This represents an increase of 80,000 customers from May 2023 when SpaceX was believed to have around 120,000 customers in the country.

At a minimum monthly fee of AUD139, this means that Starlink is raking in around AUD27.8 million every month or AUD333.6 million a year.

Plus, most of those newly minted customers likely came over from government-backed NBN, with its Sky Muster plan bleeding subscribers ever since Starlink was introduced.

As a result, Australia remains one of Starlink’s most important markets, largely due to the comparatively higher prices it charges in the country.

Starlink’s dominance is further strengthened through partnerships with the likes of Telstra and introduction of new options such as rentals.

And due to Australia’s sheer size, it’s not to be expected that fiber will be a viable option for those residing in rural areas anytime soon.

Alongside the 200K customer announcement, Starlink also disclosed the introduction of its newest antenna and router.

The Gen3/REV4 antenna and router were launched in the US back in November 2023, with Australia now being the second market.

Just navigate to Starlink’s Australia website and enter your address, which will redirect you to the following order page:

Interestingly, the previous antenna, now called Standard Actuated, is not available for purchase anymore.

While the newest antenna and router do provide stronger download speeds and signal range, they also consume more power, which is a particularly sensitive topic for travelers / Roam subscribers.

In New Zealand, where Starlink is currently testing a deprioritized plan, the new antenna is yet to be introduced.

The same goes for the rest of the world. However, in Europe, Starlink is also heavily discounting the Standard Actuated set, so it appears that existing stock is being cleared to make room for the new antenna.

Last year’s noise wasn’t for nought; we were heard, even if it wasn’t publicly acknowledged. The improvements for early adopters across Africa, including myself, have been remarkable.

Starlink is a serious investment for anyone based in Africa, so I wanted to detail what performance you can expect and whether it lives up to the hype.

Let’s dive into the details.

My (Original) Setup

The original setup I had were the default gadgets the came with the Starlink Package. I mounted the dish on the rool, and was directly serving from the Starlink router.

The Starlink app showed slight obstruction to the right but it wasn’t much serious.

The antenna (I use the Gen2/REV3 terminal) was then mounted onto my metal roof:

I made a couple of changes to the initial setup, which cumulatively increased the overall performance of the network.

The first thing I did was to get an ethernet adapter and a more powerful router, Huawei AR169FVW in my case.

I have been told that any router with more than 1 CPU addresses major shortcomings with the original Starlink router.

Keep in mind that you need to bypass the associated Starlink router to be able to use third-party routers, which is detailed here.

I also relocated the dish to a taller building near my place and used a LiteBeam access point to connect to my home.

It added a couple of milliseconds to the latency but the tradeoffs were worth it.

The introduction of a more capable router further enhanced my experience, underscoring the importance of a robust home network setup.

That said, most users don’t need to go the extra mile of setting all of these up. The standard Starlink equipment will likely get you 90% of the performance I will show below.

Gathering Data

I began collecting data last December 2023, but the most reliable findings are from January 2024. 

Through custom scripts for ping, weather, and speed tests, I amassed over 416,000 tests, providing a comprehensive look at Starlink’s performance under various conditions.

Though I’m no analyst or network engineer, the data speaks volumes, and I’ve shared it all for independent analysis (just follow the links above).

Separately, the scripts for data collection can be found on my Github repo.

Performance Insights

Here are some of the key data points for anyone interested in using Starlink in Kenya and Africa at large:

• Uptime: From the myriad of pings, only 1% failed, translating to a 99% uptime over two weeks—a significant improvement from the 90% in early December.
• Download Speed: I encountered speeds above 250Mbps on several occasions and dipped below 1Mbps a few times. The median speed settled around 48Mbps, which is decent.
• Upload Speed: Surprisingly, upload speeds varied widely, sometimes surpassing the advertised 5-25Mbps range, reaching up to 27Mbps at best.

Just for reference: Ookla states that median broadband download speeds in Kenya are hovering around the 10Mbps mark, so this is a serious improvement.

You should therefore be able to engage in almost regular online activity, from streaming movies to conducting video calls. 

Latency remains the only issue with Starlink, thus potentially hampering online gaming activities. 

However, that’s also a given in the US and other markets, albeit less striking due to ground station availability and proximity. 

Weather’s Impact

Weather plays a notable role in service performance – as detailed here, for example. 

Midday heat correlates with lower speeds and higher latency, suggesting that critical online activities should be scheduled for cooler parts of the day.

Server Selection

Speed test results varied significantly with different servers.

Local servers like Telkom Kenya offered the best speeds, hinting at the impact of submarine cable shares on performance.

That said, even the worst performing servers still offering decent performance for all possible internet activities.

Is Starlink Worth It? Here’s My Personal Take For Anyone In Kenya 

Yes, with some caveats. Gamers might find the latency a hindrance, but for most users, especially those in rural areas like myself, Starlink offers a valuable service. 

It’s about weighing your needs against the service’s current capabilities and potential for improvement.

By January 2024, Starlink had proven its reliability for video calls, a task it previously struggled with. 

This was a turning point, showing that despite some latency, the service could handle essential communications effectively.

Switching to Starlink significantly reduced my internet costs. A generous offer from a supporter covered my subscription, highlighting the community’s belief in the service’s potential. 

For a similar setup to mine, you might need to invest around 230k Kenyan Shillings, but the benefits could outweigh the costs, depending on your situation.

Starlink has transformed my internet experience in Kenya, providing reliable service despite the initial investment. 

While it might not yet be perfect for everyone, its progress and impact are undeniable. 

For those in similar situations to mine, it’s a game-changer, offering connectivity where traditional services fall short.

Many of those subscribers have come from ViaSat, another staple among the satellite internet fray.

In this guide, I’ll detail how Starlink and ViaSat stack up against each other from a variety of different angles, including expected speeds, costs, and so forth.

Is Starlink Better Than Viasat?

First and foremost, let’s address the burning question on everyone’s mind: In nearly every aspect, Starlink surpasses Viasat.

However, Starlink isn’t without its challenges. Being a newer player in the market, it grapples with issues like restricted coverage areas.

For ease of navigation, here’s a roadmap of the topics I’ll delve into. If something catches your eye, feel free to jump directly to that section:

• The technological backbone of Starlink & Viasat
• The variety of internet plans on offer
• Their geographic availability
• The hardware provisions (and guidance on installation, if needed)
• Anticipated performance metrics: download/upload speeds and latency
• How much each service costs
• Data limits and other potential restrictions

Let’s dive into these aspects in the ensuing sections.

How Both Services Work

Viasat utilizes geosynchronous satellites to provide internet connectivity. These satellites are stationed approximately 22,236 miles (~ 35,785 km) above the Earth in the geostationary orbit (GEO).

While Viasat has previously acquired satellites from competitors including Telesat, it has also launched a total of 3 satellites itself.

The Viasat 1 was launched in 2011 and provides a total throughout of 140 Gbps. Viasat 2, launched in 2017, vastly expanded the ISPs footprint.

Unfortunately, the third-generation series hasn’t fared too well so far. Viasat planned to launch 3 different satellites, which would enable the company to provide worldwide internet coverage and each provide 1 Terabit per second (Tbps).

First, the delays of Arianespace’s Ariane 6 rocked forced Viasat to contract with Starlink owner SpaceX.

In May 2023, SpaceX launched the Viasat 3 Americas, successfully placing it in near-geosynchronous orbit. Unfortunately, the satellite’s 18-meter-diameter mesh antenna reflector wasn’t properly deployed, causing it to malfunction.

As a result, Viasat incurred hundreds of millions of dollars in losses, which it now tries to recoup via insurance claims. That said, the Viasat EMEA and APAC satellites are both scheduled for a launch in 2024.

In contrast, Starlink operates a constellation of thousands of satellites located in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Those satellites roam Earth at a distance of about 342 miles (550 kilometers). As a result, the signal from your antenna to the satellites and back to Earth takes substantially less time to be transmitted.

Thanks to the extensive network of Starlink’s constellation, there is always a satellite available for your antenna to link with, ensuring global coverage, subject to agreements with local authorities.

Available Plans

Viasat sells into both the consumer as well as business market. On the consumer side, it offers three different plans with varying speeds and data caps (more on that later).

Similarly, metered broadband plans are provided for businesses with low-volume data usage. Lastly, Viasat also sells into the aviation and maritime industries, offering plans for in-flight connectivity or shipping vessels.

Starlink offers a total of seven different internet plans. These are called Residential, Portability, Roam, Best Effort, Business, Aviation, and Maritime.

While Residential, Portability, Roam, and Best Effort are aimed at consumers, Aviation, Business, and Maritime cater to different types of enterprise customers.

I’ll mostly focus on comparing Starlink’s Residential and Business plan to those that Viasat offers. Please refer to their respective websites if you need information about Starlink’s or Viasat’s aviation and maritime programs.

Coverage

Viasat serves all 50 states of the United States. The company claims that it can offer internet coverage to 99 percent of the population.

Apart from the US, Viasat is also available in parts of Central and South America, including Brazil and Mexico. There, Viasat works with local ISPs such as Grupo Prosperist (MX).

Furthermore, its business-oriented aviation and maritime plans essentially offer worldwide coverage (at substantially lower speeds).

Starlink has secured operational licenses in over 60 countries worldwide since its initial launch in the US in November 2020.

While its presence has grown, full Residential coverage in key markets like the United States and Canada remains a work in progress. Currently, a significant portion of the Eastern US is still only available to Roam and/or Best Effort subscribers.

Yet, throughout 2023, Starlink’s capacity and availability have seen consistent improvements. Based on Starlink’s coverage projections, they aim to achieve comprehensive Residential coverage in the US by the end of the year.

Hardware & Installation

Upon subscribing to Viasat internet service, all necessary equipment is provided by Viasat.

This includes a satellite antenna dish with a transceiver and bracket assembly, and the Viasat WIFI Gateway which comprises a modem, wireless router, and a VoIP phone adapter for those opting for phone service. Additionally, a cable of at least 7 feet and potentially a pole are included.

The setup also requires up to 150 feet of RG-6 cable to connect the antenna to the modem, along with all required mounting and cabling hardware.

Customers are advised to secure permission from their property owner if needed. Viasat’s installation process does not support self-installation; therefore, a trained Viasat technician will handle the complete setup.

This technician will also provide guidance on the best location for the satellite dish.

The installation process includes routing the cable through exterior and interior walls or floors, and creating a necessary hole if one doesn’t exist.

It’s important to note that the Viasat system is not compatible with any modems or antennas other than those provided.

For customers who cannot mount the dish on their roof, Viasat may offer a pole mount as an alternative solution.

The beauty of Starlink, among many other factors, lies in its simplicity of installation. Most of the time, you can get started without needing to hire professional help.

Related: How to set up your Starlink kit

Those subscribed to Starlink’s Residential plan will normally receive the Standard rectangular hardware kit.

It contains the antenna, which is your gateway to connecting with the satellites, as well as an accompanying mounting base, a Wi-Fi router, and various power cables.

Should you be subscribed to the Business plan, then you’ll receive the costlier High Performance antenna kit.

Starlink’s High Performance antenna offers a few improvements, including a greater field of view of about 35 percent (thus being able to connect to satellites faster, which effectively minimizes downtime), improved weather resistance, better snow melting capabilities, and more.

Expected Performance

The two most important aspects when comparing GEO and LEO satellite internet services are the download and upload speeds as well as expected latency.

This is also where you’ll find the biggest difference between Starlink and Viasat – more on that in the coming chapters.

Download & Upload Speeds

Viasat clusters its consumer internet plans into three distinct buckets. As a result, your download speed will vary depending on the plan you opted into.

That said, the plans are ultimately subject to local availability. You can check the options available at your disposal under the following link.

For example, customers in certain regions can only purchase the 12 Mbps plans while others have access to the 100 Mbps options.

The reason behind this is manifold. Satellites use “spot beams” to deliver internet to specific areas on the ground.

If a particular beam covering Wyoming (example) is closer to capacity (meaning more subscribers are using it), Viasat may limit the speed offerings to ensure everyone under that beam gets a decent service.

In contrast, a beam covering Minnesota (another example) might have more available capacity.

Furthermore, service providers often allocate resources based on anticipated demand. If Viasat’s market research indicates a higher demand for faster speeds or more advanced services in a certain state, they might allocate more resources or newer technology to that region – for example setting up additional ground stations.

Lastly, upload speeds for Viasat should hover around the 3 Mbps to 4 Mbps threshold. Again, the comparatively low upload performance can be explained by the geosynchronous location of Viasat’s satellites since the signal has to travel much further and it thus takes more time to send it back and forth.

Performance-wise, the same logic can also be applied to Viasat’s business plans. Again, the company buckets its plans into distinct clusters, which determine the download and upload speeds you’ll experience.

Download and upload speeds are substantially better when opting in for Starlink. Even at the lower end of the spectrum, Residential service users can expect around 30 Mbps down.

The average Residential subscriber can anticipate speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, largely influenced by their geographic location.

We at Starlink Insider have also prompted our readers to disclose what performance they experience through the speed survey.

In the US, the average respondent reports download speed of 88.5 Mbps, which falls in line with the estimates Starlink provides.

To gauge the potential download and upload speeds in your area, simply click on the provided link and navigate across the map.

Use the filter settings located in the top left corner to toggle between download and upload speeds, as well as projected latency.

Furthermore, those on the Business/Priority plan benefit from elevated speeds, stemming from both network prioritization and the utilization of superior hardware, specifically the High Performance dish.

Starlink’s FAQ section highlights that within the United States, download speeds oscillate between 40 Mbps and 220 Mbps, while upload rates range from 8 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

Latency

Viasat, due to the geosynchronous location of its satellites, is plagued by very high latency. Your ping will often hover around 630 or so milliseconds, with some users reporting latency as high as 750 ms. 

As a result, some internet activities, including playing online video games and participating in video calls, are either cumbersome or outright impossible to engage in.

Even the usage of VPNs is not recommended. Not only do they add another layer in the data path but satellite internet providers often employ data compression to optimize the use of the available bandwidth. A VPN encrypts your data, which can make it less compressible, potentially resulting in higher data usage and slower speeds.

Starlink generally offers more favorable latency metrics. Within the United States, latency ranges from 25 ms to 60 ms, influenced by one’s geographical location.

Typically, more isolated regions like Alaska or Southern Chile may face elevated latency times (around 60 ms or slightly higher).

This can be attributed to a combination of fewer proximate ground stations and a reduced number of satellites covering Earth’s polar regions.

Pricing

Viasat pricing, as you might have guessed, is dependent on the plan that you opt into. On a per-gigabyte basis, Viasat claims on its website that it charges 60 cents for high-speed internet (i.e., before being degraded to standard data).

In comparison, Starlink and Viasat competitor HughesNet, which also relies on geosynchronous satellites, allegedly costs 87 cents per GB.

Viasat plans start at $49.99 per month and can go as high as $299.99 per month for the 100 Mbps plan with 500 GB of high-speed data.  

Business plans are even more expensive. A dedicated search for Wyoming, for example, returns the following offer on Viasat’s homepage:

Viasat does try to entice customers by providing them with temporary discounts of $20 to $100 per month for the first three months.

Potential subscribers can also check whether they’re eligible for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which would reduce their monthly bill by another $30.

Hardware-wise, Viasat does offer free installations. That said, equipment costs $299.99 if you purchase it outright. Alternatively, it can be leased directly from Viasat for $9.99 per month.

The pricing for Starlink varies, taking into account your geographical location. Specifically, in the United States, the Residential package price differs based on your residing area.

For those in regions with “excess capacity”, the monthly cost is $90. However, in areas where capacity is limited, the charge is $120 per month.

To determine your specific pricing bracket, visit the Starlink website. Navigate to the Residential section and input your address in the provided order form.

Upon submission, an order page will display, detailing the exact rate you’d be subjected to. Additionally, Residential subscribers incur a one-time fee of $599 for the hardware, along with a $50 shipping charge.

Subscribers of Starlink’s Business plan are charged based on the amount of Priority data they opt into. Here’s what they will pay per month:

• 1 TB: $250
• 2 TB: $500
• 6 TB: $1,500

Additionally, Business users are prompted to order the High Performance antenna, which costs $2,500 (plus $50 for shipping and handling).

Some markets where demand is not as steep may benefit from hardware discounts. In Canada, for example, the Standard antenna was temporarily discounted to CA$199 (~ $147).

Starlink won’t charge you for installation since its hardware is designed to allow for individual setups. Should you still need help in setting up the hardware, then feel free to check out our Starlink installer directory.

Data Caps & Other Limitations

Imposed data caps are another huge limiting factor of Viasat. As you can see in the screenshot above, Viasat provides only a set amount of “high-speed data” to subscribers.

The lowest amount of available high-speed data is 40 gigabyte per month and can go as high as 500 GB.

After exceeding your data allotment, you will be downgraded to what Viasat dubs “standard data”, which is substantially slower.

Users on Reddit claim that they were throttled down to 3 Mbps to 8 Mbps. Other have claimed it can be as low as 1 Mbps, making even basic internet browsing a pittance.

That being said, you can purchase additional high-speed data within your account terminal. Here’s an overview of what this would cost:

However, keep in mind that prices for topping up data may differ, depending on the plan you chose.  Generally speaking, the faster your connection, the more Viasat charges for purchasing additional data.

Another huge limiting factor of Viasat is the contract length. Viasat requires a 24-month contract for satellite internet service, unless you choose the Viasat Month-to-Month Service Term Option and pay the No Long-Term Contract Option fee.

If you cancel your Viasat contract prematurely, then you will be charged $15 for every outstanding month. If, for example, you have 12 months left on your contract, then your termination fee is $180 (= 12 months x $15).

Alternatively, you can No Long-Term Contract Option fee, equal to $300, when you sign up with Viasat. The fee, which will be charged on your first month with Viasat, allows you to get out of your contract at any given time.

Starlink’s data cap is primarily reserved for its Priority plan subscribers. For those on the Residential plan, they benefit from an unlimited ‘Standard’ data allowance.

Based on the data provisions outlined, users can expect download speeds anywhere from 30 Mbps to 200 Mbps, contingent upon their local cell’s congestion.

Those who opt for the Business plan, also referred to as Priority, can anticipate even greater download velocities. But this heightened speed doesn’t persist indefinitely.

Business/Priority subscribers can select from data caps of 1 TB, 2 TB, or 6 TB. Upon breaching these caps, they transition to the Standard prioritization, experiencing speeds similar to Residential plan subscribers.

Furthermore, Starlink doesn’t bind its users with contractual obligations. Subscriptions can be terminated at any point, with users simply settling any remaining dues.

An added perk: if users opt-out within 30 days of receiving their hardware, they are eligible for a refund, though shipping and handling charges are excluded.

For subscribers discontinuing their service after the initial 30-day period, the hardware kit can be sold, allowing for a transfer of ownership to another party.

Wrapping Up

While ViaSat has made some strides in improving its service, it’s still nowhere near as good as Starlink.

Starlink wins across almost any domain, whether that’s download and upload speeds, latency, data caps, or imposed contractual limitations.

And since Starlink continues to expand its constellation as well as ground station infrastructure, it’s only getting better with each passing day.

We also published a similar guide on Starlink vs. HughesNet. So, if you’re interested, check it out here.

Despite their growing global presence, SpaceX keeps the visuals and specifics of these advanced satellites largely under wraps – and for good reason.

Not only is Starlink facing increasing competition from projects like Amazon’s Kuiper or even the Chinese state, but SpaceX itself is also providing defense-related service to the US government (vis-à-vis Starshield).

That said, multiple images and videos have been shared by both SpaceX and enthusiasts over the years, so let’s examine them.

Here’s How Starlink’s Gen2 Mini Satellites Look Like

Since February 2023, Starlink begun launching the larger Gen2 Mini satellites. Here’s how they look like from upfront:

What you can see in the above (or title) image are the 21 Gen2 Mini satellites stacked onto each other (deployed on Feb 27th, 2023).

The satellites are placed on the payload fairing of the Falcon 9 rocket, which is the cone-shaped nose section of the rocket that protects the satellites from the harsh environment during launch.

“The V2 satellites launched on Falcon 9 are a bit smaller, so we affectionately refer to them as “V2 Mini” satellites,” SpaceX wrote when they were first released. “But don’t let the name fool you, a V2 Mini satellite has four times the capacity for serving users compared to its earlier counterparts.”

After a fiery first-stage boost, Falcon 9 sheds its used stage mid-flight with a gentle push.

The nimble second stage ignites, taking Starlink satellites to their orbital home, while the first stage returns for a land or sea landing.

The satellites are then being deployed from the payload compartment after the second stage reaches its designated orbit.

That sequence looks like this:

And this is another angle of that deployment process (with some gorgeous views on top):

Once freed from the protective embrace of the payload compartment, the Starlink Gen2 Mini satellites embark on a journey of self-reliance.

Each satellite activates its onboard thrusters to maneuver into its designated orbital position. This can take several days, with careful adjustments ensuring optimal spacing and communication capabilities.

The newer Gen2 satellites are using argon Hall thrusters. Their implementation was led by Ben Longmier whose startup, Swarm Technologies, was acquired by SpaceX in 2021.

Prior to argon, SpaceX was relying on krypton to accelerate its satellites. However, krypton is substantially rarer and thus more expensive, so a switch was long overdue.

Once on the way to their designated orbit, the Starlink satellites will roam earth for a few weeks in a train-like formation (commonly referred to as satellite trains).

This is when the satellites are visible to the human eye down from Earth – as seen in the following video I captured a while back.

Once safely separated, the satellite’s solar arrays, typically folded accordion-style within the compartment, extend like wings using electric motors. 

As the solar panels capture sunlight, onboard regulators switch seamlessly to solar power, ensuring continuous operation.

We unfortunately don’t have any live footage of how those unfolded satellites look like. However, various renders do exist.

Here’s one that CNBC provided (starting at 02:56 as well as seen in the thumbnail):

The image is strikingly similar to the infographic that SpaceX provided on its Direct-to-Cell page – a service set to launch in 2024.

The part located next to the solar array is referred to as the satellite bus (or baseplate). It houses all the control and communication systems necessary to communicate with Starlink’s ground station network and the terminals.

How Starlink Will Deploy Bigger Gen2 Satellites

While Starlink is currently launching Gen2 Mini satellites, it won’t do that forever. A much bigger version, simply dubbed Gen2, is already in the works.

The regular-sized Gen2 satellites will weigh around 2,000 kg each (~ 4409 lbs), 2.5x the size of the Gen2 Mini sats.

As a result, they do not fit on either the Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rocket. Instead, they will be transported on SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which remains in development.

Naturally, we do not have much visual information about what does satellites will look like. So once again, renders come to our rescue.

The above video shows a Starship render, ejecting the bigger Gen2 satellites in groups of two.

What we can infer from the video is that SpaceX estimates to be able to deploy around 56 Gen2 satellites per Starship launch.

For reference: a current Falcon 9 launch houses around 22 Gen2 Mini satellites that are a fraction of the size of the Gen2 version.

Electricity, even in hotels, would frequently shut off. And internet speeds were not only lackluster but strikingly expensive – even for a Western tourist like myself.

Two years later and the situation hasn’t improved that much at all. Now, to get 10 Mbps (download) will cost you USD 36 per month.

This certainly makes Lebanon ripe for the entry of Starlink, which should offer magnitudes greater speeds and potentially more competitive pricing, shaking up the current telecommunications landscape.

Unfortunately, Lebanese citizen will have to be patient for the time being.

Is Starlink Currently Available In Lebanon?

That’s because Starlink is currently not available in Lebanon – at least not officially.

Back in 2021, Starlink was claiming (via its availability map) that it planned to launch in Lebanon sometime in 2022.

Those plans, as you might have guessed, have obviously not materialized, mainly due to regulatory capture.

Ogero, Lebanon’s state telecommunications operator, demands all internet providers to pass through its network.

However, in recent times, things seem to have eased up. Johnny Corm, the country’s Telecom Minister, said that the government is currently in talks with SpaceX regarding the issuance of a license.

That said, an official launch date is yet to be set for Starlink’s arrival in Lebanon.

Does Starlink Work In Lebanon, Though?

While Starlink isn’t licensed to operate in Lebanon, it appears to be functioning nonetheless.

Word on the street (e.g., Reddit and Facebook groups) is that Starlink does indeed work in Lebanon.

You’d have to subscribe to the Global Roam option in a country where Starlink is licensed in and then take the hardware with you to Lebanon.

The traffic would be routed through the nearest licensed country where Starlink has a ground station.

This would likely be Cyprus where Starlink was launched in back in July 2023.

Keep in mind that Starlink, since it would technically be in violation of local telecom policies (and thus risk losing its license approval), could cut your connection off at any time, leaving you with unusable hardware.

The war between Hamas and Israel (and Lebanon’s partial involvement vis-a-vis Hezbollah) will certainly prompt Starlink to react more swiftly.

The last thing SpaceX wants on its hand is to potentially aid another terrorist group in enhancing its communication capabilities.

In this article, I will break down how the service is supposed to work, when it’s launching, who Starlink is partnering with, and more.

What Is Starlink’s Direct To Cell Service?

Starlink’s Direct to Cell service uses satellites with special capabilities to provide access to texting, calling, and browsing in various locations, including land and coastal areas.

It works with existing LTE phones, requiring no new hardware or apps and thus functioning with all 4G and 5G smartphones.

This technology also connects IoT devices using common LTE standards, broadening its utility beyond just personal communication – likely powered by the technology SpaceX acquired when it purchased Swarm in 2021.

How Does It Work?

It all starts with the Starlink satellites, akin to cell towers orbiting Earth. These advanced satellites are outfitted with technology that allows them to communicate directly with cellphones.

Traditionally, satellite internet operators like HughesNet or ViaSat would rely on satellites located in geostationary orbits, thus being tens of thousands of kilometers away from Earth.

As a result, they had to deploy a minimum of two satellites to cover both sides of the Earth at all times.

Additionally, due to the distance, it would take much longer for the signal to travel to reach the relevant ground station, which would lead to high latency times.

Meanwhile, Starlink, thanks to being vertically integrated with SpaceX, can take advantage of rapidly lower launch costs, allowing the company to deploy thousands of satellites in much closer orbital shells.

Therefore, you always have a nearby satellite acting as a connection point. On the ground, Starlink Ground Network stations act as intermediaries.

These stations are strategically placed to manage the data exchange between the satellites and the terrestrial internet.

The integration with Partner Operator Networks is what makes Starlink’s service uniquely accessible.

These partnerships enable the satellite network to plug into existing cellular frameworks, allowing for a smooth transition between traditional cellular and satellite service.

Direct connectivity to your LTE phone is perhaps the most user-friendly aspect of Starlink’s service.

It promises simplicity: as long as your phone can connect to LTE and you have a clear view of the sky, you can receive service.

This means no need for specialized hardware or software — your regular phone is all you need.

When Will It Launch?

Starlink’s direct-to-cell service will be rolled out in various phases, with Text being the first one available as soon as 2024.

Voice and Data is launching a year later in 2025. Similarly, IoT devices can tap into the satellite network within the same year.

Right now, there haven’t been any published hints regarding data performance (e.g., download and upload speeds).

That said, I’d presume that this is intended to serve as a backup/emergency service, thus throttling data throughput to some extent.

The FCC, back in early December 2023, granted SpaceX the right to “deploy a modified version of the previously authorized Gen2 Starlink satellites.” 

However, SpaceX only received the permission to verify if the radios on the satellites work, allowing them to operate “within the 1910-1915MHz and 1990-1995MHz bands for limited on-orbit check out of the antennas immediately following deployment of each satellite for a period of 10 days or less, to ensure initial functionality of the satellite antenna.”

What Companies Are Partnering With Starlink?

Starlink has secured partnerships with 6 cell network operators, which include:

• USA: T-Mobile
• Canada: Rogers
• Australia: Optus
• New Zealand: One
• Japan: KDDI
• Switzerland: Salt
• Chile: Entel

The first time such plans were unveiled was in August 2022 when SpaceX CEO Musk and T-Mobile CEO Mike Sievert during an event hosted by the carrier.

To provide this service, the two companies planned to create a new network, broadcast from Starlink’s satellites using T-Mobile’s mid-band spectrum nationwide.

Sara Spangelo, one of the co-founders of Swarm Technologies (the company that SpaceX acquired in 2021), actually leads the Direct-to-Cell division.

She has been instrumental in securing many of the above-mentioned partnerships, including the ones with Rogers in Canada.

Going forward, I’d assume that Starlink will focus on securing partnerships with European (also including UK) operators, especially considering how flaky mobile connections can be at times (at least in Germany where I’m from).

How Much Will It Cost?

Right now, neither Starlink nor its various partners have disclosed any fee structures. That said, pricing will be set by the network carriers and not Starlink itself.

Prospective customers will likely be able to book add-on packages with their carrier. Starlink will then receive a percentage of those bookings.

Starlink’s Direct-To-Cell Competition

Starlink’s biggest competitor in the direct-to-cell satellite industry is AST SpaceMobile, which went public back in April 2021.

AST, unlike Starlink, relies on just two satellites (called BlueWalker). Those satellites boast much bigger solar arrays and thus provide greater coverage per satellite.

Back in September 2023, AST successfully completed the first-ever 5G voice and data connection from a regular cellphone directly to a satellite in low earth orbit.

The test phone they used was able to achieve download speeds of 14 Mbps. Soon, its various partners, which include Vodafone, AT&T, and Nokia among others, will be able to tap into this capability.

Apart from AST SpaceMobile, SpaceX will also be competing with fellow LEO operator OneWeb, which offers mobile backhaul access to enterprise customers.

Another notable competitor is Globalstar who is powering Apple’s new satellite emergency service.

In fact, Apple, is reimbursing Globalstar 95% of the costs, which will total around $327 million, to replenish its existing constellation.

In return, Apple plans to use 85% of Globalstar’s network capacity to provide the emergency service.

Interestingly, SpaceX is currently requesting a waiver from the FCC to use the 1610-1617.775 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz bands, clashing with Globalstar’s near-exclusive rights for its iPhone service.

Previously, SpaceX was also competing with Iridium, who partnered with Qualcomm. However, in November 2023, the two companies disclosed that they ended their partnership.

Many of those subscribers have come from HughesNet, another staple among the satellite internet fray.

Is Starlink Better Than HughesNet?

Let’s get the most important question out of the way first: Yes, Starlink is better than HughesNet in almost every regard.

That said, even Starlink isn’t perfect. Growing pains, such as limited coverage areas, are still plaguing the relatively new service.

Here’s an overview of all the different topics I’ll cover – so if anything is of particular interest, then simply click on the respective topic:

• How HughesNet & Starlink work technologically
• The internet plans they sell
• Where they’re available
• The hardware that’s being provided (and whether you’d need help with installation)
• Performance (i.e., download and upload speeds + latency) you can expect
• Data caps (and other limitations)
• How much everything costs

So, without further ado, let’s break down those details in the sections below.  

The Basics: How HughesNet & Starlink Work

HughesNet utilizes geosynchronous satellites to provide internet connectivity. These satellites are stationed approximately 22,000 miles above the Earth in the geostationary orbit (GEO).

At this altitude, they rotate synchronously with the Earth, meaning they remain fixed above a specific point on the planet’s surface.

HughesNet primarily relies on three satellites, namely Jupiter 1 (launched in 2012), Jupiter 2 (launched in 2016), and Jupiter 3 (July 2023).

In contrast, Starlink, a project by SpaceX, operates using a constellation of thousands of satellites situated in low Earth orbit (LEO).

Those satellites roam Earth at a distance of about 342 miles (550 kilometers). As a result, the signal from your antenna to the satellites and back to Earth takes substantially less time to be transmitted.

And due to the vastness of Starlink’s constellation, there’s always at least one satellite that your antenna can connect to, thus allowing Starlink to provide worldwide coverage (barring agreements with local governments).

Available Plans

HughesNet offers two options, namely Residential and Business. In the Residential space, it offers four different plans, namely 15 GB, 50 GB, Fusion 100 GB, and Fusion 200 GB (more on what those terms mean in the sections below).

Within its Business segment, enterprise customers can opt into three different plans, including Business 50 GB, Fusion Business 100 GB, and Fusion Business 200 GB.

Starlink offers a total of seven different internet plans. These are called Residential, Portability, Roam, Best Effort, Business, Aviation, and Maritime.

While Residential, Portability, Roam, and Best Effort are aimed at consumers, Aviation, Business, and Maritime cater to different types of enterprise customers.

Coverage

HughesNet is currently available in seven countries, namely the United States (including Puerto Rico) as well as in Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.

The usage of geosynchronous satellites is the reason why HughesNet is solely available in the Western parts of our globe (since they rotate alongside Earth and thus won’t be able to transmit the radio frequency signals to the opposite parts of our planet).

Starlink, on the other hand, is now licensed to operate in more than 65 countries across the globe. This is a particularly impressive feat considering that Starlink was launched in the US back in November 2020.

And since early October 2023, Starlink’s Residential tier has essentially been whitelisted across the entire US, thus lifting previous restrictions.

Hardware & Installation

HughesNet equipment is comprised of two essential pieces, namely your modem (also commonly referred to as a Wi-Fi router) and the satellite dish.

HughesNet employs a conventional satellite dish design, akin to those used for satellite TV and related services.

The system consists of the main dish, also known as an antenna reflector. Additionally, there’s a more compact unit, positioned on an extension arm in front of the main dish, referred to as a low-noise block downconverter (LNB). This unit handles the task of receiving and sending radio signals.

The entire setup translates the radio signal into functional internet, which subsequently links to your home router, allowing your home network access to the internet.

Given that HughesNet satellites operate in a geosynchronous orbit, they maintain a fixed spot in the sky. Therefore, it’s essential for the dish to be precisely aligned during the initial setup to communicate effectively with the satellite.

As a result, you will need professional help to get everything installed. Here’s a video, brought to you by the kind folks of HughesNet, on what you can expect during the installation process:

A certified HughesNet technician will then also help you to link two of your existing devices, such as a mobile phone or laptop, to the newly established Wi-Fi connection.

The beauty of Starlink, among many other factors, lies in its simplicity of installation. Most of the time, you can get started without needing to hire professional help.

Related: How to set up your Starlink kit

Those subscribed to Starlink’s Residential plan will normally receive the Standard rectangular hardware kit.

It contains the antenna, which is your gateway to connecting with the satellites, as well as an accompanying mounting base, a Wi-Fi router, and various power cables.

Should you be subscribed to the Business plan, then you’ll receive the costlier High Performance antenna kit.

Starlink’s High Performance antenna offers a few improvements, including a greater field of view of about 35 percent (thus being able to connect to satellites faster, which effectively minimizes downtime), improved weather resistance, better snow melting capabilities, and more.

Lastly, and much like HughesNet, you can also use your own Wi-Fi router together with the Starlink antenna.

To do that, you need to bypass the existing Starlink router, which I detailed how to accomplish in this article.

Moreover, Starlink is constantly updating its hardware stack as evidenced by the Gen 3 router and antenna it recently unveiled.

Expected Performance

The two most important aspects when comparing GEO and LEO satellite internet services are the download and upload speeds as well as expected latency.

This is also where you’ll find the biggest difference between Starlink and HughesNet – more on that in the coming chapters.

Download & Upload Speeds

HughesNet speeds are dependent on the plan that you’ve opted into. Here’s what download speeds users can expect for each Residential plan:

• 15 GB: 15 Mbps
• 50 GB: 25 Mbps
• Fusion 100 GB: 25 Mbps
• Fusion 200 GB: 50 Mbps

That said, HughesNet themselves point out that those speeds are not guaranteed and are ultimately dependent on many factors, including “the configuration of your computer, number of concurrent users, network or Internet congestion, capabilities and content of the websites you are accessing,” and much more.

Should you be a business subscriber, then you can expect download speeds ranging from 25 Mbps (Business 50 GB) to 50 Mbps (Fusion Business 200 GB).

Starlink, on the other hand, is able to provide substantially greater speeds. At worst, you’ll get around 30 Mbps down for Residential service.

Most Residential subscribers will hover around 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps, depending on their location of residence.

In case you want to check what download and upload speed you’d experience, simply follow this link and hover across the map.

You can adjust the filter setting on the top left corner to switch from download to upload speed as well as expected latency.

Lastly, subscribers of the Business/Priority plan can expect even higher performance due to network prioritization and the usage of better hardware (= High Performance dish).

Starlink, in its FAQ section, states that download speed in the United States ranges anywhere from 40 Mbps to 220 Mbps. Meanwhile, upload speeds are around 8 Mbps to 25 Mbps.

Latency

The ping that HughesNet subscribers encounter can be as high as 750 ms, with averages centering around 600 ms to 650 ms.

As a result, real-time activities such as online gaming or video conferencing are cumbersome at best and outright impossible to engage in at worst.

HughesNet tries to tackle the high-latency issue via its Fusion plans, which combine satellite and wireless technologies.

Whenever the satellite dish sends a latency-sensitive request, that signal is forwarded to a terrestrial cell tower from which it is then transmitted back to the user.

That’s why Fusion customers will receive additional equipment that automatically connects to nearby wireless networks when engaging in those latency-sensitive activities. However, Fusion plans are only available to those who are located in proximity to a cell tower.

Users on Reddit have reported that latency for those subscribed to a Fusion plan will be between 170 ms to 200 ms, which is still too high for most online games.

Starlink also performs substantially better when it comes to latency. In the United States, you can expect anywhere from 25 ms to 60 ms, depending on location.

Generally speaking, those located in the remotest of areas, such as Alaska, will likely experience higher pings.

That’s because of a) fewer nearby ground stations and b) fewer satellites roaming Earth’s northern and southern hemispheres.

Data Caps & Other Limitations

HughesNet applies soft data caps to each of its plans. This means that your download and upload speeds will be severely reduced once you exceed the said cap.

The gigabyte numbers that I mentioned above are effectively the soft cap limit that HughesNet imposes.

For example, the 15 GB option provides you with download speeds of 15 Mbps. Once the cap is exceeded, your speed will hover around 1 Mbps to 3 Mbps.

Another huge limitation of HughesNet is the contract length. All service plans, both for Residential and Business subscribers, require a 24-month commitment.

Should you cancel the contract before the end of the contract, then you will have to pay a Termination Fee of up to $400 – granted you cancel after the equipment is installed.

However, the $400 penalty is only to be paid within the first 90 days after activation. With each passing month thereafter, the fee will decrease by $15.

For example, if you cancel after 12 months of activating HughesNet, then your termination fee is equal to $265 (= $400 – (9 months x $15)).

Moreover, if you rented the equipment, then you must return the modem, power supply, and radio in good condition within 45 days of the cancellation date or be charged a $300 Unreturned Equipment Fee ($100 for the modem and power supply and $200 for the radio transmitter).

The data cap that Starlink imposes is only applicable to those subscribed to its Priority plans. If you are a Residential user, then you will receive unlimited Standard data allotment.

As stated above, this means that you should see anywhere between 30 Mbps to 200 Mbps in download speed, depending on the business of your local cell.

And those subscribed to the Business plan (also dubbed Priority) will experience even higher download speeds. However, the party won’t last forever.

Business/Priority subs can opt into 1 TB, 2 TB, or 6 TB of Priority data allotment. Once they exceed that threshold, they’re downgraded to Standard prioritization, meaning they will experience the same performance as Residential subscribers.

Other than that, there are no contract obligations imposed by Starlink. Users can cancel at any time and only have to pay any outstanding balance.

Plus, you will get a refund (minus shipping and handling fees) if you cancel within 30 days of receiving the hardware.

Those who cancel outside of the 30-day limit can sell their hardware kit to another person and consequently transfer ownership.

Pricing

HughesNet pricing varies depending on where you live. That said, I’ll focus on the US since that’s where the majority of HughesNet subscribers are based.

HughesNet’s pricing is divided by the plan you opt into – both on the Residential and Business side. Here’s what Residential subscribers have to pay (prices denoted per month and in USD):

• 15 GB: $49.99
• 50 GB: $74.99
• Fusion 100 GB: $99.99
• Fusion 200 GB: $174.99

HughesNet does offer substantial discounts and other incentives to customers willing to opt for its 24-month-long contracts.

All the above-mentioned plans, except the 15 GB option, are discounted by $25 per month for those willing to commit to a longer contract.

Additionally, customers can save an extra $50 when ordering online instead of a licensed reseller. Other incentives, such as a one-month free access to antivirus software Norton 360 Deluxe, are also provided.

Meanwhile, prices for HughesNet’s Business tier look as follows (again denoted on a per-month basis):

• Business 50 GB: $84.99
• Fusion Business 100 GB: $114.99
• Fusion Business 200 GB: $189.99

Business customers can also take advantage of various discounts and other incentives, especially when ordering directly from HughesNet’s website.

Users, on top of the monthly subscription fee, will also have to pay for the hardware. Hereby, you can either decide to purchase the hardware outright for $450 or rent it for $15 per month.

Furthermore, a $99 activation fee has to be paid by those who decide to rent the hardware. Said activation fee covers the price of installation. Users who purchase the equipment won’t be charged for installation.

Starlink prices are naturally dependent on your country of residence as well. In the United States, Starlink is charging different prices for its Residential package, which is based on where you live.

Those situated in areas with excess capacity pay $90 per month while folks located in limited capacity areas pay $120.

If you want to know what area you are assigned to, simply go to Starlink’s website (using the Residential section) and type in your address in the order form below.

An order page will automatically appear, showing you the price you’ll be charged. Moreover, Residential subscribers pay a one-time fee of $599, plus $50 for shipping, for the hardware.

Subscribers of Starlink’s Business plan are charged based on the amount of Priority data they opt into. Here’s what they will pay per month:

• 1 TB: $250
• 2 TB: $500
• 6 TB: $1,500

Additionally, Business users are prompted to order the High Performance antenna, which costs a whopping $2,500 (plus $50 for shipping and handling).

Starlink won’t charge you for installation since its hardware is designed to allow for individual setups. Should you still need help in setting up the hardware, then feel free to check out our Starlink installer directory.

Wrapping Up

While HughesNet has made some strides in improving its service, it’s still nowhere near as good as Starlink.

Starlink wins across almost any domain, whether that’s download and upload speeds, latency, data caps, or imposed contractual limitations.

And since Starlink continues to expand its constellation as well as ground station infrastructure, it’s only getting better with each passing day.

We also published a similar guide on Starlink vs. HughesNet. So, if you’re interested, check it out here.

I’ve been using Starlink for the past few months and can safely say that, barring access to fiber connectivity, it is far and beyond the best options for anyone living in rural areas.

Should you still want to continue with this review, then expect to learn about Starlink basics such as speed or pricing, what pros and cons it entails, how well it performs in my home continent of Europe, and whether I think purchasing Starlink is worth it.

The Basics: How Much Starlink Costs & What Speed It Offers

First of all: if you want to understand how the whole Starlink ecosystem works, then I’d instruct you to check out the following articles:

• What Starlink is and how it works technologically
• How Starlink makes money
• Who actually owns Starlink

The price you pay and the speed you experience are ultimately dependent on your chosen plan as well as your registered service address.

Here’s what prices subscribers are paying for the Residential service across Starlink’s most popular markets (per month):

• United States: US$90 (excess capacity area) – US$120 (limited capacity area) + US$599 for hardware
• Australia: AU$139 + AU$399 for hardware
• United Kingdom: £75 + £449 for hardware
• Canada: CA$140 + CA$199 for hardware
• Mexico: MX$1,100 + MX$8,300
• Germany: €65 + €450 for hardware

For a detailed overview of what Starlink charges in the 60+ markets it is available in, please refer to our global price overview.

And if you’re subscribed to Residential, then all of those markets should provide you with download speeds of 25 Mbps or more.

Starlink recently updated its availability map to include download and upload speeds as well as latency, which you can check out under the following link.

As you can see, literally every state boasts at least 25 Mbps, with some even reaching triple-digit download speeds.

Keep in mind that performance varies throughout the day. If you conduct a speed test during peak hours (i.e., 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.), you’ll likely experience slower download and upload speeds.

That’s because each satellite has only a limited amount of bandwidth it can provide, with said bandwidth having to be distributed among a set number of users.

Consequently, the more people are trying to access the internet at the same time, the fewer resources are available to each individual.

While Starlink’s map should be reliable in terms of performance estimates, it’ll ultimately be down to each individual setup.

In the majority of all use cases, whether that’s surfing the web, streaming a TV show, or video calling someone else, Starlink performance will absolutely suffice.  

My Personal Pros and Cons

While Starlink is undoubtedly an incredible innovation that’s far and above current satellite internet providers, it’s not without its faults.  

The big one first: there isn’t any comparable consumer product or service out there that can provide high-speed internet (> 25 Mbps) in areas deprived of fiber or cell connectivity.

And latency, thanks to its low-orbiting satellites, is extremely low, making activities such as gaming or video conferencing easily possible.

SpaceX is also working on a direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile (another partnership has already been announced in New Zealand together with local operator One), which means you’ll be able to tap into Starlink’s constellation right from your mobile phone.

Another huge perk of Starlink is the ease of use. All it takes is a functioning electrical connection and a few minutes of your time to set Starlink up.

It does sometimes feel like Starlink took a page out of Apple’s playbook when it comes to design and usability, both of which are top-notch in my experience.

Its global coverage and easiness of setting everything up also makes Starlink the perfect travel companion. If you’re living in an RV or on a boat, then subscribing to Starlink is essentially a no-brainer.

And those who are still on the fence can test Starlink free of charge for 30 days. Even after the testing period expires, you can still cancel at any time (and just have to find someone to sell your equipment to).

Unfortunately, not everything is perfect. Download and upload speeds may be lackluster at times, depending on factors such as your location or chosen plan.

Starlink, much like any other satellite internet service, is also highly dependent on having a clear view of sight.

If your antenna is blocked by trees, for example, then you will experience frequent outages. Extremely poor weather conditions can potentially affect uptime, too.

The hardware itself certainly doesn’t come cheap, either. In the United States, you’re paying $599 for the hardware, on top of up to $50 for shipping.

Customer service, or lack thereof, is another downside. There have been many examples of folks waiting weeks or months for a reply – all while their hardware is malfunctioning, thus making the service inaccessible.

That said, many of those downsides will be ironed out over time. As new Starlink competitors emerge, SpaceX will have to invest more of its profit margins into improving service.

Additionally, performance should also improve as more satellites are being deployed. However, even those residing in the busiest of cells should already see double-digit download speeds.

If you want a more in-depth version of Starlink’s advantages and disadvantages, then feel free to check out the linked articles.

How Good Is Starlink in Europe?

Generally speaking, the more advanced the internet infrastructure of a certain region, the better your Starlink performance tends to be.

This has been particularly true in Europe where we have a substantially more sophisticated fiber infrastructure thanks to factors like population density and government investments in fiber optics.

As a result, satellite-based internet services like Starlink aren’t as much of a necessity. Therefore, subscribers tend to compete with fewer users for the same bandwidth pool, thus leading to better performance for the individual.

Here in Germany, for example, I regularly experience download speeds of around 200 Mbps and beyond:

Not only is performance cream of the crop, but prices also tend to be comparatively low. I am currently paying €65 per month for Residential service here in Germany.

In countries like France, Starlink is discounted even further to €40 per month – below what it charges in African countries like Nigeria or Rwanda.

Similarly, hardware is oftentimes discounted as well. In Spain, for example, you could take advantage of a summer discount, allowing you to purchase the hardware for €199 instead of €450 (which is still cheaper than in the US).  

Another European perk is the ability to rent equipment. This enables you to temporarily use Starlink for any period you wish to.

As a result, you don’t have to pay for the hardware. That said, renting a hardware kit only works with the Residential tier, so you cannot travel around on rented equipment.

Is Starlink Worth It? My Final Verdict

The answer to the question of whether Starlink is worth it is highly dependent on the alternatives that are available to you as well as the individual use case.

Most people who consider getting Starlink likely fall under the following buckets:

• They don’t have access to fiber internet
• They live in a remote area without or with limited cell coverage
• They were previously subscribed to a geostationary satellite ISP like HughesNet, ViaSat, or NBN’s Sky Muster

If these three tenants are applicable to your current situation, then switching to Starlink is an absolute no-brainer.

Subscribing to Residential should yield a minimum speed of 25 Mbps in the most congested areas and between 100 Mbps to 250 Mbps in lesser prominent (in terms of Starlink adoption) locations.

In Australia, for example, Starlink has attracted over 120,000 subscribers in a little over 2 years of being operational – to the detriment of local players like NBN Sky Muster.

Performance aside, Starlink has also revolutionized the way in which people can travel and remain connected.

With Roam and Maritime, subscribers can now gain access to high-speed internet while traveling in a van or being out on the ocean.

And since Starlink can be easily set up and taken down, it is a great partner for any trip you plan to undertake.

Back in 2022, when the Portability plan was still readily available, I took dishy on a camping trip in Scandinavia.

Lastly, do keep in mind that Starlink is continuously improving thanks to the constant launching of satellites, expansion of its ground station infrastructure, and improvements made to the hardware and software.  

So, even those located in areas with limited capacity will eventually see download and upload speeds become even faster than they already are.

And if anything, you’re helping humanity get one tiny step closer to conquering Mars (since Starlink profits are used for the development of Starship, the most powerful rocket ever developed).

In a little over two years of operation, it has managed to rise to become Australia’s most popular satellite-based internet service provider.

Incumbent players like NBN Sky Muster are now playing catchup while current subscribers are left wondering whether they should be switching to Starlink or not (*cough* they probably should *cough*).

Before we dive into how NBN and Starlink stack up against each other, here’s a closer look at some key figures:

So, without further ado, let’s break the two down to help you decide the most suitable option based on your needs.  

How NBN & Starlink Work

Before I begin explaining what NBN and Starlink do, it’s important to note that we are talking about Sky Muster whenever I’m referring to NBN-related services.

NBN, which is operated by the Australian government, is comprised of multiple wired and radio communication components.

Local internet service providers (ISPs) then work with NBN to access the data network and offer various internet services to consumers and businesses alike.

Those ISPs (and consequently customers) access said network via fiber, HFC cable, fixed wireless, and satellite connections – with the last one being Sky Muster.

Back in 2015/2016, NBN launched two satellites, dubbed NBN Co 1A and 1B, into Earth’s geosynchronous (GEO) orbit.

Those two satellites roam our planet at a distance of about 35,786 kilometers above the equator, north of Australia.

By having two satellites deployed, NBN can ensure that at least one is always covering the entirety of the Australian continent.

The end user is connected to those satellites via a network of 7 ground stations and a satellite dish, which is commonly installed on one’s roof.

Ground stations, also known as gateways, serve as the main communication hubs between the satellite network and the terrestrial internet infrastructure. They send and receive data to and from the satellites.

When a user sends a request (e.g., clicking on a web page link), data from the user’s device goes to their satellite modem, which transmits the signal to the dish. This signal, called an uplink, is sent to the satellite.

The satellite relays this request to one of the ground stations, which connects to the internet to fetch the required data. The ground station then sends this data back to the satellite, which in turn sends it to the user’s satellite dish — this is the downlink.

Said data is then passed to the user’s satellite modem and then to the user’s device, thus allowing him or her to browse the internet.

Starlink operates fairly similarly to Sky Muster, with two clear distinctions: its satellites are located much closer to Earth at a distance of about 550 kilometers – commonly referred to as low-earth orbit (or LEO).

And since Starlink’s satellites are much closer to our planet, it needs to launch substantially more of them to provide the necessary coverage.

In fact, Starlink just crossed the inaugural mark of 5,000 launched satellites, of which close to 4,000 remain operational.

Those satellites normally have a lifespan of around 5 to 6 years whereas NBN’s satellites will remain in operation for up to 15 years.

Lastly, Starlink users are provided with a hardware kit containing a dish (also referred to as dishy), router, and various cables for power supply (pictured above).

The setup process itself is very straightforward (whereas Sky Muster will often require a professional installer). We published a detailed article on Starlink’s installation process here.

Available Plans

NBN Sky Muster plans can generally be categorized into three tiers, namely a Regular, Plus, and Premium option.

The regular ones are normally capped at 12 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload speed. Furthermore, data consumption is heavily limited, too.

The more upscale plans not only offer higher speeds (up to 100 Mbps) but are sometimes not capped as well.

Starlink offers a total of seven different internet plans. These are called Residential, Portability, Roam, Best Effort, Business, Aviation, and Maritime.

As such, Starlink caters to both consumers as well as businesses. NBN, on the other hand, is solely focused on the consumer market.

Another major difference is that Starlink enables you to be mobile – for example, by subscribing to Roam. The hardware itself can be transported anywhere Starlink is licensed to operate.

Expected Performance

The expected performance is certainly the biggest differentiator between the two services. But first things first.

NBN Sky Muster claims that users can expect download speeds of 12 Mbps for the regular and 25 Mbps when being subscribed to the Plus plan.

In rare instances, download speed can shoot up all the way to 100 Mbps if the network isn’t busy. You’ll likely experience those types of speeds during the night when everyone’s asleep.

Additionally, upload performance normally varies between 1 Mbps to 5 Mbps. Lastly, latency will hover around 600 milliseconds.

As I’ve mentioned above, that’s grounded in the fact that NBN’s two satellites are roaming Earth’s orbit at a distance of ~ 36,000 km, which means it takes the signal substantially longer to travel to and from the satellite.

Lastly, Sky Muster plans are also capped, depending on the chosen tier. For instance, SkyMesh, one of NBN’s authorized resellers, offers the following options:

Resellers oftentimes differentiate between peak and off-peak hour (1 am – 7 am) usage after which subscribers will be capped at 256 Kbps.

With that said, resellers do also offer uncapped plans, which oftentimes coincide with getting the highest possible speeds as well.

Starlink, on the other hand, claims that users subscribed to the Residential plan (also called Standard) can expect download speeds of 90 Mbps to 240 Mbps.

Additionally, uploads can be as high as 25 Mbps while latency varies between 25 ms to 60 ms. Those subscribed to its Priority options, i.e., Business and Maritime, could even see speeds of up to 275 Mbps.

The Standard plan provides users with unlimited internet while Starlink’s Priority options are capped (the cap itself is dependent on what tier you choose).

However, once you reach the Priority cap, you’ll simply be degraded to Standard network prioritization, meaning your performance will be equal to those of Residential users.

This is also where the closeness and vastness of Starlink’s satellite constellation comes into play. The signal from the user’s dish to the satellite and back takes substantially less time to be transmitted, thus resulting in much lower latency figures.

And since Starlink operates thousands of satellites, it can offer substantially more bandwidth. Each NBN satellite, for reference, has a total throughput of 80 gigabits per second (= 10 gigabytes per second).

That bandwidth has to then be shared among the roughly 95,000 subscribers of Sky Muster. So, if every subscriber were to access the internet at the same time, they’d experience download speeds of around 0.11 Mbps (10 Gbps / 95,000 subscribers).

While that’s obviously not the case, this simple calculation still highlights why NBN subscribers are capped at around 25 Mbps.

Meanwhile, each first-gen Starlink satellite offers 20 Gbps of bandwidth. The newer Gen2 version even boasts up to 80 Gbps.

Not only are Starlink’s satellites more powerful but the bandwidth itself is being shared among fewer users.

That’s because Starlink is splitting up each coverage area into so-called cells (often in the shape of a hexagon), so there’s only limited radiofrequency (RF) energy that is transmitted or received by a satellite’s antenna.

And since dozens of satellites are likely above a user at any given time, they can even pass the signal onto another one to provide additional bandwidth (commonly referred to as inter-satellite links or ISL).

Ironically, Starlink’s growth in Australia may very well lead to an improvement in Sky Muster’s performance.

NBN’s total subscriber count has dropped sharply over the last few months, which means that fewer users will have to compete for the same amount of bandwidth.

As a result, and should NBN or its resellers not allocate that bandwidth elsewhere, users will experience faster speeds.

And since NBN’s satellites boast a lifetime of 15 years, they’re going to remain in operation until around 2030. That available bandwidth, in the end, will have to be allocated somewhere.

Pricing

For the sake of comparability, I’m only going to list the prices of Starlink’s stationary plans (since NBN Sky Muster does not offer any mobile options), more specifically Residential and Business.

As stated in the previous chapter, NBN is working together with authorized resellers who are dealing with customer queries, conducting installation, and ultimately invoiceing them.

Therefore, prices may vary greatly depending on the reseller and plan that you choose. Here’s an overview of the pricing (in AUD and per month) for some of the most popular resellers:

activ8me:

• Sky Muster: $34.95 – $89.95; 12/1 Mbps download/upload speed; 155 GB – 260 GB
• Sky Muster Plus: $49.95 – $84.95; 25/5 Mbps download/upload speed; Unmetered 25 – 65 GB
• Sky Muster Plus Premium: $99; burst download speeds up to 100/10 Mbps; unmetered data

Clear:

• Faster (12/1): $34.95 – $199.95; 12/1 Mbps download/upload speed; 85 GB – 305 GB
• Fastest (25/5): $39.95 – $204.95; 25/5 Mbps download/upload speed; 85 GB – 305 GB

Ipstar:

• Sky Muster Plus Medium: $65; 25/5 Mbps; 50 GB limit during peak & uncapped during off-peak
• Sky Muster Plus Large: $95; 25/5 Mbps; 75 GB limit during peak & uncapped during off-peak
• Sky Muster Plus Unmetered: $100; burst up to 100/10 Mbps; unmetered data

SkyMesh:

• nbn 12/1: $34.95; 60 GB limit
• nbn 25/5: $54.95; 210 GB limit
• nbn 25/5 (Partially Unlimited): $74.95; 50 GB peak video/VPN while all other usage is unmetered
• nbn 25/5 (Completely Unlimited): $99.95; burst speeds up to 100 Mbps

Some resellers are charging a hardware fee on the equipment as well. For example, activ8me offers routers for $84.95, $144.95, and $164.95, respectively (if you choose to not use your own).

On the other end, Starlink pricing is much more straightforward. The comparable Residential plan costs $139 (AUD) per month. The Business (or Priority) tier will put you down $374 per month.

Hardware fees equal $924 for the standard rectangular kit. However, Starlink is currently discounting its hardware and offering it for $399.

Starlink has discounted its hardware multiple times already, previously offering it for as little as $199 in selected areas.

If you want to use the more potent High Performance dish, which offers a greater field of view and temperate resistance, among others, then you’ll have to pay $2,999 (down from $3,740).

Contract Obligations

NBN Sky Muster terms are ultimately dependent on the reseller you choose. With that said, most of them have very friendly cancellation policies.

SkyMesh, for example, offers the right to terminate a contract within 14 days of the date of the notice.

The cancellation periods normally range from 14 days to 30 days. In order to terminate the contract, you’ll have to pay any outstanding balance.

Starlink’s contract terms are very straightforward and similarly subscriber-friendly, providing you with all kinds of flexibility.

You can cancel your contract at any given time. All you have to do is pay any outstanding fees that you’re owed.

And if you cancel within the first 30 days, then you’ll be refunded the cost of the hardware. Plus, those on its Mobile plans (e.g., Roam) can pause service at any given time.

My Personal Verdict

Running this site obviously makes me somewhat biased. Nonetheless, I still think that switching to Starlink is almost a no-brainer for anyone currently subscribed to a Sky Muster plan.

If anything, your latency will drastically improve, which should make activities such as gaming or video conferencing substantially more enjoyable.

And SpaceX is constantly improving the service, whether it’s by launching more satellites or securing partnerships with the likes of Cloudflare.

I’d presume that even if every current Sky Muster subscriber would switch to Starlink, then its network is still resistant enough to offer substantially higher download and upload speeds.

And the best part (at least in my humble opinion)? You could always (temporarily) switch to Roam and use the hardware kit for a camping trip to the Outback…

In this article, I’ll explain why you may experience slow speeds, if Starlink will become faster, and give you 8 tips on how to improve performance.

Why Is Starlink So Slow?

You may experience lackluster download and upload speeds for a variety of different reasons. First and foremost, where you live plays a huge role in performance.

More precisely, the number of Starlink users in proximity to you competing for bandwidth will determine download and upload speeds.

A given Starlink satellite only has a limited amount of data it can transmit. So, the more data requests are being sent out of a certain location (Starlink cells are shaped hexagonally), the lower the data allotment per user.

The problem is further amplified for those located in the northern and southern hemispheres as well as out at sea.

In the most northern and southern places of this world, such as Finland or Alaska, you’ll have fewer satellites passing by.

For the first shell of the Starlink system, which operates at an altitude of 550 km, the designed elevation angle is around 40° for users, with a possibility of changing it or applying an elevation of 25° for users in other shells.

This means that the satellites are designed to be seen from the ground at an angle of 25° to 40° above the horizon​1​.

This design means that for users near the equator, where the horizon is essentially flat, satellites in low orbits are visible over a large portion of the sky.

But as you move toward the poles, the curve of the Earth means that the same satellites are only visible near the horizon.

Because they are lower in the sky, the satellites have to be further away to be seen, which reduces the number that is visible at any given time. This could give the impression of there being fewer satellites over the polar regions.

Additionally, the constellation design and orbit inclination of Starlink satellites may be optimized for coverage in areas of higher population density, which are typically not located in extreme northern or southern latitudes. Hence, fewer satellites might be deployed or pass over these regions.

Similarly, those out at sea and using Starlink Maritime are, on average, much further away from ground stations.

As a result, the signal from your antenna to the satellite (uplink) is passed along to multiple satellites using inter-satellite links (ISL), down to a ground station back up to the satellite network, and finally down to the antenna.

Therefore, latency out at sea is oftentimes much larger as the signal needs longer to travel. And if said Maritime user competes with other Maritime subscribers for bandwidth, then speeds may be negatively affected as well.

Luckily, not all is lost. In the coming chapter, I’ll answer why exactly Starlink may become faster for everyone involved.

Will Starlink Get Faster?

Although many subscribers remain plagued by slower speeds, there’s hope on the horizon. Starlink should indeed become faster in the next coming months and years.

First of all, the deployment of more satellites will increase both the download and upload speed as well as the latency users experience.

Generally speaking, the fewer satellites you have roaming Earth, the more users you have taking up bandwidth from a single satellite.

Starlink’s V1.5 satellites offer around 20 Gbps of bandwidth each and are normally launched in batches of 50 – 57.

Assuming that around 50 satellites make it to their designated orbit, then Starlink is technically increasing its total bandwidth by around 1 Tbps (or 1,000 Gbps) per launch.

Additionally, Starlink is expanding satellite throughput as well. It recently began to launch Gen2 Mini satellites, each of which can provide 80 Gbps.

However, since the V2 Mini’s, in spite of their name, are around 4x heavier than V1.5 sats, they can ‘only’ be transported in groups of around 20 to 22 with each launch.

Again, assuming 20 make it to their designated orbital shells, then Starlink can increase total throughput by 1.8 Tbps with each launch.

Starlink eventually aims to deploy V2 satellites, which are even more potent. With that said, the V2 satellites are also much heavier and can thus only be transported on SpaceX’s Starship rocket, which remains in development.

Similarly, the more ground stations are available, the less each station needs to handle in terms of data traffic.

This can increase the effective bandwidth available to users, as each ground station can only handle a finite amount of data at a given time.

Moreover, Starlink is also constantly releasing new software improvements. This could involve updates to signal processing algorithms, routing protocols, beamforming algorithms, and so forth.

Another aspect that could lead to improved performance is heightened competition. If fewer users are competing for bandwidth in any given cell, then more is available on a per-user basis.

Countries around the globe continue to expand their fiber footprint and 5G coverage. And other satellite-based competitors, such as Amazon’s Kuiper Systems, will certainly attract customers as well once they go live.

That reality has already taken shape in Europe where I am based. Here in Germany, I regularly experience download speeds around 200 Mbps (see picture below).

As a result, Starlink performance, given how critically important it is to SpaceX’s goal of reaching Mars, is very likely to improve over the coming years.

How To Improve Your Starlink Speeds

The performance of Starlink, as outlined above, is multifaceted and thus dependent on a variety of different factors.

As such, there are multiple options that could lead to improved performance. Luckily, you’re not limited to either one, so feel free to experiment with any of the eight tips outlined below.

Tip #1: Upgrade Your Plan

The most straightforward way of upping your speed is to upgrade to another tier. Starlink allocates bandwidth based on the plan a user is subscribed to.

Here’s how Starlink prioritizes network resources across its plans: subscribers of Business (Priority) and Maritime (Mobile Priority) get the highest speeds, followed by Residential (Standard), and then by Roam (Mobile).

Now, there are a few caveats. First, you will be charged more in some instances – for example, when upgrading from Residential to Business.

In other cases, such as switching from Roam to Residential, you’re charged less in exchange for a lack of mobility.

Second, changing plans isn’t always possible. In parts of the United States, which run at capacity, switching from Roam to Residential isn’t allowed.

With that said, changing your service plan, if possible, is by far the easiest way to improve your speed.

Tip #2: Minimize Distance To The Router

The Wi-Fi signal emanating from a router spreads out like waves in a pond, and like these waves, it becomes weaker the further you get from the source.

Stronger signals can carry more data, which means faster speeds. So, being closer to the router generally means having a stronger signal, and thus faster speeds.

In general, for the best Wi-Fi performance, you should try to position your router centrally in your home or office and avoid placing it behind thick walls or other major obstructions.

If, for whatever reason, repositioning your is not an option, then you could utilize Starlink’s Mesh Router, which you can purchase in the shop.

The Mesh Router essentially extends your main router’s Wi-Fi signal. Make sure your primary Starlink router (from your Starlink Kit) and mesh nodes are evenly spread out, but not too far from each other.

Mesh nodes work best when they’re no more than one to two rooms apart from each other. As a result, the bigger your house, the more mesh nodes you need to procure.

Tip #3: Get A Third-Party Router

Not all routers are created equal. Some have more powerful transmitters and more sensitive receivers, which can extend their effective range.

Others use beamforming technology to direct their signals towards specific devices rather than broadcasting in all directions, which can also help to improve speeds at a distance.

In order to use a third-party router, you first need to bypass the main Starlink router (from the hardware kit).

Router models, such as the TP-Link Archer AX73, TP-Link Archer AX80, ASUS ROG Rapture, or NETGEAR Nighthawk X10, should all be suitable options.

Tip #4: Use An Ethernet Cable

Using Ethernet cables oftentimes provides faster data transfer, thus leading to reduced latency as well as higher download and upload speeds.

Unfortunately, if you don’t have the original V1 dish (and thus use the Gen2 rectangular version), then you need to purchase Starlink’s proprietary Ethernet Adapter

Starlink’s Ethernet Adapter will cost you another $25 if you’re located in the United States, plus whatever you end up paying for the ethernet cable and USB-C adapter (if needed).

Tip #5: Minimize Obstructions

Your antenna connects to satellites via microwave radio frequencies, which travel in straight lines and thus cannot move through solid objects.

If they are met by obstacles, including trees or houses, then the connection simply breaks. This often leads to outages such as the “No Signal Received” error.

As a result, your antenna has to reestablish the connection, which will negatively affect latency and speeds.

Therefore, for optimal performance, it’s usually recommended to install the Starlink dish in a location with a clear view of the sky, away from obstructions. I detailed how to minimize obstructions in a separate article that you can find here.

Tip #6: Limit Simultaneous Usage

Wi-Fi networks have a certain amount of bandwidth available, which can be thought of as the highway that data travels on.

Each device connected to your Wi-Fi network uses a portion of that bandwidth. The more devices that are connected and actively using the network, the more congested the bandwidth becomes, and the slower each device’s internet speed can be.

Also, the type of activity that each device is engaged in matters. Some activities, like streaming video or playing online games, require more bandwidth (are more data-intensive) than others, like browsing a webpage or sending an email.

So, if multiple devices are performing high-bandwidth activities at the same time, this can significantly slow down the internet speed for all devices on the network.

As a result, you’d want to execute large file downloads and other types of data-intensive activities during the night when usage is not existent.

And if you have children in the house, limit their usage to certain times of the day. Additionally, some streaming platforms do allow you to decrease the video quality, thus freeing up bandwidth for others.

Tip #7: Reset Or Reboot Router

Rebooting and/or resetting your router can help improve performance as well, especially if you haven’t done that in some time.

Here are a few reasons why rebooting might help:

1. Clears Memory and Processor Usage: Over time, your router’s memory can fill up with various tasks, slowing down its performance. Rebooting the router gives it a fresh start, clears the memory, and allows it to run more efficiently.
2. Resolves Network Congestion: If you have a lot of devices connected to your Wi-Fi at once, it can lead to network congestion, resulting in slower speeds. Rebooting might help alleviate this issue by disconnecting all the devices and allowing them to reconnect more efficiently.
3. Software Glitches: Routers, like any other piece of technology, can have software glitches. Sometimes these glitches can lead to a decrease in performance, which can be fixed by a simple reboot.

Similarly, resetting your Starlink router can help as well. However, it’s a more drastic step. This will wipe all of your settings, including your Wi-Fi password, and you’ll need to set everything up again from scratch.

Thus, it is typically only recommended if you’re having serious issues with your router and a reboot doesn’t solve the problem.

Tip #8: Split Your Wi-Fi Network

The last neat feature that Starlink implemented is allowing you to split up the Starlink Wi-Fi network into separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz connections.

While 2.4 GHz has a better range, it transmits data at a slower speed. 5 GHz, on the other hand, provides faster speeds but doesn’t have as good a range.

As a result, you can achieve faster download and upload speeds by connecting to the 5 GHz network. I detailed how to do that in a separate article that you can find here.

Wrapping Up

From adjusting your plan and minimizing distance to the router, to managing simultaneous usage and effectively splitting your Wi-Fi network, implementing these strategies can significantly improve your Starlink internet speeds.

I trust that Musk and SpaceX, given their history of excellence, will eventually figure this out and deliver on Starlink’s promise of high-speed internet across the globe.