Satellite internet service, a technology that has not fallen off the agenda in recent years, has actually been in our lives for a long time. However, due to excessive delay times, high costs and the fact that it is used by companies/institutions rather than the end consumer, they could not make internet sales like the operators we are used to. But this situation has changed especially after the pandemic. We also compare the world’s top 3 satellite internet providers.
Who offers the best satellite internet service?
Satellite internet service is often the last choice of people who cannot access options such as fiber or ADSL. But Elon Musk’s Starlink company is determined to cover the entire sky with these satellites. So much so that we can even see it as we pass over Turkey at night.
However, if you already have a chance to get gigabit fiber or 5G service, let’s say that it will make much more sense in terms of both price and performance. On the other hand, if you live or travel not in city centers but in villages, towns or places where even 4G does not support, satellite internet will be your lifeline.
Starlink satellites seen over Turkey!
The naked eyes could be seen as Starlink satellites passed over Turkey in orbit. Citizens recorded the situation.
Without further ado, let’s get to the comparison. We are making a comparison that covers Starlink, which will start selling internet in Turkey soon, and its two biggest rivals in the USA, Hughesnet and Viasat.
First, let’s take a look at what these service providers offer on paper. We will share detailed reviews later.
| starlink | Hughesnet | Viasat | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Housing: $120 Mobile use: 150 Work/Mobility: $250 |
15GB: $65 30GB: $74.99 100GB: $89.99 200GB: $124.99 |
60GB: $50 100GB: $70 150GB: $100 300GB: $150 500GB: $200 |
| Speed | Housing: 25-220 Mbps Mobile usage: 5-220 Mbps Work/Mobility: 100-220 Mbps |
25 Mbps (After quota then up to 5 Mbps) |
25Mbps: 25GB quota 30Mbps: 100GB quota 40Mbps: 150GB quota 50 Mbps: 300/500GB quota |
| Quota | None | 15-200GB | 60-500GB |
| Delay | 25-50ms | 650-750ms | 600-672ms |
Which one makes more sense?
Starlink may seem like the worst option at first glance, as it is more expensive than the basic packages from Viasat and Hughesnet. In fact, you have to spend at least 599 dollars to buy antennas etc. But we can say that you will get your money’s worth.
It offers much faster internet than its competitors. It even exceeds the so-called fiber internet speeds sold in Turkey in many scenarios. Because even though it says 220 Mbps on paper, it can go up to 300 Mbps. However, if you expect gigabit, let’s say that it cannot meet it. In terms of upload speeds, the three companies show similar results.
On the other hand, Hughesnet is the most used satellite internet provider in the USA, so people turn to it first. But unfortunately, it offers a limited internet experience with its speed up to 25 Mbps and quota options ranging from 15-200 GB.
However, after the quota is full, you can access the internet with a speed of up to 5 Mbps. In addition, if Starlink’s half-price low quota packages meet your needs, your money will stay in your pocket. However, the 200 GB quota package loses this advantage as it is both more expensive and slower than Starlink.
Viasat, on the other hand, is the service provider trying to surpass Hughesnet. It may be preferred for higher speeds or lower cost at the same quota level. It should be noted that depending on the quota, internet speeds vary between 25 Mbps and 50 Mbps.
When we look at the general picture, we can say that it would be more logical for people who use the internet only for their essential business to prefer Viasat and Hughesnet, which stand out with their cheaper packages than Starlink. But in real internet experience, Starlink seems unbeatable for now.