Serving high-speed, dependable internet for rural and underserved locations is an ongoing challenge for terrestrial telecom. For the longest time, satellite internet was the only option, but the quality was intermittent at best.
Individuals and businesses are increasingly in need of stable connectivity, regardless of locale. Mobile offices, connected vehicles, and international IoT applications generate more demand each day. Starlink recognizes this need, pushing the satellite internet market into a new era of innovation and affordability.
Satellite Internet’s New Era
Satellite internet is more commonly known for being the last resort for rural customers and businesses looking for connectivity options. What was once seen as a situation-based alternative is now heading the new era of connectivity innovation.
Low-Earth orbit (LEO) constellations and next-gen satellites are driving the new space race. Starlink, Viasat, HughesNet, and new entries like OneWeb and Project Leo are putting their best foot forward towards global infrastructure from Earth’s orbit.
Sizing Up Starlink’s Competition
Starlink’s main competitors have an advantage in age, however, their pricing and overall satisfaction for service pales in comparison. This doesn’t mean that Starlink is all alone in the field. In fact, competition is heating up.
Starlink
Starlink has been generally praised by users and experts alike. With satisfaction scores well above 80%, it has set a new standard for satellite internet. The only negatives presently lie with expensive equipment and occasional congestion.
Viasat
When Starlink is not available, customers often turn to one of two legacy providers. Viasat has been around longer than Starlink, but is feeling the pressure of the fledgling provider.
Viasat’s slow speeds during peak and high data caps keep it towards the bottom of satisfaction surveys. Many only sign up because it’s their only option. Experts hypothesize that with the mounting pressure from Starlink and others, Viasat is a company in transition, looking to carve a new path forward.
HughesNet
HughesNet fields similar complaints in terms of data allowances, but they have consistently advertised a functional product, so long as the threshold is met.
They also boast a long-standing customer service operation, with integration support teams. While they also have the longevity over Starlink, they also cannot ignore the pressure to offer an improved product, or find some other ace to outshine SpaceX’s refined product.
OneWeb
OneWeb is a unique competitor in satellite internet. Currently, the only users are enterprise level. While Starlink currently has the grip on consumer-level, it should not ignore the potential of OneWeb.
Very much respected in industry circles, OneWeb does offer a non-U.S. LEO option. Whether they extend their service beyond B2B is still uncertain, though not completely out of the question.
Amazon Leo
Starlink is watching Leo (formerly Kuiper) with a close eye. Amazon’s bid in the satellite internet space isn’t customer ready just yet, but given their baked-in ecosystem built off Amazon’s already massive infrastructure, it could pose a significant threat to Starlink’s offerings.
Consumers are hopeful that fierce competition could create pricing wars and accelerate innovation, as Musk and Bezos continue their dance for market dominance.
Future Trends and Developments For Satellite Internet
Satellite internet has reached a new era. A new revolution of high-speed, low-latency internet is in effect. Global connectivity has dramatically improved over the last few years, thanks to advancements in low Earth orbit equipment, fueled by competition in the previously scarce market.
The competition is welcome, as it drives innovation, faster speeds, wider coverage, and affordability. Starlink in particular deserves credit for forcing the hand of legacy providers to adapt, yielding benefits like unlimited data and contract-free plans.
Satellite internet is a lifeline for remote and underserved areas. It allows rural businesses to connect anywhere instantly. In a world so inherently tethered to online business and communications, these customers deserve the same quality connectivity as everyone else.
The vision of global connection is more than science fiction; this is a tangible goal that sees tremendous potential for people and businesses the world over.
There will be challenges, but soon the question of “can I get internet here?” will be nonsensical, as Starlink and others build the satellite infrastructure to connect every corner of the globe.
Visions of a Global Connection
Starlink provides a necessary alternative to those individuals, start-ups, and businesses in need of satellite internet. But for those looking to purchase directly, buyers should practice caution. Purchasing directly comes with little support and a slew of install and service invoices.
Organizations that purchase through Worldnet-approved vendors always receive full, live-person support, group billing, as well as access to vendor portals to see the full scope of efficacy.
The new generation of satellite services is just getting started. As Starlink, Amazon, and the others continue to innovate, the real winners are the people and businesses reaping the benefits of improved connectivity from anywhere at any time.
