IPTV Nanaimo

Nanaimo sits on the east coast of Vancouver Island, about 55 km west of Vancouver across the Strait of Georgia. The 2021 census counted 99,863 people here, up from 90,504 in 2016. It’s also home to the headquarters of the Regional District of Nanaimo. For streaming live TV, the useful local fact is that Nanaimo’s wired map is simpler than Vancouver’s: one cable network and one main fibre network. Here’s how that works, and what Boom TV needs to run well on your connection.

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The Harbour City, an island away

Nanaimo was incorporated in 1874 and goes by the nickname “Harbour City”. Two ferry terminals link it to the mainland: Departure Bay sails to Horseshoe Bay, and Duke Point sails to Tsawwassen.

Being on an island doesn’t change how Boom TV works. It’s an app on your TV device that streams over your home internet, so what matters is the connection that reaches your address, not where the city sits on the map.

Who owns the wires in Nanaimo

Two big networks provide home internet over a wire:

• Rogers, formerly Shaw. Rogers completed its purchase of Shaw on 3 April 2023, so the former Shaw network is now owned by Rogers.
• Telus, with fibre-to-the-home and DSL.

An independent coverage map built from CRTC network-owner filings splits Nanaimo into 12 zones. It lists the cable network in all 12 and Telus DSL in all 12. It lists Telus fibre in 10 of the 12.

That coverage map lists no other fibre owner in Nanaimo. It doesn’t list the former Shaw network as a fibre-to-the-home owner here at all, unlike in Vancouver. So if you want fibre, Telus is the network to ask about first, and cable is the main alternative.

Boom TV runs over any of them. Nothing is installed on the line, and Boom TV doesn’t change anything on your internet account.

Wireless and satellite options

The same map also lists fixed wireless from Telus and Rogers in all 12 zones, and satellite service from Xplore. Fixed wireless is listed at 25 to 250 Mbps. Boom TV works on any home connection that meets the speeds below. Test it on your own line with the free trial.

How much speed you actually need

Boom TV’s recommended speeds, per stream:

That coverage map lists Telus DSL in Nanaimo at 5 to 100 Mbps, a wide range. If your address is on DSL, run a speed test in the evening, in the room with the TV, before counting on 4K or several screens at once.

When a fast plan still buffers

If the plan is fast but the picture still stutters, look between the router and the TV:

• Use 5 GHz Wi-Fi, not 2.4 GHz. It’s faster and less crowded.
• Run Ethernet to the main TV if the router is close enough.
• Keep the router in the open, not in a cabinet or behind the TV.
• Count everyone else on the network. Video calls, downloads and backups share the same connection.

Getting set up in Nanaimo

1. Start the free 24-hour trial. Watch in the evening, on the TV you actually use.
2. Install the app on a streaming stick, TV box, smart TV, phone, tablet or computer, and sign in with the details sent by email.
3. Connect to 5 GHz Wi-Fi or Ethernet and watch for a full evening. If it plays cleanly, choose a plan on the plans page.

No installer, no new wiring, and nothing to return.

Frequently asked questions

Is Telus fibre available at my address in Nanaimo?

The coverage map lists Telus fibre in 10 of Nanaimo’s 12 zones, so check your own address with Telus. Boom TV runs on fibre, cable or DSL, as long as the speed is there.

I’m on fixed wireless. Will it work?

Boom TV works on any home connection that meets the speeds above. Test it on your own line with the free trial.

Do I need new equipment?

Usually not. Boom TV is an app for streaming sticks, TV boxes, smart TVs, phones, tablets and computers.

Is there a free trial?

Yes. It lasts 24 hours and is free. Start the trial or compare plans.