Starlink vs ATT Internet: Which One is Better?

Deciding between Starlink and ATT is not difficult because the types of internet service providers are different in many aspects.

Starlink delivers satellite internet signals to you via a dish in your home.

On the other hand, AT&T is a traditional internet provider that delivers internet through a wired connection. 

Starlink only needs a clear sky view, so it is a great option for reliable internet in remote areas.

AT&T cable infrastructure runs in the ground, and this may make it hard to install in remote areas. 

Table of Contents

• Side by Side Starlink vs. AT & T Comparison
• Starlink vs AT&T: Detailed Comparison
  • Speed
  • Latency
  • Availability
  • Reliability
  • Cost
• Starlink vs ATT Internet: FAQ
  • What is Better than Starlink?
  • Starlink vs. Fiber: Which is the fastest?
• Final Thought

Side by Side Starlink vs. AT & T Comparison

Starlink vs AT&T: Detailed Comparison

Speed

AT&T offers DSL, cable, and fiber internet services.

Fiber is the fastest followed cable than DSL.

But if you have to compare these options with satellite, even DSL can be faster than Starlink in some areas. 

DSL and cable AT&T speed can go up to 940 Mbps.

However, in most areas, DSL and cable AT&T speed ranges between 5 Mbps and 100 Mbps, depending on location.

AT&T fiber offers speeds between 100 Mbps and 1 Gbps, depending on the plan and your location.

This makes it one of the fastest internet speeds in the US today.

Starlink has a decent speed ranging between 50-250ms, depending on location and plan.

The best plan is the Business Plan for commercial use.

However, you can get a residential plan with up to 100 Mbps at an affordable price.

This speed compares well with cable and DSL but is much lower than you will get from fiber connections. 

Latency

Compared to traditional satellites such as Hughesnet, Starlink has a lower latency.

The new invention of launching satellites in low earth orbit.

This invention has helped bring the satellite closer to the Earth, limiting interference and lowering latency. 

However, Starlink latency can be higher than connections from AT&T, especially fiber.

Starlink latency ranges between 20ms-40ms compared to fiber, which is around 5ms-25ms.

For DSL and cable, the latency may be higher than Starlink’s.

Cable connections are around 10-50ms, while DSL latency ranges between 20-100ms. 

That said, the latency offered by each provider varies depending on the location.

In some areas, you can experience lower latency with Starlink than AT&T, while in other places, it may be the other way around. 

Availability

Generally, AT&T connections are not so common in rural areas.

The connections rely on underground cable infrastructure, and the terrain greatly hinders distribution.

Fiber is mostly in urban areas, while SDL and cable connection are common in suburban areas. 

Starlink can be accessed anywhere you can see the sky.

Though it is still in its early stages and has not spread to many places, it has the potential to be accessed globally. 

Starlink Elon Musk satellite

Reliability

The Reliability of the internet depends on several factors, including the level of customer support by the internet provider, the frequency of the outage, and the quality of the infrastructure.

Fiber relies on more advanced infrastructure and is less prone to outages than all options.

Cables and DSL rely on traditional infrastructure and may be more prone to severe weather or interference during peak hours.

The older, more established infrastructure may also require frequent maintenance compared to fibers. 

Starlink is more prone to interference by the weather but not as much as other types of satellites.

As mentioned before, Reliability may vary depending on certain factors, so it is up to you to test and see what works best in your location. 

Laying a fiber cable underground

Cost

The cost also varies depending on the location, equipment required by the internet provider, and the type of service.

Fiber tends to be more expensive compared to cable and DSL.

Generally, AT&T tends to be more affordable compared to Starlink. 

Starlink equipment costs around $499, while the monthly cost is only around $99.

However, it is worth it if you are in a remote area because you are guaranteed faster and more reliable connections than other options. 

AT&T’s monthly costs widely vary depending on the type and location.

Expect to spend between $35-$60 every month.

Equipment cost depends on your requirement. 

Starlink vs ATT Internet: FAQ

What is Better than Starlink?

What internet provider is better than Starlink depends on your needs and preferences.

If you are looking for alternatives to Starlink with global coverage, you can choose between 5G, OneWeb, and Project Kuiper.

Starlink vs. Fiber: Which is the fastest?

Fiber can be 4-5x faster than Starlink with better Reliability and lower monthly fees.

However, its limited availability makes Starlink a better option in remote areas. 

Final Thought

Both Starlink and AT&T are decent options if you are looking for a faster and more reliable internet provider.

However, Fiber optic, one of AT & T’s connections, has a faster download and upload speed.

AT&T also has better Reliability and lower monthly cost. Where Starlink is better than any type of AT&T connection, including fiber is available.

You can access it anywhere you can have a clear view of the sky, unlike underground AT&T connections that are affected by terrain.

This makes Starlink a better option in rural areas.