Quick Answer
Telus is the winner for technical performance where its PureFibre (FTTH) network is available, offering symmetrical speeds up to 3 Gbps and ultra-low latency. Shaw (now part of Rogers) is the winner for widespread availability, offering high-speed cable (up to 1.5 Gbps) to nearly every home in its service area, even where Telus may only have legacy copper.
Choose Telus if: PureFibre is available at your address (gamers, creators, high-bandwidth users). Choose Shaw (Rogers) if: Telus only offers DSL at your address or if you want high-value mobile bundles with Rogers.
| Feature | Telus PureFibre | Shaw (Rogers) Fibre+ |
|---|---|---|
| Network | 100% Fiber (FTTH) | Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (Cable) |
| Max Speed | 3 Gbps | 1.5 Gbps |
| Upload Speed | Symmetrical (High) | Asymmetric (Lower) |
| TV Platform | Optik TV | Ignite TV (formerly BlueCurve) |
| Mobile Partner | Telus Mobility | Rogers Wireless / Shaw Mobile |
Speed & Performance
Telus PureFibre
Telus has spent billions upgrading Western Canada to 100% fiber optic.
- Symmetrical Uploads: A 1 Gig plan gives you ~940 Mbps down and ~940 Mbps up. This is a game-changer for video conferencing and cloud backups.
- Latency: Fiber offers the lowest possible delay, typically under 5-10ms.
Shaw (Rogers) Fibre+
Despite the “Fibre+” branding, this is primarily a cable network.
- Widespread Gigabit: You can get 1 Gbps or 1.5 Gbps downloads in almost any urban neighborhood.
- Lower Uploads: Upload speeds are usually capped around 100-150 Mbps, which is still plenty for most users but lags behind Telus.
TV & Entertainment
Shaw (Rogers) uses the Ignite TV platform (based on Comcast X1). It features a robust voice remote, excellent app integration (Netflix, YouTube), and a very smooth user interface.
Telus offers Optik TV, which is a highly customizable IPTV service. It allows for multiple wireless set-top boxes and has a competitive selection of 4K content and theme packs.
Mobile Integration
- Telus: Customers can save significantly on their monthly bill by combining PureFibre internet with Telus Mobility or Koodo.
- Shaw (Rogers): Following the merger, Shaw customers now benefit from Rogers mobile plans. The “Together” bundles offer some of the most aggressive pricing in the Canadian market for mobile + internet.
Verdict
In Western Canada (BC, Alberta), the choice usually depends on whether Telus PureFibre has reached your specific street.
- If Telus PureFibre is available: It is the technically superior choice due to symmetrical upload speeds and fiber reliability.
- If Telus only offers DSL: Switch to Shaw (Rogers) immediately for their much faster cable-based gigabit speeds.