With a promise of \u2018serving the underserved\u2019 with low latency, and high-speed internet, Starlink has already amassed a 1,000,000 subscriber list. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Competitors like Viasat, Oneweb, and Hughesnet might be forced to catch up.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This article explores Starlink internet alternatives that provide satellite internet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We have also covered each satellite provider here individually compared to Starlink.<\/p>\n\n\n Satellites in orbit close to Earth<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Space X\u2019s Starlink is a satellite ISP with its sights set on the global market. It has already launched just under 4000 satellites into low-earth orbit to establish a presence in all seven continents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The satellite provider has ongoing construction for its ground stations in America, Canada, Europe, South America, and Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n With its goal of having over 30,000 satellites in space, it looks set to be the world’s go-to solution for fast satellite internet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Still, they have to convince subscribers from other ISPs to switch to Starlink. Here are Starlink satellite internet alternatives. <\/p>\n\n\n Internet global coverage<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With over 1.5 million subscribers, HughesNet<\/a> is one of the biggest residential and business satellite ISPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Its client base extends across North and South America. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although launched in the 1970s, HughesNet competes directly with Starlink for satellite internet provision.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite HughesNet’s wide user base, Starlink overshadows its presence by covering a larger area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can compare availability by checking Starlink\u2019s availability<\/a> vs. HughesNet’s availability<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink offers between 50-500 Mpbs download and 5-20Mbps upload speeds compared to HughesNet\u2019s 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost-wise, HughesNet might retain subscribers with its $65-$160 price point. Starlink plans cost between $99-$500 for the residential and business plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Given the nature of most data rate-heavy online activities, HughesNet faces heavy competition from Starlink based on latency and data capping. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Its 650ms average latency cannot compete with Starlink\u2019s 25ms, especially for online data rate-heavy applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, HughesNet implements data caps and still uses GEO satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n OneWeb may be one of Starlink\u2019s fiercest competitors<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only does Oneweb use low-earth orbit satellites, but its satellites also travel in a pole-to-pole orbital pattern. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It currently has 462 out of a planned 648 satellites in space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That means, like Starlink, it can provide stable low-latency satellite internet to its subscribers and cover a large area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also gearing up to provide internet to businesses, marine fleets, airlines, luxury yachting, and freight trains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These offerings would directly compete with Starlink Business, Maritime, Aviation, <\/a>and Starlink RV.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink and Oneweb have different pricing models that might influence subscribers to pick Oneweb as a Starlink internet alternative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink plans retail from $99 monthly compared to Oneweb\u2019s $50 for the base plan, $100 for the Pro Plan, and $150 for the advanced option. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Speed-wise, Oneweb\u2019s transfer rates are also favorable. The ISP provides 165 Mbps download speed, 30 Mbps upload, and 45ms latency as of April 2021<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Oneweb\u2019s speed and latency might match Starlink\u2019s once it completes its planned satellite launch.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s where both ISP draw major battle lines. OneWeb is already using laser satellites. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Space X has only recently gotten approvals to launch its laser-enabled V2 satellites that will reduce ground station reliance to improve speed and latency. <\/p>\n\n\n Starlink vs. Viasat might be more than just a competition. It qualifies as a rivalry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In May 2021, Viasat filed an official complaint to the FCC to stop Starlink from launching more satellites into low earth orbit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Viasat claimed Starlink was congesting orbit and there needed to be an environmental impact assessment.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Truthfully, Viasat also needs low-earth orbit for its satellites to move into orbit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Currently, Viasat operates four satellites – ViaSat-1, WildBlue1, Anik-F2, and ViaSat-2 – much bigger than Starlink\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most of Viasat\u2019s subscriber base is still in the US. It has a minimal presence in South America, Europe, North Africa, China, and Australia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to Starlink speeds, Viasat offers between 12 Mbps and 300 Mbps download speed and 3 Mbps upload speed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On top of its $299 hardware fee, Viasat\u2019s subscribers also pay between $69.99 to $299.99 monthly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These charges are lower than Starlink\u2019s $599 equipment fee and $110 to $500 monthly costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unsurprisingly, Starlink dominates Viasat on latency. Viasat\u2019s 600,000 subscribers have to make do with 600ms latency speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, here\u2019s a fun fact. It recently used Space X\u2019s Falcon Heavy rocket to successfully launch its Viasat-3<\/a> satellite to improve broadband service. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Viasat-3 can potentially boost Viasat\u2019s download speed up to 100 Mbps and reduce latency.<\/p>\n\n\n Have you heard of FreedomSat? It might be one of Starlink\u2019s biggest competitors outside the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FreedomSat doesn\u2019t only compete with Starlink for home internet. It also offers solutions for business clientele.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, it has 20 years of experience offering satellite internet to the military in areas such as Afghanistan and Iraq. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Starlink might work extra hard to pry subscribers from FreedomSat\u2019s core base, the UK. <\/p>\n\n\n\n FreedomSat is in South America, the Middle East, and Africa.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike Starlink, FreedomSat offers data packages. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, its\u00a0 \u00a325 monthly package gives you 10GB priority data with a download speed of 25 Mbps and 6 Mbps upload speed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among its faster options is the Superfast Broadband plan that offers 30 Mbps download speeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Each plan has a basic and premium speed. Premium speeds for its Consumer plan can peak at 50 Mbps.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n FreedomSat\u2019s plans are tiered and complex<\/a>. And that\u2019s not the only area where Starlink can beat it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of its subscribers would gladly switch to Starlink as an alternative to avoid data capping and experience unlimited data and faster streaming.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, FreedomSat bundles VoIP and one static IP address for its business plan subscribers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This move could maintain its competitiveness over Starlink in key areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n Inmarsat and Starlink compete for military internet.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Following in FreedomSat\u2019s footsteps is another British ISP, Inmarsat<\/a>. It is among Starlink\u2019s satellite internet alternatives for the military<\/a> and maritime clientele.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inmarsat\u2019s satellite infrastructure consists of 14 satellites in geo-synchronous Earth, around 22,000 miles in space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If Starlink competed directly for residential subscribers, Starlink\u2019s 4000 LEO satellites would eclipse Inmarsat\u2019s.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inmarsat deals more with products rather than the Internet. Its Inmarsat IsatPhone Pro 2 Satellite Phone costs about $2000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And although Starlink might be adding phone functionality soon, the $2000 price point might be too much for Starlink subscribers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Latency-wise, Starlink edges out Inmarsat. Inmarsat has a 900 ms compared to Starlink\u2019s 20-40 ms. Does AT&T offer satellite internet?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AT&T provides internet and communication services in large parts of the US. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, its focus is providing internet through cable infrastructure, not satellites.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is Project Kuiper?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
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Starlink Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"Satellites](\"https:\/\/starlinkzone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/1-21.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStarlink Satellite Internet Alternatives<\/h2>\n\n
HughesNet<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Internet](\"https:\/\/starlinkzone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/2-15.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nOneWeb<\/h3>\n\n\n
Viasat<\/h3>\n\n\n
FreedomSat<\/h3>\n\n\n
Inmarsat<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Inmarsat](\"https:\/\/starlinkzone.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/3-10.jpg\")
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Inmarsat is not in competition with Starlink for its residential clients. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although they are not in competition for similar clients, Inmarsat\u2019s recent acquisition by Viasat might change the dynamic. <\/p>\n\n\nFAQ:<\/h2>\n\n\n