Starlink Vs. Cable, SpaceX’s Starlink internet is making waves in the broadband industry. But is it as fast, reliable, accessible, and pocket friendly as cable? Here’s a breakdown of how Starlink versus cable internet.
Table of Contents
- How Starlink Internet Works
- How Cable Internet Works
- Starlink Vs. Cable
- Will SpaceX’s Starlink Kill the Cable Industry?
- FAQs
- Conclusion
How Starlink Internet Works
Starlink internet network uses satellite constellations on the low earth orbit (LEO) to beam internet signals to a satellite dish. However, Starlink’s satellites are much closer to earth, unlike other internet service providers whose satellites are much closer since they’re in the LEO. Consequently, this proximity makes the service superior to its satellite internet connection counterparts.
Image of the satellite beam
How Cable Internet Works
Cable internet uses coaxial cables to transmit internet signals from an ISO server to a user’s computer via electric current. These cables are the same ones used for cable TV. Therefore, as these are well established, cable internet is widely available and affordable.
Image of a coaxial cable
Starlink Vs. Cable
Here’s a comparison between Starlink and cable broadband services.
Speed
Here’s a breakdown of the internet speeds:
| Starlink | Cable | |
| Median speed | 250 Mbps | 100 – 400 Mbps |
| Download speed | 90.55 Mbps | 25 Mbps |
| Upload speed | 9.33 Mbps | 5 – 50 Mbps |
The cable is usually faster than Starlink. However, cable internet depends on network bandwidth. So, if many subscribers use the same network signal, it slows down the speed.
Cost
Below is a comparison of Starlink and cable speeds:
| Starlink | Cable | |
| Monthly Cost | $110 | $60 to $80 |
| Equipment Cost | $599 | $60 to $150 |
Cable internet is highly affordable. See, it offers different price plans depending on chosen speed and data cap to suit users’ data needs and budgets. This has a lot to do with the fact that, as mentioned earlier, cable network infrastructure is well established. Conversely, satellite internet plans tend to be higher, and the cost is fixed.
As far as installation, the Starlink installation kit comes preset for a DIY install. However, you must cover the costs if you need professional help to set it up.
Reliability
Because Starlink is a satellite broadband service, it offers a less reliable internet service as it’s susceptible to weather elements, solar phenomena, and anything obstructing a clear signal path.
In contrast, only earth-bound weather elements and natural disasters affect cable internet. Hence, it offers a more reliable connection than Starlink.
Availability
Starlink is accessible from the remotest or most unfavorable terrain in its available areas. However, it promises even more coverage as it adds more satellites to the constellation and aims for global service.
However, for cable internet, as much as it’s widely available since its infrastructure is well established, installing it on some terrains remains unfeasible. Therefore, Starlink beats cable internet when it comes to availability.
Latency
Interestingly, Starlink has a median latency of 43 ms, way lower than standard satellite internet providers’ services, and promises to lower it to a mere 10 ms.
On the other hand, cable internet latency typically ranges between 25 and 100 ms. However, because cable internet is a shared connection, latency bandwidth fluctuates. Generally, the more the number of users sharing a network signal, the higher the latency speed, and vice versa.
Image depicting a shared network
Suited For
Starlink is best for people living in remote locations or where the terrain makes installing the infrastructure required for cable or Fiber impractical. In addition, it’s available worldwide, including in the most hard-to-reach areas. Also, if you live on the road, you’re better off with Starlink as it’s portable.
For someone on a tight budget, cable internet is ideal because it’s very pocket-friendly. After all, as mentioned earlier, the typical monthly internet cost ranges between $50 and $80. However, you can pay as little as $30, depending on the cable provider, data needs, and geographic location.
Power Consumption
Starlink’s power consumption ranges between 65 and 70 watts for every gigabyte of data used. However, usually, this figure goes down to 40 watts after about an hour.
On the other hand, for cable internet, depending on the modem or router design and features, you can expect power consumption of 3 to 12 watts, although it can go higher.
Starlink Vs. Cable: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons | |
| Starlink | -Portable-Available worldwide-Available in hard-to-reach remote areas | -Flat monthly rate offers no flexibility |
| Cable | -Varying price plans to fit most budgets-An easily accessible where cable TV infrastructure exists | -Not available in remote areas |
Will SpaceX’s Starlink Kill the Cable Industry?
In some remote, hard-to-reach regions, Starlink is the only option. Also, cord-cutting (discontinuing a cable TV plan and opting to stream TV over the internet instead) is a growing trend among Americans. Many of these cord-cutters would consider using Starlink.
Also, several users would consider switching to Starlink as soon as it meets its promised gigabit speeds, latency, and coverage. Additionally, cable internet will always remain a favorite of many due to its affordability.
FAQs
Is Starlink Faster Than Cable
No, Starlink is not faster than cable. Starlink speed is currently 250 Mbps. At the same time, cables are 100 to 400 Mbps. However, Starlink promises speeds of 1Gbps.
Is Starlink as Good as Fiber?
Although Starlink has the speed of light, it’s nowhere near Fiber’s 1Gbps. However, Starlink is much more accessible and portable if you compare Starlink with Fiber. Without a doubt, if Starlink lives up to its promises, it will give Fiber internet a run for its money.
Conclusion
There you have it; a complete breakdown of how Starlink compares to cable. Both are reliable and high-speed internet services. However, Starlink is available worldwide, even in the most remote unreached areas, while the cable is affordable and flexible in terms of pricing.
We hope this information helps you make a more informed decision when choosing between Starlink and cable internet. So, feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
