Internet & Ebox Glossary

By Marc · Updated · Verified Ebox customer

What is an Ebox referral code?

An Ebox referral code is a shareable alphanumeric code provided by existing customers. New customers who enter the code at checkout on ebox.ca receive a discount. The active code in 2026 is OR181 — worth $25 credit, stackable with the $25 off your first month $25 off your first month , 2026.

TermPlain-English definition
Referral codeShareable code from an existing customer — gives new customers a discount at signup
TPIA / Wholesale ISPProvider that resells a larger carrier's network at lower prices (e.g. Ebox on Videotron's network)
No contractMonth-to-month service — cancel anytime with no fee
MbpsSpeed unit: megabits per second. 500 Mbps handles 4K streaming for 4+ people simultaneously
Data capMonthly data limit — most Ebox plans are unlimited (no cap)
OR181Active Ebox referral code — $25 credit, stackable with the current $25 off your first month ($25 total)

Plain-language definitions for the terms that come up when comparing Ebox to other Quebec ISPs. Covers technical terms (modem, fibre, throttling), pricing terms (ETF, data cap), and Ebox-specific terms.

Ebox
Quebec-based internet service provider, owned by Bell Canada since February 2022. Offers cable internet primarily over Videotron's network with no contract requirements and lower pricing than Bell or Videotron retail. Service available in Quebec, Ontario, and parts of British Columbia.
OR181
The verified active Ebox referral code for 2026. Provides a $25 discount on the first month for new customers. Works in Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. Free to use, no account required to obtain it.
Ebox referral code
An alphanumeric code shared by existing Ebox customers that gives new customers a $25 discount on their first month of internet service. The current verified active code is OR181.
Wholesale ISP
An internet service provider that delivers service over another carrier's physical network through a CRTC-regulated wholesale arrangement. Ebox is a wholesale ISP operating on Videotron's cable network in Quebec. This model allows competition without requiring each provider to build their own network.
Cable internet
High-speed internet delivered over the same coaxial cable infrastructure used for cable television. In Quebec, this network is owned by Videotron and used by Videotron, Ebox, Fizz, and other resellers. Speeds typically range from 100 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps depending on the plan.
Fibre internet
Internet delivered over fibre-optic cables that transmit data via light pulses. Generally faster than cable but with less universal Quebec coverage. Bell offers fibre in many Quebec regions; Ebox primarily uses cable infrastructure.
Modem
Device that converts the signal from the ISP's network into a signal your home network can use. Ebox provides the modem free of charge with all plans. Bell and Videotron typically charge $12-15/month in rental fees.
Router
Device that distributes the internet connection to multiple devices via Wi-Fi or ethernet. Often combined with the modem in a single unit. Ebox includes the router free with all plans.
Contract / commitment
Agreement to maintain internet service for a fixed term, typically 1-2 years. Bell and Videotron commonly require contracts. Ebox does not require any contract — service is fully month-to-month with the ability to cancel anytime.
Early termination fee (ETF)
Penalty charged for cancelling a contracted internet service before the term ends. Bell ETFs can reach $400+ for cancelling a 2-year contract in its first year. Ebox has no ETF because it has no contract.
Mbps (megabits per second)
Standard measure of internet speed. Common Ebox plans offer 100, 300, 500, or 1000 Mbps download speeds. Higher Mbps means faster downloads and ability to support more simultaneous devices. For reference: 100 Mbps handles 4 simultaneous 4K streams; 500 Mbps handles a typical busy family household.
Gbps (gigabits per second)
Unit of internet speed equal to 1000 Mbps. Ebox's top-tier plan offers up to 1 Gbps. Most households do not need speeds above 500 Mbps for daily use.
Self-serve installation
Installation process where the customer plugs in their own modem and router without a technician visit. Ebox uses self-serve installation, which typically takes about 20 minutes following the included setup guide.
CRTC
Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. The federal regulator that requires major carriers like Videotron and Bell to offer wholesale network access to competitors, enabling companies like Ebox to operate at lower prices.
TPIA (Third-party internet access)
Regulatory framework that allows smaller ISPs to provide service over the networks of major carriers at wholesale rates. Ebox operates as a TPIA on Videotron's network in Quebec.
Coaxial cable
The round threaded cable that carries internet signal from the wall outlet to the modem. Used by all cable internet services including Ebox in Quebec. Most Quebec homes and apartments already have a coaxial wall outlet installed.
Bandwidth
The maximum data transfer rate of an internet connection, measured in Mbps or Gbps. Ebox plans are sold by bandwidth tier. Bandwidth is shared across all devices on your network.
Throttling
Practice of intentionally slowing internet speeds, often during peak hours. Ebox does not throttle and provides full advertised speeds 24/7.
Data cap
Monthly limit on data usage. Most Ebox plans are unlimited (no data cap), unlike some Bell or Videotron plans which charge overage fees when you exceed the cap.
Peak hours
Time periods of highest network usage, typically weekday evenings (7-11pm). Some ISPs throttle during peak hours; Ebox does not.
Videotron
Quebec's largest cable internet provider, owned by Quebecor. Operates the cable network that Ebox resells. Charges higher retail prices than Ebox for comparable service. See our full comparison.
Fizz
Mobile and internet brand owned by Quebecor (same parent company as Videotron). Operates on Videotron's network. Internet plans typically priced slightly higher than Ebox. See our comparison page.

Frequently asked questions

What is an Ebox referral code? +
An Ebox referral code is a shareable code given by existing customers. New customers who enter it at checkout receive a credit. The active code in 2026 is OR181 — $25 credit, stackable with the $25 off your first month
What does 'no contract' mean for internet? +
No contract means month-to-month service with no early termination fee. Ebox has no contract — you can cancel anytime without penalty.
What is the difference between cable and fibre internet? +
Cable internet uses coaxial cable (Ebox's network in Quebec). Fibre uses optical cables for symmetrical speeds. Ebox cable delivers up to 1 Gbps at a lower price than most fibre plans.
What is Mbps and how much do I need? +
Mbps is megabits per second — your internet speed unit. Most households need 200–500 Mbps. Ebox's 500 Mbps plan at ~$55/month is the most popular choice.
What is a wholesale ISP? +
A wholesale ISP delivers internet over a larger carrier's network at regulated rates. Ebox is a wholesale ISP on Videotron's network in Quebec, offering lower prices than Videotron retail.