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oxio vs. Start.ca

Start.ca, the London, Ontario provider, is part of TELUS now, and its recent reviews describe harder-to-reach support. oxio covers six provinces with no term contract and $0 setup.

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Published · Updated : Added sourced facts, public reviews and complaint data.

oxiovsStart.ca

What's actually different

  • Start.ca is in the TELUS group
  • Recent reviews cite long holds and modem-return disputes
  • oxio: no term contract, $0 setup, modem lent

Start.ca joined TELUS

Start.ca, the London, Ontario provider, says it has "joined forces" with TELUS and that customer information was shared with TELUS as part of the deal [1]; the move was reported in early 2023 [2], and the CCTS lists Start.ca in the TELUS group [3]. It still has a London-based team [1].

Its recent public reviews, many from the last 12 months, describe longer holds and harder-to-reach support since the TELUS move, plus disputes over charges for returned modems [4].

Where oxio fits

oxio covers Ontario and five other provinces [7], with no term contract [6] and $0 activation, installation and shipping, with the modem lent [5]. If you're leaving Start.ca, return your modem with tracking and keep the receipt, since that's the dispute that comes up most.

Start.ca vs. oxio, sourced

WhatThe facts
Who owns itTELUS group (reported February 2023); still operated from London, Ontario. [1][2][3]
oxio's sideAvailable in ON, QC, MB, SK, AB and BC; no term contract; $0 setup; modem lent. [5][6][7]

What customers say publicly

  • Trustpilot1.5 / 5(92 reviews) Themes: long holds and unhelpful answers since the TELUS move, service degradation, and charges for modems customers say they returned. 45 reviews are from the last 12 months. [4]

Sources

  1. Start.ca: TELUS partnership
  2. MobileSyrup: ISP Start.ca reportedly joins TELUS banner (Feb. 3, 2023)
  3. CCTS Annual Report 2024–25: Working with service providers
  4. Trustpilot: Start.ca reviews
  5. oxio Help Centre: activation, shipping and equipment fees
  6. oxio: Internet plans and FAQ
  7. oxio: Moving FAQ (provinces served)

Researched by Simon. Last checked: . Facts are checked against the linked sources on the date shown. Prices and policies change, so confirm with the provider before you decide. Opinions are ours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Switching From Start.ca

The practical stuff, answered.

oxio sells in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia, over Cogeco, Vidéotron or Rogers cable depending on the area. It isn't available in Atlantic Canada. Enter your address on oxio's site to see the plans at your exact address.

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oxio lists $0 for activation, installation and shipping, and lends you the modem at no charge. What you may owe Start.ca depends on your current agreement, so check its end date and any equipment you need to return.

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Usually just a few days from signup to being online. Keep your Start.ca service active until oxio is confirmed working, then cancel — that avoids any gap in your internet.

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Return it through Start.ca's own process once you've cancelled — oxio ships you its own equipment regardless, so there's no overlap or workaround needed.

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