For so long, fiber optic has been the face of the internet industry. Its speeds are insanely fast with very low latency. While its coverage isn’t big, it focuses on quality over quantity. Recently, Elon Musk, the founder of Starlink, vowed to make his company the best and most popular internet provider in the world. But is Starlink up for the task, and will it give fiber internet a run for its money? Starlink Vs. Fios: This is the battle for internet supremacy.
But is Starlink up for the task, and will it give fiber internet a run for its money? Starlink Vs. Fios: This is the battle for internet supremacy.
Table of Contents
- What is Starlink?
- What is Fios?
- Starlink Vs. Fios: Detailed Comparison
- Pros & Cons of Starlink Vs. Spectrum
- FAQs
- Conclusion
What is Starlink?
Starlink is the current leading satellite internet company in the world. The company partners with SpaceX’s satellite constellation to transmit the internet to its users. Its goal is to provide internet to the entire planet, including extremely rural areas.
What is Fios?
Fiber Optical Cable
Fiber Optic Service (FIOS) by Verizon, normally branded Verizon Fios is a telecommunication company that offers internet, television, and telephone services to 5 million+ Americans spanning nine states. The company uses fiber optic to deliver incredibly fast internet services to its users.
Fios is among the best fiber internet service but receives stiff competition from providers such as Xfinity, Cox, Spectrum, and Optimum. Its routers support Wi-Fi, ethernet, and coaxial cables, making them one of the most powerful and versatile routers.
Starlink Vs. Fios: Detailed Comparison
Speed
High internet speeds with no lags
Starlink and Fios are fast, but Fios edges over its competitor slightly.
Starlink internet speeds:
Winner: Fios
Latency
Starlink and Fios both have very low latency, which is expected from the two leading providers in their fields.
Winner: Tie
Cost
The cost of internet
How much will you pay for each service? Both satellite and fiber internet doesn’t come cheaply, considering the technology used to establish them.
Even so, Starlink remains one of the most expensive internet providers available.
Winner: Fios
Availability
A vector map of the world
While Starlink dreams of providing internet to everyone worldwide, it’s currently only available in 32 countries, with a major focus being in the US, UK, France, and Canada.
Fios lags way behind in this category. Despite its immense speeds and low latency rate, the service isn’t the most popular. It is currently only available across 9 states in the US.
Winner: Starlink
Portability
Starlink uses satellites to connect to your router via a dish you install. Recently, the company launched its RV portability feature to help those who move from one remote area to another access internet.
As for Fios, fiber networks don’t reach everywhere but only a limited distance, known as the last mile. After this, they’ll substitute the rest of the way with wireless transmissions or coaxial cables.
Installation Help from Provider
Cutting fiber optic cable
Installing both internet services is relatively quick and easy, and you may not need help from the provider. The kits come with instructions on the steps to follow.
Both providers will offer professional assistance when called upon (at a fee); e.g., Starlink’s Gig plan requires professional setup. Fios has an equipment page that offers a user guide and step-by-step assistance. Remember, you must first verify whether your location is eligible for Fios installation.
The setup fee is $99 for Fios and $200 for Starlink.
Winner: Tie
Customer Service
Fios enjoys very high reviews when it comes to its customer service. Fios has a customer service number. You can also reach them via their online chat or Facebook and Twitter pages.
Starlink, on the other hand, doesn’t have an email address or phone number that you can use to contact them. They are only reachable via online tickets that you create through their website.
Winner: Fios
Pros & Cons of Starlink Vs. Spectrum
FAQs
Starlink Vs. Fios (Fiber Optic): What type of Internet connection is Fios?
Verizon Fios is a telecommunications company offering fiber-optic internet. Its internet speeds are extremely fast compared to the traditional coaxial cables.
Starlink Vs. Fios (Fiber Optic): Will Starlink be faster than Fios?
Currently, Fios is faster than Starlink. However, if Starlink lives up to its promise of “lightning-swift” internet speeds, it will be a true contender for its competitor.
Starlink Vs. Fios (Fiber Optic): How fast is fiber-optic internet?
Fiber-optic is the fastest internet service available. It offers download speeds of up to 1Gbps, which is 20 times faster than cable internet. It will take around 40 seconds to download a 2-hour movie using fiber internet.
Conclusion
Now that you know how the two perform in different categories, it’s time to decide what you’ll go with. Whichever option you settle for, you can expect consistent and reliable performance. Moreover, more competition in the industry means better services for users.
Use Starlink internet if:
- One, you are not a gamer and rarely work from home.
- Secondly, you are not looking for insanely fast internet speeds, just something modest.
- Your view of the sky is not obstructed.
- And finally, you live in the remote and within Starlink’s coverage.
Fios is the perfect choice for you if:
- You are looking for the fastest possible speeds.
- You are a gamer.
