StarLink : How fast is Starlink satellite internet?(Part 4)

In the first beta test of Starlink satellite internet, we've seen some pretty impressive results. Starlink internet's download speeds are up to 104 Mbps, and upload speeds are about 16 Mbps

— that's a big contrast to most current satellite internet users (provided by HughesNet), who historically have had speeds between 4 and 10 Mbps. In addition, the latency on our tests is 39 ms - which is about one-third as much as it would be on traditional satellite service from HughesNet.

This article examines how fast these download and upload benchmarks compare to other types of broadband services, like cable or DSL.

According to the beta test invitations, Starlink's satellite internet service will have 50–150 Mbps speeds, which is a good start. It's encouraging to see that the actual speeds experienced by beta testers when using Starlink internet correspond to the company's claims.

On the other hand, Starlink internet's downloads are no match for cable or fibre optic connections. Those services offer download speeds up to a gigabit (1000 Mbps), while Starlink only offers a maximum download speed of 150 Mbps. Upload speeds are a lot closer to cable and fibre, with Starlink offering up to 16 Mbps compared to Comcast and Time Warner Cable with upload speeds of around 100 Mbps.

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While working out the kinks in its beta test, Starlink is still in the process of deploying satellites and ground stations. Starlink users will likely see improved download speeds and lower latency as more satellites reach Earth's Orbit and more ground stations are built.

Also, the pace of Starlink's deployment is essential. The company has slowed the production of its satellites and ground stations to work out the kinks in its beta test. The company expects to have an estimated 400,000 customers by year's end and up to 1.5 million by 2025.

For comparison, satellite internet offers download speeds of around 4 Mbps on some services (like HughesNet). In contrast, cable internet offers download speeds upwards of 100 Mbps on most services (while fibre optic services provide upload speeds around 50 Mbps). Starlink's beta test looks like good news for those interested in giving satellite internet a try.

If you're curious, latency is the amount of time it takes for your internet signal to travel from your computer to your ISP, to the website server, and back to you.

That means your signal has to travel 22,200 miles to reach the traditional satellite, then back down to the website server, up to the satellite, and back to you with conventional satellite internet. You can bet that takes a hot minute, which is why traditional satellite internet has a latency of 500 to 600 milliseconds.

Starlink is a bit different - it uses a pair of satellites, not just one. That means the time it takes to send and receive your signal is cut in half, which is why Starlink's latency is lesser.

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Because the Starlink satellites will remain in Orbit at the height of about 342 miles, that's a lot closer than other satellites, which means your internet signal will travel much shorter distances to reach a Starlink satellite.

References

What Starlink beta testers really think about Elon Musk’s satellite internet Web document .

SpaceX Starlink Satellite Internet Update 2021Web document .

Starlink internet coverage, speed, cost, satellites, IPO and latest news Web document.

How good is Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX? I tested it outWeb document.