About Starlight Internet, It’s very easy to confuse SpaceX’s Starlink with Starlight Internet. They have slightly similar names and they both offer internet services. In fact, they are so similar that search engines like Google try to correct it to Starlink if you enter Starlight Internet into the search bar.
However, make no mistake. Starlight actually exists and it’s a completely separate entity to Starlink. While both companies are internet service providers, they do it differently.
So what is Starlight and in what fundamental ways does it differ from Starlink? The following guide hopes to answer these questions and more.
What is Starlight Internet?
Starlight Internet or Starlight Fiber is a pure fiber optic cable-based internet service provider. It’s a part of Open Infra’s open market provider network. The company prides itself on delivering ethical services.
It does not charge hidden fees and is squarely focused on achieving customer satisfaction. Fiber comparatively delivers the fastest internet transfer speeds. However, not all internet service providers are the same.
Starlight uses pure fiber. Consequently, the company can provide download speeds of up to 8 Gbps. Albeit, these speeds depend on factors such as your service plan, location and your equipment.
Fiber Optic Cable Running Through the Ground
Starlight Service Plans
Please note that the following information is subject to change. At the time of writing this guide, Starlight offered 5 service plans:
- 500 ($59 per month): Starlight’s most basic plan, that it mostly caters to individuals. Along with the optic fiber cable installation and connection, Starlight also offers a Wi-Fi 6 router that is compatible with a Mesh network. It also offers a managed Wi-Fi service to ensure that you’re receiving optimal internal transfer speeds. This plan delivers 500 Mbps.
- 1000 ($89 per month): Starlight’s second tier plan. It delivers speeds of up to 1000 Mbps (basically 1 Gbps). Starlight caters this plan to families, gamers, streamers and individuals who work remotely. Similarly to the 100 plan, this package features a Wi-Fi 6 with all the perks. However, the plan also features a Wi-Fi Extender, which makes it ideal for slightly larger homes.
- 2000 ($119): Ideal for small businesses. It features a Wi-Fi 6 router and extender just like the 1000 plan. Download speeds can reach up to 2 Gbps (2000 Mbps).
- 8000 ($249): Starlight’s fastest plan. It features all the additional hardware perks of the three previous plans and can reach speeds of up 8 Gbps (8000 Mbps). It’s best for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs).
Laptop Computer Next to Router
Starlight’s equipment fees seem to be included with the monthly subscription charge. Unfortunately, the company isn’t forthcoming with what contract obligations subscribers will be subjected to.
Nevertheless, it’s always important to read the terms and conditions of services before you sign any paperwork.
Is Starlight Good For Small Businesses?
What makes Starlight Internet such an attractive prospect is that it has no download caps or restrictions.
This means that your transfer speeds stay consistent throughout the month, no matter how much data you consume.
Starlight doesn’t have any packages that strictly cater to smaller businesses.
As such, it’s important that you assess your connection needs and choose the right package for your household and/or business.
As we covered in the previous section, the more expensive Starlight Fiber packages come with a router and extender.
This allows you to cover larger areas. The included router is mesh-capable.
Thus, you can add it or pair it to your current mesh network or establish a new one.
With that being said, Starlight’s internet services seem good for Small Businesses in America.
Cheerful Small Business Owner
Starlight Internet: Conclusion
The above guide explores what Starlight Fiber is. It’s important to remember that it mostly caters to Open Infra’s North American network. Moreover, it struggles with some of the limitations of fiber internet.
While fast, it’s not available in many rural areas. Fortunately, citizens in those areas can use wireless broadband options such as cellular and satellite-based internet.
4G and 5G are slightly cheaper in these areas, but Starlink’s LEO satellite services seem to be faster and more stable (depending on your area).