CFN – I’m personally excited to welcome Start Communications to Cornwall and the Cornwall Free News Family of Sponsors! As an internet Newspaper we totally appreciate top notch internet service to our viewers without tight bandwidth limits.
Thanks to the CRTC companies like the London Ontario based Start now can offer Cable internet service as well as DSL High Speed to the public; many times at much better value than those two big near monopolies! Start services most of Ontario.
I know in my home for example I have the highest speed package Cogeco Cable offers to Cornwall Residents. Without a bundle or contract I’m paying $61 per month for 14MPS speed with 80 GB of Bandwidth per month; not quite enough to use the internet to replace a dish or cable tv service. Start offers the exact same speed or faster with 300 GB of bandwidth for only $49.95!
That’s a huge savings and allows data intensive gamer’s and net users enough space to enjoy without getting gouged with as much as $50 extras per month for bandwidth!
And we’re especially proud after talking with CEO Peter Rocca to offer viewers of The Cornwall Free News a special offer from Start.
You get a $25 credit when you switch over or sign up with Start! All you have to do is click on any Start.ca banner on CFN!
I had the chance to ask Mr. Rocca some questions to share with our viewers here on The Cornwall Free News.
CFN
You’ve been in the biz since BBS days. Did you ever imagine way back in the 90’s that the internet would be where it is today?
Peter Rocca
In the early BBS days, which goes back to the mid-80’s for myself, definitely not. Back then it was at its infancy, computers were rarely found in homes and I remember being excited when we would hit 10 calls a day to our BBS. Growing up in a smaller city at the time, I probably knew almost everyone who had a modem and lived within my local calling area. Much of that rarity drove the desire to develop technologies that interconnected computers to one another, extending the network of people you could communicate with.
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It was pretty slow growing in the 80’s but by the mid-90’s it had started a domino effect where more online usefulness drove computer sales which in turn brought more people online to share more content. Today the internet has become ubiquitous and runs so much in the background of our daily lives that we don’t even see. Back in the 80’s I don’t think anyone ever imagined it reaching that level of transparency.
CFN
Was there a moment for you in your career that was the lightning strike? That changed things for you and Start?
Peter Rocca
There have been several of those jolting changes that have occurred over the past couple decades, but the most recent one was about 3 or 4 years ago. Things had been going well at Start, we had an established and loyal customer base but had reached a growth plateau. My role at the time had been focused on daily operational needs and one afternoon while cutting my lawn the strike hit me that what we needed was for me to focus on strategic initiatives to take us to the next level. That change spurred our recent growth and projects such as becoming a full telecommunications carrier, building fibre and collocation facilities, representing our industry at the CRTC and most recently the launch of our cable high-speed internet services.
CFN
If you weren’t working in communications what would you be doing?
Peter Rocca
I’ve enjoyed teaching in the past, but I love what I do and can’t imagine another career for myself — except perhaps being a helicopter pilot.
CFN
How is Start different than the competition?
Peter Rocca
We pride ourselves on being people who are passionate and dedicated to what we do every day – this has been paramount to our success and is reflected in the services and support we provide our customers.
CFN
Why did it take the CRTC so long to allow a company like yours to piggyback Cogeco’s service?
Peter Rocca
I could write a book on this but I doubt it would sell many copies.
CFN
Where do you see the net in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years?
Peter Rocca
I think the net will become extremely personalized over the next 5 years and that traditional television will be pretty much non-existent within 10 years. As for 20 years out, I’m sure it will be incredible.
CFN
What do you use most to communicate with on the internet now? Smart phone, tablet, or computer?
Peter Rocca
I still prefer my computer keyboard, but would be helpless without my phone.
CFN
Why should Cornwall residents or anyone switch to Start?
Peter Rocca
We have very competitive offers in terms of pricing and usage limits which many people will find attractive, however it’s the support that really differentiates ourselves.
CFN
I have a contract with Cogeco; can I still switch to Start? Will I be penalized by Cogeco?
Peter Rocca
In our experience if you’re keeping your television service there is no penalty and you can switch at any time, however if you have a contract it’s probably best to double-check for any commitments you may have.
CFN
Do you folks offer phone service? I have a bundle with my current service and don’t want too many bills?
Peter Rocca
We have been piloting a phone service with some customers for a while, it’s working well and we expect to roll it out publically later this year after we make sure our support team are experts on supporting it.
CFN
Habs or Leafs?
Peter Rocca
There’s a loaded question! Myself, I’m a Leafs fan and my wife is a die-hard Habs fan – our marriage has necessitated the need for two TV’s.
CFN
Does Start really offer referral rewards?
Peter Rocca
Yes, our most successful advertising has always been word-of-mouth and we’re happy to reward our loyal customers who spread the word for us.
There you have it Ontario residents! It’s always good to have a choice and services more competitive and now Start Communications have brought competition for higher speed internet options to Cornwall Ontario!
To get your exclusive $25 one time discount when you switch to Start just click on any of their banners on The Cornwall Free News!
For more information about Start Communications please click HERE.
I have been with Start for about 3 months now. Switched from Cogeco, and have no regrets. The speed from Start is faster than my 14Mbps pack from Cogeco ( Start gives 16Mbps package) and the package is CHEAPER. Also, the usage ables me to have Netflix and my children’ usage without a problem. And yes the service has been personable and great. Good luck Peter here in Cornwall!!!!!
I have been with Start for more than a year and very happey with their service.