Reliable internet isn't a luxury anymore, it’s a basic need, especially for Australians living in rural or regional areas. Currently, the two biggest options being discussed are Starlink and NBN Fixed Wireless. Understanding the differences in speed, cost, and reliability is key to making the right choice for your needs.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service created by SpaceX in the USA. Its goal is to provide fast internet with low "lag" (latency) all over the world, particularly in places where fiber cables or mobile networks don't reach.
How the System Works
- 1. Satellite Network: Starlink uses thousands of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), flying only 550 to 1,200 km above Earth. By 2025, over 6,000 satellites have been launched, with plans to reach 42,000 for total global coverage.
- 2. Ground Stations: These are Earth-based stations that connect the satellites to the global internet using high-speed antennas.
- 3. User Terminals: Users get a special dish antenna that automatically tracks satellites. It can be used at home, in RVs, or even on planes.
Technical Features
- Speed & Lag: It offers download speeds between 20–250 Mbps. The "latency" (delay) is low (25–60 ms), making it much faster than old-fashioned satellite internet.
- Smart Antennas: Both the satellites and the dishes use "Phased Array" technology, which lets them focus signals quickly without moving parts, keeping the connection steady.
- Space Lasers: Satellites talk to each other using lasers. This makes the network more stable and less dependent on ground stations.
Plans and Coverage
Starlink is available in over 100 countries and serves more than 5 million users. They offer several plans:
- Residential: For homes.
- Roam: For RVs and travelers.
- Maritime/Aviation: For boats and airplanes.
- Enterprise: For businesses and government use.
Best Use Cases
- Remote Areas: Perfect for places where fiber or mobile signals don't exist.
- Emergencies: Provides vital communication during natural disasters or military operations.
- Moving Platforms: Provides real-time internet for ships, planes, and trucks.
Cost and Equipment
To get started, you have to buy the hardware first:
- Hardware Cost: Roughly $300 to $2,500 (depending on the model).
- Monthly Fee: Roughly $120 to $5,000 (depending on the plan).
- Accessories: You can also buy mounting brackets, cable organizers, and weather-proof covers.
What is NBN Fixed Wireless?
NBN stands for the National Broadband Network. It is Australia’s national internet project designed to provide fast and reliable internet and phone services across the entire country.
The goal is to give every home and business in Australia access to modern, high-speed internet.
Technology Features
The NBN uses a "hybrid system," which means it mixes old infrastructure (like copper wires) with brand-new fiber-optic technology.
1. Fiber Optics
- FTTP (Fiber to the Premises): Fiber goes directly to your house. This is the fastest and most stable option.
- FTTN (Fiber to the Node): Fiber reaches a street box (node), and then old copper wires carry the signal to your house. Speeds range from 12 to 150 Mbps.
- FTTB (Fiber to the Building): Used mainly for apartment buildings.
2. HFC (Hybrid Fiber Coaxial)
This uses existing cable TV wires to keep costs low while still providing high speeds.
3. Wireless / Satellite
In remote areas where cables can't be laid, the NBN uses wireless signals or satellites to provide internet.
Ways to Use It
- At Home: Multiple people can stream videos, play games online, and connect smart devices all at once.
- Work & Education: It makes working from home easy and allows for online classes without interruptions.
- Entertainment: Watch 4K videos on many devices at the same time.
- Remote Areas: Provides basic internet to people living far away via wireless or satellite.
- Business: Offers fast, steady internet for daily operations and data handling.
Speed and Stability
- In perfect conditions, it can reach speeds up to 1000 Mbps.
- It has low latency (delay), usually between 10–20ms, which is great for video calls and gaming.
- It is much more reliable than old copper wires and is less affected by the weather.
Note: Your actual speed may vary based on:
- How far you are from the signal tower.
- How many people are using the network at the same time (congestion).
- Your local environment.
Starlink vs. NBN: A Simple and Clear Comparison
1. Technology and Coverage
- Starlink:
- A satellite internet service run by SpaceX.
- Covers all of Australia, including remote areas and islands.
- Uses over 3,800 "Low Earth Orbit" (LEO) satellites (as of 2025).
- Satellites are close to Earth (550km), which keeps the connection fast (20–40ms latency).
- Requires only a Starlink dish and a clear view of the sky.
- NBN:
- Fiber: Best for cities; very fast (up to 1,000 Mbps) but expensive to install in remote areas.
- Fixed Wireless (FWA): Covers 345,000 $km^2$. Uses 5G technology to give high speeds (up to 1 Gbps in trials) to regional areas.
- Sky Muster (Satellite): For the most remote areas. It is slower (max 100 Mbps) and has very high delay/lag (664.9ms).
Main Difference: Starlink provides the same good coverage everywhere. NBN Fiber is the king of the city, but it isn't available everywhere.
2. Speed and Lag (Latency)
Starlink is much better than NBN's satellite or wireless options in remote areas. However, NBN Fiber remains the fastest in cities.
3. Stability and Performance
- Starlink: Works well in most weather. It offers unlimited data and doesn't slow down much during busy hours. The new "Gen 3" hardware can handle heat ($40°C$) and storms.
- NBN: Fiber is the most stable. Fixed Wireless can be blocked by trees or buildings. Sky Muster (Satellite) can be affected by rain or solar storms.
4. Price and Installation
- Starlink:
- Equipment Cost: ~$399 (or $199 for refurbished).
- Monthly Fee: $139.
- Setup: Do-it-yourself (DIY). No long-term contracts.
- NBN:
- Equipment Cost: Usually free.
- Monthly Fee: $80–$150 (Fiber) or $40+ (Sky Muster).
- Setup: Professional installation is often required.
Starlink is more expensive to start, but NBN Fiber offers better value for money if you live in a city.
5. The Future
- Starlink: Moving toward speeds over 500 Mbps. They are partnering with Telstra and launching satellite SMS/Phone services that will work on newer phones like the Samsung Galaxy S25.
- NBN: The government is investing $2.4 billion to bring Fiber to 1.5 million more homes. They aim to provide world-class speeds to 90% of the country by the end of 2025.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose NBN Fiber if it is available in your street (it’s cheaper and faster).
- Choose Starlink if you live in a rural area or can only get NBN Sky Muster.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Starlink worth it in Australia?
Yes, Starlink is very useful for people living in remote or regional areas of Australia where there aren't many internet options.
What the service offers:
- Download Speed: 50–250 Mbps
- Latency (Delay): 20–40 ms
- Wide Coverage: It works even in places where the NBN or mobile networks fail.
While it can be more expensive than some NBN plans, its speed and reliability make it the best choice for rural homes, farms, and off-grid setups.
Which is better for gaming: Starlink or NBN?
Starlink is generally considered better for gaming, especially in rural areas.
The reasons:
- Faster speeds
- Unlimited data
One thing to remember: Starlink can sometimes have higher "ping" (latency), which might affect fast-paced online games.
On the other hand, NBN Fixed Wireless:
- Might offer slower speeds
- But can have a more stable and lower delay (latency)
If you live in a city with a good NBN connection, that will likely be more stable for gaming.
What is better than Starlink in Australia?
If you live in a city or an area with good infrastructure, a Fibre-based NBN (FTTP/FTTC) is often better because it provides:
- Faster speeds
- A more consistent connection
- Lower latency
- Lower prices
Additionally, 5G Home Internet from Telstra or Optus can be a good alternative.
However, if you are in a remote or rural area, Starlink usually performs much better than Satellite NBN or weak mobile signals.