What Start.Ca does

Start.ca is a London, Ontario-based internet service provider (ISP) operating as a division of TELUS Communications Inc. since 2024. Founded in 1995, the company delivers high-speed internet, IPTV, and digital home phone services to residential and business customers across Ontario, Canada. Its core offering is a fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) network that it owns and operates end-to-end, complemented by TELUS PureFibre (up to 1500 Mbps), cable (DOCSIS), and DSL services. Since beginning fibre construction in 2015, Start.ca has installed over 160,000 metres of fibre optic cable and connected more than 20,000 homes and hundreds of businesses across London, St. Thomas, and surrounding areas.

The company's product portfolio includes four home fibre tiers (50-1000 Mbps) priced from $39 to $65 per month, TELUS PureFibre, Start TV IPTV, VoIP digital home phone, Stream+ bundled streaming, and mobility plans through Koodo Mobile. Hardware sales include Mercku M6a mesh routers at $149 per unit. Business customers receive customizable high-speed and dedicated fibre packages with co-location options, multiple IP addresses, and a 100% uptime guarantee. The StartCARE mobile app (iOS/Android) provides self-service network diagnostics, and an online customer portal (portal.start.ca) supports account management and automated payments.

Start.ca's revenue model is entirely subscription-based across residential and business services, with no contracts, unlimited usage, and all-inclusive pricing that bundles hardware and live support. The business operates a direct-to-consumer go-to-market motion via website, phone, and live chat sales, plus a dedicated Corporate Solutions team for enterprise accounts. Distribution is regional within Ontario, supported by a London-based technician workforce. Following the 2024 TELUS integration, Start.ca offers customers access to TELUS wireless networks and mobility bundles while preserving its regional brand identity and local operating model.

Name

Start.Ca

Legal name

Start.ca, a division of TELUS Communications Inc.

Website

https://start.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Start.ca is a London, Ontario-based internet service provider serving residential and business customers in Ontario, Canada. Operating as a TELUS division since 2024, the company delivers fibre internet, IPTV, phone, and mobility services over its own fibre infrastructure.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Residential and Business Broadband Internet Services

NAICS

Wired and Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (51711)

SIC

Cable & Other Pay Television Services (4841)

akta.pro primary industry

Fiber ISPs (FTTH/FTTP Retail Providers) (HDAIADAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Rural & Universal Service Fixed Broadband Providers (HDAIABAJ), Live TV Streaming (vMVPD/IPTV OTT) (MPACAAAD)

Keywords

• Fibre internet services
• Broadband ISP
• Residential internet
• Business internet
• Telecommunications services

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Residential Internet Services: Monthly subscription internet services for residential customers, including fibre, cable, and DSL options with various speed tiers. All packages include unlimited usage with no contracts.
2. Business Internet Services: High-speed internet, dedicated fibre internet, and co-location services for business customers. Provides customizable packages with dedicated representatives.
3. Start TV (IPTV): IPTV streaming service offering access to multiple streaming platforms and channels. Includes set-top box hardware and streaming capabilities.
4. Digital Home Phone: VoIP-based digital home phone service providing landline capabilities over internet connection.
5. Hardware Sales: Sale of mesh Wi-Fi routers (Mercku M6a at $149/unit) and rental of cable modems and other equipment.
6. Stream+ Bundling Service: Bundling service offering Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and TELUS Films & Series at a combined price.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Start.ca provides high-speed internet, IPTV, VoIP home phone, and bundled streaming/mobility services to residential and business customers in Ontario. It sells and operates its own fibre-to-the-home infrastructure in London, Ontario, alongside TELUS PureFibre, cable, and DSL services, with no-contract monthly subscriptions that include unlimited usage, hardware, and local technical support.

Product overview

Start.ca is a telecommunications service provider offering a unified portfolio of internet, television, and home phone services for residential and business customers in Ontario, Canada. The core offering consists of multiple internet connectivity tiers: Home Fibre (cable/fibre hybrid) and dedicated fibre services (Start Fibre and TELUS PureFibre) providing speeds from 50 Mbps to 1500 Mbps. Video entertainment is delivered through Start TV (IPTV) and Stream+ (a streaming bundle including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime). Voice services include Digital Home Phone (VoIP). Hardware offerings encompass Mercku M6a mesh Wi-Fi routers and associated equipment. Business services include customizable high-speed internet and dedicated fibre internet with co-location options. The company operates its own fibre infrastructure in the London, Ontario area and partners with TELUS for expanded network capabilities and mobility services through Koodo Mobile.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Start Fibre (FTTH) Fibre-to-the-home internet service built entirely on Start.ca's own infrastructure in London, Ontario, offering ultrafast symmetrical speeds, unlimited usage, and local technicians. Sold to residential and business customers.
• Home Fibre Internet (cable/fibre hybrid) High-speed cable and fibre internet service for residential customers with multiple speed tiers (Home Fibre 50, 100, 300, 1000) and unlimited usage on a no-contract monthly subscription.
• TELUS PureFibre 100% fibre optic direct-to-home internet connection offering speeds up to 1500 Mbps download and 940 Mbps upload, with unlimited data and Red Dot award-winning Wi-Fi hardware included; available where TELUS fibre infrastructure exists.
• Business Internet High-speed internet service tailored for business customers offering customizable packages, local London-based technicians, security features, and scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
• Dedicated Fibre Internet (Enterprise) Enterprise-grade fibre internet service with symmetrical upload/download speeds, 100% uptime guarantee, multiple IP addresses, and co-location services for high-demand business operations; available only in London.
• Start TV (IPTV) IPTV service offering live television channels, on-demand content, PVR recording capabilities, and support for Chromecast and Amazon Fire TV; delivered via set-top box with apps for Amazon Prime, Crave, and other streaming platforms.
• Stream+ Start.ca exclusive bundled streaming service combining Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and TELUS Films & Series at a discounted package price for customers who bundle with internet service.
• Digital Home Phone (VoIP) VoIP-based home telephone service providing a traditional landline experience with modern features; uses Grandstream ATA hardware for 1- or 2-port analog telephone adapter connectivity.
• Mercku M6a Mesh Wi-Fi Router Mesh Wi-Fi router system designed for whole-home coverage, eliminating dead zones; features award-winning design, a free companion app for network management, and expandable node-based coverage, priced at $149 per unit.
• Mobility / Koodo Phone Plans Mobile phone service offered through partnership with Koodo Mobile, providing affordable plans on award-winning 5G and 4G LTE networks; customers can get $0 phones with no hidden fees and no fixed-term contracts.

Quantifiable outcome

• 20,000+ homes connected to fibre network
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• TELUS Communications Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStart.ca is a division of TELUS Communications Inc. following an acquisition. The partnership provides access to TELUS's global-leading wireless networks, enables bundling of home internet with mobility services, and provides backing for continued investment in Ontario communities. Start.ca maintains its local brand and operations in London, Ontario.
• TELUS PureFibrecoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership to offer TELUS PureFibre technology to Start.ca customers. This provides 100% fibre optic connections with speeds up to 5000 Mbps, delivering Canada's fastest internet technology.
• Koodo MobilecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStart.ca offers Koodo mobile services including phone plans and Stream+ bundles. Partnership allows customers to bundle home internet with affordable mobile plans.
• London Chamber of CommerceminorOthersStart.ca is a member of the London Chamber of Commerce, supporting personal and economic growth in London.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB)minorOthersBBB membership demonstrates track record of customer satisfaction and commitment to treating customers fairly.
• CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)minorOthersMembership gives Start.ca a voice in government issues affecting the telecommunications industry.
• CNOC (Competitive Network Operators of Canada)minorOthersMembership helps influence the development of public policy in Canadian communication services.
• TechAlliance SW OntariominorOthersMembership supporting the growing tech community in Southwestern Ontario.
• Upper Thames River Conservation AuthorityminorOthersPartnership for the GREEN Program to help teach kids about the environment.
• Children's Health FoundationminorOthersPartnership supporting children's health through fundraising and community involvement.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• CIK Telecom: Independent Canadian ISP providing DSL, cable, and fibre internet along with home phone and TV bundles to Ontario residential customers. Direct alternative-ISP competitor with comparable no-contract, unlimited-usage positioning.
• VMedia: Toronto-based independent ISP offering DSL, cable, and fibre internet plus IPTV and home phone. Targets the same Ontario residential and small-business customer base with no-contract pricing comparable to Start.ca.
• Teksavvy: Canada's largest independent alternative ISP, headquartered in Chatham, Ontario. Teksavvy competes head-to-head with Start.ca in Ontario using a mix of cable (DOCSIS), DSL, and FTTH, with no-contract pricing and a focus on local customer service — the closest 1:1 comparable.
• Distributel Communications: Independent Canadian ISP offering residential and business internet, TV, and phone services across Ontario and Quebec. Direct competitor to Start.ca as a non-incumbent alternative ISP targeting the same SMB and consumer segments with bundled services.
• Primus (CityNet/Globo): Canadian alternative telecom offering residential and business internet, VoIP, and IPTV. Competes with Start.ca for Ontario residential and SMB accounts using a similar wholesale-access + retail ISP model.

Broad incumbents

• Rogers Communications: Major Canadian incumbent offering cable internet (Ignite), wireless, and IPTV across Ontario. Competes directly with Start.ca in the London market via cable HFC and ongoing fibre investments.
• TELUS PureFibre (parent retail brand): As Start.ca's parent (since 2024), TELUS's national PureFibre brand is both a key wholesale/technology partner and a direct competitor in Ontario. TELUS PureFibre's gigabit offerings compete against Start.ca's own fibre and TELUS PureFibre-resold plans in the same London footprint.
• Bell Canada: Canada's largest incumbent telecom with deep FTTH, wireless, TV, and media operations. Competes against Start.ca across all product lines in London and Ontario but at national scale with broader bundling capabilities.
• Cogeco Connexion: Canadian cable and fibre operator serving Ontario and Quebec with broadband, TV, and phone services. Provides comparable HFC/FTTH products and competes for residential and SMB customers in overlapping geographies.
• Eastlink: Canadian cable/fibre operator offering internet, TV, and phone services across Ontario and Atlantic Canada. Comparable business model with hybrid HFC/fibre last-mile and SMB focus, though with stronger Atlantic Canada footprint.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/startca
• Facebookfacebook.com/start.ca
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/start-ca
• Xx.com/startca

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Start.Ca