{"id":4309,"date":"2023-09-27T03:25:16","date_gmt":"2023-09-27T03:25:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/?p=4309"},"modified":"2023-09-27T03:25:19","modified_gmt":"2023-09-27T03:25:19","slug":"starlink-vs-5g","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/skynetwave.com\/starlink-vs-5g\/","title":{"rendered":"Starlink vs. 5G: Which Technology Is More Reliable?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
5G uptake surpassed 1 billion users in 2022, prompting the Starlink vs. 5G debate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As more tech relies on a stable internet connection, we see increased demand for reliable speeds, lower latency, and global availability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
At its peak, 5G technology provides speeds almost matching Starlink. Starlink Residential has peak speeds of 250 Mbps. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the US\u2019s top 5G providers, T-Mobile and Verizon, advertise between 180 and 300 Mbps peak download speed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the main difference between Starlink and 5G is the minimal one-time fee for 5G compared to Starlink\u2019s $599 equipment cost.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ll explain how both technologies work and which one is best suited for you.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G towers that radiate signal <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G is simply a mobile network. It’s the 5th generation, an upgrade from 4G and slower technologies like 3G, 2G, and G.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is a higher-speed network that improves connectivity across devices, objects, and services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike fiber or satellite, 5G technology uses base stations<\/a> as transmitters. The base stations emit radio waves of different bands to transmit data to devices.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each unique band determines the application. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Low bands below 1GHz have low vibration. Therefore, they can travel the longest distances between transmission towers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have incredible penetrative abilities and are most reliable in heavily populated areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Midbands between 1 and 6 GHz don\u2019t cover distances as vast as low bands. However, they are vital in carrying mobile broadband and IoT<\/a> data.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n High bands have a 24 GHz frequency. While these bands are super fast, they can only travel short distances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, they have mild penetrative capacity. They\u2019re not the most ideal for urban areas yet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, they are highly effective in high-traffic closed spaces such as airports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink and gen dish on a wall\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink is the most preferable satellite internet provider, especially in rural areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It uses satellites orbiting in low-earth and ground stations all over the globe to provide internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The satellites transmit radio signals (10.7-12.7GHz and 37.5-42.5GHz frequency) to residential Starlink satellite dishes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, it disperses different signals (19.3GHz and 37.5-42.5GHz) to ground stations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, there is a similarity in high-speed, ultra-low latency 5G and Starlink. However, there are some major differences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink and 5G are undeniably fast. Both have advertised speeds past 100 Mbps and are steering close to the 200 Mbps mark for residential plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, user experiences place Starlink download speeds at just below 100 Mbps on average. You can access premium download speeds on Starlink\u2019s Business package. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With an advertised speed of 500Mbps, you\u2019d get almost five times the 5G download speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Conversely, Verizon averaged 52 Mbps compared to T-Mobile\u2019s 33 Mbps and AT&T\u2019s 41 Mbps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, factors such as station-to-device distance and location affect 5G speeds. For example, did you know that the UAE has the fastest 5G speed<\/a> in the world at just above 550Mbps?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsurprisingly, 5G average upload speeds match Starlink\u2019s. While most big 5G ISPs average between 15-50 Mbps, Starlink averages between 5 and 30 Mbps upload speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ookla speed tests give you a close estimate of real-time speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Traffic management system relying on low latency 5G <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Latency, the time data takes to travel to and from your device, is an often overlooked measure of accuracy when selecting ISPs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Yet, it is a crucial factor in your internet experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink\u2019s average latency is about 20-40ms. The biggest 5G providers in the US average between 30 and 40ms. 5G uses technology such as edge computing<\/a> \u2014 processing data closer to its generation or consumption point \u2014 to reduce latency.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Starlink latency might be affected by adverse weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Conditions such as heavy rain might increase the time data takes to get to your satellite dish. Starlink depends on having satellites closer to Earth to keep latency down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G tower in a busy city<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It took 5G less time than 4G to reach one billion users. The US alone had over 166 million 5G users in 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Providers such as Verizon cover 2000 cities compared to 14000 for AT&T and 8000 for T-Mobile<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n And while each provider uses different frequency bands (mmWave for Verizon and low-band and mid-band for AT&T and T-Mobile), 5G has massive appeal all over the globe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each provider has a coverage map you can check to see 5G covered areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, Starlink is fast gathering good reviews worldwide for its convenience. The service has launched in most of the US<\/a>, Canada, and Mexico.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n We are seeing credible uptake in Africa, Asia, and South America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink is yet to breach that billion mark. However, it is still launching satellites into low earth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Their inclusion of non-reflective and laser satellites could improve speeds and spur even bigger uptake and coverage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G carriers charge a monthly charge for data. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, Verizon charges about $65 for one line monthly. However, you can place about four lines on the plan and cut the cost to $30. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can upgrade it to the Unlimited Plus plan that gives you 30GB extra data for hotspot and 5G wideband(mmWave<\/a>) access for $80 or $45 for four lines.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, AT&T charges $60 monthly for one line($35 for four lines), while T-Mobile charges $60 and $30 for four lines. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a higher standard, 5G is and will continue to be costlier than 4G. However, it is a worthwhile upgrade for faster speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink Residential plans start from $120 monthly. Business and Portability users pay $250. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, there is a $599 equipment cost for Residential and Starlink ROAM users. Business and Portability users pay $2500 for equipment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only equipment 5G users have to pay is the upfront cost of a 5G-enabled<\/a> mobile device (between $250 and $3000) and a modem<\/a>\/Mi-Fi<\/a> allowing you to connect a computer to the network.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speaking of coverage and portability, 5G portability is more practical than Starlink. You can access 5G technology from your phone if the area is covered. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink portability is possible. However, you must have a paid plan for it. Otherwise, you can access Starlink on your mobile phone wirelessly if you are close to your router. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically, 5G doesn\u2019t have data caps. Providers throttle data at certain times of the day when there\u2019s congestion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reduced bandwidth is sometimes a safeguard against crippling the entire system. However, it reduces data speeds for users and leads to janky service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In its initial stages, Starlink placed data caps on users who exceeded 1TB in a month between 7 AM and 11 PM. However, increased bandwidth led to the removal of the data cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, Starlink offers priority speeds to Residential users. But, it throttles speeds for Starlink RV and Best Effort Service subscribers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink and 5G perform well against outages. However, 5G performs better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G isn\u2019t adversely affected by weather. Extremes like typhoons and earthquakes could take down the 5G infrastructure, though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink might have outages from changes in satellite positions. The satellite dishes automatically move to realign with the satellites above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink, on the other hand, performs well against snow and rain<\/a>. However, heavy rain will slow down reception due to the water\u2019s effects on radio signals.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink dishes have a snow melt feature that prevents snow buildup that could affect service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5G service providers already have established systems to address customer concerns. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T have representatives you can call on company numbers. They also have thriving social media pages to interact with users. <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Does 5G Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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How Does Starlink Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Speed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Latency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Again, factors such as distance between receiver devices and base towers affect 5G latency. Furthermore, population density, interference, and weather also play a part in the 5G latency rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nGlobal Uptake and Coverage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Cost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Portability<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Data Caps and Throttling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Reliability And Outages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Customer Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n