros via torrents) i legaly torrent and my speed was max at 100kb/s yet i had a 10mb connection and i mean the speeds were around 10kb/s when i normaly download at 1mb/s which when my friend downloading the same thing was getting nearly 400 says something when teh only diffrence is the isp we even shared some seeds and also ping times were highly random my pings would spike to 200-500 randomly and cause me to lag to hell in video games, the bad experience for me was when the level 1 techsupport called me an idiot and saying the issue is in my house when i knew for a fact it was on there end and even when he found out it was on his end he still didn't say sorry and also the caps, i am currently on teksavvy and im am LOVING IT just switch if you can and if you can't just get rogers but what evver you do dont download! them caps are a killer
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Review by generalaj01
member for 3.4 years, 2 visits, last login: 329 days ago
lodged 3.4 years ago
- Ottawa,ON
- $71 per month
- (24 month contract)
- "Consistant high speeds"
- "High cost, Traffic shapping, bandwidth caps"
- "High cost, Good speeds only for for non torrenters"
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I'm on Extreeme package on rental modem, bundeled with cable to save $3/month.
Tech support was better then bell, but over all not very good.
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