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Business Profile

Internet Services

Start.ca

Complaints

Customer Complaints Summary

  • 9 total complaints in the last 3 years.
  • 6 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

If you've experienced an issue

Submit a Complaint

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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Complaint status

Complaint type

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:16/05/2025

    Type:Billing Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
     
    Complaint: 23339936

    I am rejecting this response because:
    Knowledge only known by dropping it off is known. And likely an employee mistake happened, one i don't feel like paying for.
    Sincerely,

    ******* *****

    Customer Answer

    Date: 17/06/2025

     
    Complaint: 23339936

    I am rejecting this response because: As stated before.

    Sincerely,

    ******* *****

    Business Response

    Date: 27/05/2025

    Hello
    We followed our equipment return process in regards to this situation.
    The account was closed in august of 2023 and the customer indicated they would drop the equipment off.
    As of mid September we had not received it, so we began the process of charging out the non return.

    We emailed **********************************. sept 13th after the attempt to collect the owed amount failed.
    The equipment team never processed the equipment in and we had no issues with other returns placed in the drop box at or around that time.

    Business Response

    Date: 20/06/2025


    Hello
    We are unclear what the rejection is based on?
    We maintain that the equipment was never recovered and therefore the charges are valid.

    We had equipment returned in and around that time and a process that was followed and no incidents indicating there was any other pieces missing, or our drop box being compromised or breached.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:09/05/2025

    Type:Customer Service Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
     
    Complaint: 23307273

    I am rejecting this response because: someone did reach out to me but he didn't bother to tell me he was calling in regards to this complaint and I didn't really understand why he was calling and I reiterated that I was really annoyed by all this and I'm really angry. I was lied too. They did not tell me when I started. I made a point of saying are you Kudo and the *** said no no no just mobility. My TV has not worked for the last 10 days and nobody has bothered to respond to my emails to get my service up and running properly. I once again am on hold again for the 11th day running. This is not proper customer service and I require. I want my money back for all the months that I've had you put up with this. They lied to me. I never would have gone with them ever in a million years if I had known that they were the same company. As I'm writing this I'm on hold with their higher than normal call volume and yet they tell me there's nobody ahead of me so how is that possible? I'm tired of this. I mean they out and out lied to me and then while I was with Kudo to begin with there were 6 months of nightmare. I think it's on. I think it's unacceptable. I mean I would like my money back for all these months. They take money out whenever they want

    Sincerely,

    **** Framelable all through the night and they would answer the phone. They no longer do that. I want my money back for the entire time I've been with them and you know this is just absolutely frustrating they have. You know their service is just like non-existent now I can't get through. They keep dumping my *** and I've had enough and they really need to find a way. You know it was the worst thing I ever could have done was sell to tell us but since they did this is how ***** does business. They don't want to talk to people. It's all my computer and you know so much for the old. We answer the phone no matter what through the night and we always have somebody local answering so much for that. So I f I specifically asked and then I double-checked on it this week. I got an email this week from Kudo saying that they were sorry to see me go and that my service would be disconnected May 7th. I have not had service since August. This is the way they run their company. that should say it all

    Business Response

    Date: 13/05/2025

    We reached out to the customer and did our best to clarify the relationship between Start.ca, Koodo and that we are both part of the ***** umbrella
    We aslo clarified how our billing works and what dates we process payments (the 1st and then the 20th)
    there was nothing outside of process here and we did apologize for any confusion

    Business Response

    Date: 22/05/2025

    We did our best to explain and clarify the issues as they are detailed
    There are parts of this issue that are related to Koodo not Start.ca and we have contacted the BBB to have those options broken out
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:28/01/2025

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I was charged 250$ to my credit card for equipment that I returned 3 weeks ago to their drop off location in ****** ON. I have been in contact with the support line and have been told I am not able to have a refund because they can't find the equipment, or it has been lost and therefore not scanned into the system. They will not therefore offer me a refund or any other support.

    Business Response

    Date: 11/02/2025

    Hello *********,

    Weve reviewed the details of your account and the timeline of events regarding your equipment return and refund:
    December 30th: You contacted us via chat. to close your service, as you had moved to a location with internet. At that time, we provided instructions on returning your equipment and sent a follow-up email with the details.
    January 25th: As the equipment had not been returned, a charge of $394.37 was applied to the credit card on file.
    January 28th: You contacted us again via chat, expressing concern about the charge. Initially, you mentioned mailing the equipment back, but upon clarification, you confirmed that you had dropped it off instead. Your concern was escalated.
    January 28th: we followed up with an outbound call to your father (the cardholder) and, we agreed to refund the full $394.37 despite not receiving the equipment.
    January 31st: You chatted in again, stating that $250 had not yet been refunded. You were informed that refunds typically take 3-5 business days to process.
    At this time, your full refund has processed. If you did not see the funds please engage the bank and let us know, and well be happy to follow up.
    We appreciate your patience and understanding. Let us know if you need any further clarification.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:06/12/2024

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    I have paid for Start internet services for about a year without any issues. I was not charged for my November bill. We are set up for pre-authorized debit payments, however they did not attempt to take the funds out of my account on November 1st. Then on December 1st, we got a notice saying that we owed triple what our regular payment is supposed to be. Upon checking my bill, I am now being charged for several other things such as modem rental, NSF fees, and the regular price for our internet has gone up without our knowledge. We have received 3 notices now stating that our internet may be cut off if we do not pay this amount. I have been attempting to get in contact with them for several days to no avail. Every time I call, I am placed on hold for about 30 minutes before the line says all of our agents are busy. Please try again later. Im very disappointed in this service as I cant even rectify the issue or ask for clarification on how my bill is so high.

    Business Response

    Date: 20/12/2024

    My apologies I had believed I had sent this response earlier

    We recently assisted the customer (on De 12th) regarding their account and would like to provide a summary of the situation and the resolution:

    The customer had signed up for the More Bang For Your Buck ********** which was a 1-year offer.
    The promotional rate ended on November 1, 2024, and the pricing reverted to the standard in-market rate.
    Due to a system upgrade issue, billing for November was delayed for some customers, including this one, which understandably caused some confusion and inconvenience.

    To resolve the matter:
    We agreed to extend the promotional rate for an additional year, from January 2025 through December 2025, as a goodwill gesture.
    We also adjusted the November and December bills retroactively to reflect the promotional rate, reducing the customer's balance from $154.81 to $98.63.

    This adjusted amount is deferred until December 13th, 2024 to provide additional flexibility.
    This resolution was communicated to the customer, and they were satisfied with the outcome. We remain available for further support if needed.

  • Initial Complaint

    Date:02/10/2024

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
     

    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID 22373242, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.




    Sincerely,



    Susan Slupik

    Business Response

    Date: 16/10/2024


    We are completing a thorough review of the issues that
    contributed to this recent experience, and we want to extend our sincerest
    apologies for what occurred.

    After careful consideration, we agree that the full amount should have been
    refunded.

    We have now corrected this issue, processed the remaining
    refund, and the customer should see this reflected shortly.

    In addition, we will make sure to review the situation with
    the representatives involved after your cancellation and reinforce the correct
    process to prevent this from happening again.

    We have made the customer aware via voice mail and an email
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:22/08/2024

    Type:Service or Repair Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Our internet has been dropping for nearly a year to the point now where it is impacting my work performance in my home office. I am dropped from meetings multiple times an hour. I have been calling on and off for months and have replaced all of my equipment and they refuse to fix my internet issues. They keep having me call back and repeat the same steps with no resolution. There is a busted internet box outside of my house they refuse to fix and they recently updated the infrastructure around our home to fiber (we did not upgrade our internet package and still have cable internet). Their tech showed up and sat in my drive way for 30min and never came in to check the equipment.

    Business Response

    Date: 27/08/2024

    We understand how frustrating it can be to diagnose and resolve a complex signal issue. As noted, we had the infrastructure owner send out a technician, and despite the damage to the pedestal, they reported that the signal to the home was within spec and stable.
    The work we did to replace some of our equipment was intended to rule out any issues on our end. Given the technicians findings, we'll need to collaborate and potentially make the most of our StartCARE app to help narrow down the problem.
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:16/11/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.
    Canceled services for October 31st. I was told by the supervisor that I would be refunded the entire amount I'd spent on them, as I was only with start.ca for less than a month. They have had their equipment back since November 10, and they are still trying to say they don't have it and that they will not return my money until I return their equipment. This type of thing is exactly why I cancelled with them...because they told me they were going to charge me for a tv box that had already been returned to them, and had a replacement sent.I'm not at all impressed.

    Business Response

    Date: 27/11/2023

    Regarding BBB Complaint 20879578


    Good day and thank you for your message.

    Please note that the request for refund was processed on November 17, 2023. All refunds are applied to the original payment method used at the point of purchase. 
    We realize that it may take some financial institutions 3-5 business days to process a refund.

    We apologize for the inconvenience and wish you all the best.

    If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to reach back out to us and we'll be happy to review.

    Best regards,

    Al Uniac
    Customer Experience Director
    **********************
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:19/04/2023

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    AnsweredMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.


    Complaint: ********



    I am rejecting this response because: ** Bank agrees with me that what they have done is not right at all. I have gotten rid of Start now & am with a much better internet & tv company & want nothing to do with Start ever again. I have changed all my banking info now so they can not steal money again.



    Sincerely,



    ******** ******

    Business Response

    Date: 24/04/2023

    This customer
    was billed twice and refunded both after a billing glitch.

    There was then another payment processed, that was also refunded.

    Although far from ideal, we did email the customer, then
    called her and explained it and adjusted the billing.
    During that
    interaction she indicated to cancel the tv portion of her service.
    This caused
    pro ration and complicated an already confusing situation. 

    I have since removed all the TV changes (not just the pro rated part) and attempted to call her to explain.

    Her voicemail indicates it is not set up.

    I have emailed her to try to initiate contact.
    We have double checked and are confident they
    were only charged for services they received, verified things will be
    consistent moving forward and apologize for the entire issue

    Business Response

    Date: 15/05/2023

    emailed the following


    I tried to call you today so we could review your billing.


    It is clear to me you were billed twice and refunded both after the billing glitch.

    There was then another payment processed, that was also refunded.
    Although far from ideal, we did email you, and from what I understand we then called explained it and adjusted the billing.

    During that interaction you indicated to cancel the tv portion of the service.

    This caused pro ration and complicated an already confusing situation.

    I have since removed all the TV changes (not just the pro rated part).

    This leaves a credit balance on your account of $71.62.

    We have double checked and are confident you were only charged for services you received,
    I am confident things will be consistent moving forward and apologize for the entire issue.

    If you would like to speak with me please let me know some dates and times I can reach out.

    Sincerely

    Business Response

    Date: 29/05/2023

    Hello
    We have tried to engage her to clarify what had happened, and how we addressed it.

    Although it was unfortunate we did address it directly and did our best to recognize the inconvenience.
    The customer is now with a different provider and has not replied to any attempts to contact.

    Customer Answer

    Date: 02/06/2023



    Complaint: ********



    I am rejecting this response because:



    Sincerely,



    ******** ******
  • Initial Complaint

    Date:26/09/2022

    Type:Product Issues
    Status:
    ResolvedMore info

    Complaint statuses

    Resolved:
    The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
    Unresolved:
    The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
    Answered:
    The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
    Unanswered:
    The business failed to respond to the dispute.
    Unpursuable:
    BBB is unable to locate the business.


    Better Business Bureau:



    I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.




    Sincerely,



    ****** ********

    Business Response

    Date: 26/09/2022

    ****** was looking to arrange a tech visit for his internet being offline through our chat function.

    At the current time we do not offer comprehensive technical support over chat or social media.
    the reasons are many, but come down to the ability to gather comprehensive data during a trouble shooting phase, and coordinate the follow up processes that can be varied also.

    We did offer to have a rep reach out at any day or time on the phone to assist but that was not an option for the customer.

    We understand the frustration, but do all we can to make things as convenient as we can.

    The vast majority of the time our call wait time is under 2 minutes (although that's not guaranteed), and once on with a rep, we can usually get the information in relatively short order.

    We are looking at ways to better assist all our customers and expanding our online ability is part of those plans.

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