Starlink vs. 5G LTE: Which Internet Solution is Right for You?
When it comes to high-speed internet access in areas where fixed terrestrial options like fiber or cable aren’t available, both Starlink and 5G LTE are excellent solutions. However, there are several key differences between the two. In this article, we’ll break down the pricing, internet speeds, and geographic flexibility of both options to help you decide which one suits your needs.
Understanding the Context for Starlink vs. 5G LTE
Before diving into the details, it’s important to understand who these solutions are for. Many people with reliable fiber or cable internet at home may argue that traditional wired connections are far superior to Starlink or 5G LTE. If you have access to stable fiber or cable broadband, that’s great – stick with it.
But this article is mainly for people who live or work in far or moving places—like RV travellers, temporary construction sites, or remote events— normal internet is not available. Even if you have normal internet at home, it’s still smart to keep a backup connection. For example, I use Comcast Business Cable as my main internet, but I also have T-Mobile 5G home internet as backup, which costs around $30 per month. This backup helps me stay connected all the time.
Breaking Down 5G and LTE Solutions
5G internet is delivered through cellular networks, connecting to nearby cell towers. There are several ways to connect to these networks, including through a 5G modem (like the one I use from T-Mobile), mobile hotspots, or third-party routers. Most major cellular providers in the U.S. such as AT&T and Verizon offer 5G services, and there are a variety of routers and devices available to support 5G LTE, such as SIM-card slot routers from Peplink and GL.iNet.
One advantage of 5G LTE is the wide range of available options, both in terms of services and devices. For example, I use the GL.iNet Spitz AX router in my RV, which is paired with an external omnidirectional antenna from MobileMark. This setup is perfect for camping trips, providing reliable connectivity even in more remote areas. If you’re farther from a cell tower, you can boost the connection by using a directional antenna like the one from Waveform, which can be used with both Peplink and GL.iNet devices. These antennas can improve the signal by pointing in the direction of the nearest cell tower. To help locate nearby towers, you can use websites like cellmapper.net to find 5G and LTE coverage in your area.
That being said, cellular coverage comes with some limitations. Cellular service depends on proximity to cell towers, and the farther you are from one, the slower and less reliable your connection will be. Once you’re out of range, you won’t have any service. To counteract this, many remote users have SIM cards from multiple carriers to ensure that they’re always connected to the strongest signal available.
Starlink: A Different Approach to Internet Connectivity
Starlink, on the other hand, works by connecting to low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. SpaceX currently has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit that facilitate the transmission of internet data between satellite dishes and ground stations with high-speed internet access. This system enables Starlink to provide internet connectivity virtually anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
The most popular versions of Starlink are the Gen3 and the Starlink Mini. The Gen3 dish is larger and supports higher internet speeds, while the Starlink Mini is smaller, portable, and designed for more temporary setups. The Gen3 dish offers a separate modem and is ideal for more permanent installations, supporting both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. On the other hand, the Starlink Mini integrates everything into the dish itself, making it more portable but with slightly slower speeds.
Internet Speeds: Comparing 5G LTE and Starlink
When it comes to internet speeds, there are notable differences between 5G LTE and Starlink.
For 5G LTE, speeds can vary significantly based on your location and whether you’re connected to 5G or 4G LTE. In areas with 4G LTE service, download speeds usually range from 5 to 50 Mbps, which is fine for browsing the web, checking email, and standard office work, but not ideal for heavy streaming or large file transfers. If you’re in a 5G coverage area, speeds typically range between 50 to 500 Mbps, allowing for activities like HD video streaming, online gaming, and file uploads/downloads. Personally, with my T-Mobile home internet, I usually see speeds between 300 to 500 Mbps.
Starlink Mini, by comparison, delivers speeds ranging from 50 to 200 Mbps. While that’s more than sufficient for HD video streaming and Zoom calls, one key drawback of Starlink is the variability in speeds. This is because Starlink relies on satellites that move quickly through space. As your dish connects to different satellites as they pass overhead, your speeds can fluctuate, sometimes from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps in just a few minutes. While this doesn’t disrupt basic internet use like web browsing, it can be problematic for activities like online gaming or video conferencing.
For more consistent performance, Starlink’s Gen3 dish offers speeds between 100 to 400 Mbps. However, even the Gen3 dish will still experience occasional speed fluctuations due to the nature of satellite connections.
Pricing Comparison: Starlink vs. 5G LTE
When it comes to pricing, 5G LTE is generally more affordable than Starlink. Most 5G home internet plans from providers like T-Mobile cost around $50 per month, with discounts available if you bundle with a cell phone plan. For example, I pay just $30 a month for T-Mobile home internet because it’s bundled with my family’s cell phones. For those who need more data, unlimited SIM card plans typically range from $65 to $90 per month.
Starlink, on the other hand, comes at a higher cost. The Roam Unlimited plan is priced at $165 per month, while the standard plan costs around $50 per month, though it limits bandwidth to 50GB, with additional charges for data overages. One advantage of Starlink’s pricing model is the flexibility to pause the service when it’s not needed, such as during the off-season for RV campers. If you sign up for Starlink through a referral link, both you and the person referring you can get a free month of service.
Geographic Flexibility: Starlink vs. 5G LTE
When it comes to geographic flexibility, Starlink is the clear winner. Since Starlink relies on satellites, it can work anywhere with a clear view of the sky, even in the most remote areas. In contrast, 5G LTE requires you to be within range of a cell tower that supports your provider. The further you are from a tower, the slower and more inconsistent your connection will become. Once you’re completely out of range, you’re left without service unless you have access to a more powerful directional antenna.
In practice, Starlink’s flexibility is impressive. I’ve used both the Starlink Mini and Gen3 dish while traveling through remote highways without any connectivity issues, even when there were no nearby cell towers.
Conclusion: Which Option is Right for You?
In summary, 5G LTE is a great option for those who are close to a cell tower and need affordable, consistent internet for tasks like web browsing, HD streaming, and light gaming. It’s ideal for fixed locations or RV setups that are near urban or suburban areas.
However, if you’re traveling to remote locations or working from a place without reliable cell tower coverage, Starlink is your best bet. It provides high-speed internet almost anywhere with a clear sky, though it comes with more variability in speeds.
For those who need maximum flexibility, a combination of both may be the way to go. Personally, I use a GL.iNet Spitz AX router in my RV, which allows me to connect to Starlink, 5G LTE, or campground Wi-Fi, ensuring that I have a reliable internet connection wherever I go.
Ultimately, both 5G LTE and Starlink offer powerful internet solutions depending on your needs. Whether you prioritize affordability and consistency or flexibility and coverage, you can choose the right solution for your remote internet requirements.
Thank you for reading! To learn more, feel free to explore additional resources and videos on both 5G LTE and Starlink to deepen your understanding of these options.
