I have loaded up S-Pt H and run a few speed tests with, and without, the internet connected.  With the internet on it appears that the new Start Screen is adding about 15-20 seconds to the initial Sonar Startup time and almost the same delay occurs waiting for the Startup to reappear after closing a project.  In the past I often left the internet on until I started recording but now it seems like a good idea to leave it off most of the time. 
 
(note this is on an internet connection speed of 20 Mbs download speed and 1.2 Mbs upload speed; as tested using Ookla just prior to trials)

Yup has been reported before. Unfortunately the internet download is clearly not happening in it's own separate process.
 
Until Cakewalk sorts this you could add a firewall rule to block whatever it is communicating with.
 
Cheers..

I do not like the start screen and its internet tendrils. Seems like a make work project.

ampfixer
I do not like the start screen and its internet tendrils. Seems like a make work project.

I would think those with a touchscreen would like. Maybe they should add tablet mode off.

I like the basic design of the thing, but it really feels a bit half-finished at the moment. It's far, far too slow to appear, and I think mine has even got slower today, weirdly enough.

<<I do not like the start screen and its internet tendrils. Seems like a make work project.>> ampfixer
 
I agree.  I've just diabled it.  It slows loading and, at least with my work style, doesn't give me any real advantage or functionality over File>Open.