How I Found a Cheap Shaw Internet Plan (with Self Connection Kit)

You may have known that I moved to a new apartment for a month now.

So I’ll be writing about things related to going solo, as in no more roommates and yes lots of plants for more cleaner air.

I figured that I can reduce some of my recurring expenses like phone bills, grocery, and Wifi.

Shaw Internet plan helps me save and increase productivity (if I do not procrastinate).

Choosing Between 2 Internet Providers

For less than a week, I have no Wifi at home. To compensate for lack of data I used my phone’s data to shop for an affordable Wifi and glad I have 2GB to accomplish the daunting task.

What is the cheapest Wifi in Calgary?

I am torn only between Shaw and Telus. Internet plans of Telus are expensive so the only option left was Shaw.

Then I was confused and almost misled to sign up for an expensive Internet plans of Shaw.

At first, I saw only three plans and can’t believe how expensive it is. There have to be more choices.

And I was right. You have to keep on digging to see the other plans with cheaper monthly fees. For comparison, I listed all the plans.

Fibre+ Max

Fibre+ Essentials

Fibre+ Basics

I chose the cheapest: Fibre+ 10 paid monthly instead of a two-year contract.

The plan is enough for a solo blogger who uses the Internet when not working on a full-time job.

With Shaw Fibre+ 10 I can blog, research, and watch on Netflix (current favourites are Down to Earth and Prison Playbook).

I have yet to find out if it’s enough. Speed wise, I have no complain at all.

What’s a Shaw Self Connection Kit

I was intrigued to try the Self Connection Kit. Who knows how many times I have to move before settling into my future organic farm in the Philippines.

I have to learn how to install a modem myself so it wouldn’t be a pain with every moving out and setting to a new place.

What’s inside the Self Connection kit:

• Ethernet cable (CAT .5E)
• Cable
• Modem
• Power adaptor

As soon as the kit was delivered at my place I realized there’s nothing to be afraid of.

This should be easy . . . if only I didn’t run into a shortcoming of my apartment.

How to Install the Self Connection Kit

I’ll take you through the steps of setting up a Self Connection kit.

1. Find a cable outlet in a wall. Mine doesn’t have one so that is a problem.
2. Attach the cable to the modem and cable outlet.
3. Plug in the modem.
4. Wait for all the lights to turn on.
5. Download the My Shaw app and sign up.
6. Activate the router on the app.

With only six steps anyone can install a Shaw Self Connection kit.

The photo shows a Hitron modem I successfully set up (after a few days of trying). This is how your modem should look like if you follow the instructions.

My experience is different and frustrating.

I’ll give you a glimpse of all the hoops I had to go through in order to get connected and get back to work on my side hustle of blogging.

Help! I Can’t Find any Cable Outlet

All houses have cable outlet on a wall. This is what a chat support agent told me when I asked for help on the My Shaw app.

I scrutinized every corner and room of the apartment. Alas, I found a cable outlet in the laundry.

Problem solved. Not so fast road runner.

The cable is short. Home Depot has the solution.

I need one F splice adapter (RG-59) to connect the cable and the other cable that came with the kit. So what will I do with nine extra adapters?

Don’t let my story of the missing outlet scare you. Your place in terms of outlets is probably better than mine.

Should You Get a Self Connection Kit?

If you don’t mind setting up the Wifi yourself, give Shaw Self Connection Kit a go.

Think of how much you can save with an affordable Shaw Fibre. Although you can have a technician set up the Wifi, why not learn how to do it yourself.

It’s convenient to have it deliver and set up whenever you want.

What Internet plan are you using? Is it fast enough or an upgrade is necessary?

Other Resource: Peter’s Useful Crap – Shaw Internet at a Reasonable Price

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