Overview of Starlink and AT&T Fiber
Starlink is a satellite internet service launched in 2019 by SpaceX, Elon Musk‘s private space company. It aims to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe using a network of low Earth orbit satellites.
AT&T Fiber, officially called AT&T Internet, is a fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) internet service offered to homes and businesses in parts of the United States. It launched its first fiber internet deployment in 2012.
Availability and Coverage Area
Starlink is currently available in 34 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. SpaceX aims to achieve near global coverage by September 2023 as it continues to launch satellites into orbit. Its coverage map is available here.
AT&T Fiber is only available in certain metro areas and neighborhoods across 22 U.S. states. You can check availability at your address here. Expansion plans are unclear at this time.
Technology
Starlink uses low Earth orbit satellites, advanced ground stations called gateways, and small user terminals to deliver internet. Signals travel from satellites to user terminals directly rather than cables or cell towers.
AT&T Fiber uses fiber optic cables all the way to homes and businesses. Fiber allows for faster speeds and higher bandwidth capacity versus traditional cable or DSL networks.
Speed Comparison
Maximum Download/Upload Speeds
- Starlink: 200Mbps download / 20Mbps upload
- AT&T Fiber: Up to 5Gbps (5,000Mbps) download / Up to 5Gbps (5,000Mbps) upload
While Starlink offers impressive speeds for satellite internet, AT&T Fiber clearly wins when it comes to maximum throughput capabilities thanks to fiber optic technology.
Real-World Speeds
Independent consumer speed tests indicate the following typical download/upload speeds for each service:
- Starlink: 90-150Mbps down / 10-20Mbps up
- AT&T Fiber Gigabit Plan: 700-900Mbps down / 700-900Mbps up
Real-world speeds can vary depending on location, network congestion, and other factors. But tested speeds again show AT&T Fiber outperforming Starlink by a wide margin.
Latency
Latency refers to the time it takes for data to make a round trip. Lower latency is better for activities like video calls, gaming, etc.
- Starlink median latency: 45ms
- AT&T Fiber latency: Less than 20ms
Starlink impressively offers latency on par with cable and fiber. AT&T Fiber beats it slightly, but Starlink’s latency still enables real-time applications.
Data Caps and Throttling
Starlink and AT&T Fiber both offer unlimited data with their residential plans. However, some differences exist when it comes to network management practices.
Starlink will throttle speeds for the top users during congestion, reducing heavy users to slower speeds compared to other users.
AT&T Fiber claims it does not throttle speeds. But some customer complaints indicate otherwise during periods of network congestion.
Pricing and Plans
| Plan | Starlink | AT&T Fiber 300 | AT&T Fiber 1000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price | $110 standard $500 upfront equipment cost |
$55/month for 12 mos $65/month after No equipment fees |
$85/month for 12 mos $95/month after No equipment fees |
| Download Speeds | 50-200Mbps | Up to 300Mbps | Up to 1Gbps |
| Data Caps | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
AT&T Fiber offers faster base speeds at lower monthly prices compared to Starlink. Equipment fees are included at no extra charge, and competitive signup promos are often available as well. Higher speed tiers are available too.
Installation and Equipment
The Starlink kit includes an antenna dish, stand, WiFi router, and cables. Customers can install their own equipment or pay an additional $99-$250 for professional installation.
An AT&T technician handles fiber installation, including running fiber cables to your unit and setting up the gateway/router and optical network terminals. Appointments are available 7 days per week.
So AT&T Fiber setup requires a technician visit, while Starlink offers handy self-installation to get online faster.
Reliability and Uptime
Satellite internet is prone to interruptions from weather events like heavy rain or wind, which can block signals between satellites and user dishes. But Starlink reports only 1-2 minutes per month of downtime on average.
Fiber internet offers extremely reliable connectivity and industry-leading uptime percentages thanks to the resilient physical fiber line network. AT&T fiber customers can expect continuous access outside rare localized outages.
So advantage AT&T fiber for near 100% uptime. But Starlink‘s satellite service has proven surprisingly resilient as technology has improved.
Customer Service
Starlink customer service includes 24/7 support by phone, email, chat, Reddit forums, and a mobile app. But some customers have complained of long response times.
AT&T Fiber also offers 24/7 customer support via all the same channels. Satisfaction with their customer service varies widely depending on location.
So neither provider gets glowing reviews when it comes to easily resolving issues. But AT&T‘s size and resources may make it more convenient for in-person support.
Pros and Cons Comparison
Starlink
Pros
- Available in rural and remote areas lacking cable/fiber
- No long-term contracts
- Single standard plan makes choices easy
- Portability to move service locations or use while traveling
Cons
- Slower speeds than fiber optics can provide
- Can suffer brief service interruptions during heavy weather
- Upfront equipment cost is expensive
- Partial satellite dependence until laser links roll out
AT&T Fiber
Pros
- Blazing fast fiber optic speeds and capacity
- Very reliable physical connection
- Bundles with other AT&T services available
- No equipment purchase required
Cons
- Install scheduling can take 2 weeks or longer
- Few plan options to pick from
- Lacking availability in many regions & rural areas
- Some customer service complaints
Ideal User Cases
Those needing internet access in rural locations not serviced by cable or fiber will benefit tremendously from Starlink. The service also suits remote workers, travelers, RVers, and temporary sites.
AT&T Fiber stands out for urban residents and businesses demanding maximum, uninterrupted speeds. Fiber supports bandwidth-heavy applications like video production/editing and server hosting. Bundling abilities add convenience for AT&T mobile customers.
The Future of Starlink and AT&T Fiber
Starlink will continue expanding satellite launches to boost capacity and availability globally, including in remote areas. Speeds are slated to double over the next years as new generations of satellites join the constellation. An expanding laser-based backhaul network will reduce dependence on ground stations to beam data. VoIP phone and global cellular services are also planned pending regulatory approvals.
AT&T aims to push fiber deeper into suburban areas as it works toward a goal of covering 30 million customer locations with fiber by 2025. Speed tiers may increase for residential services as network upgrades allow. 5G integration will enable even faster wireless speeds for compatible devices connecting to the AT&T fiber network.
So both Starlink and AT&T have ambitious technological advancements and coverage improvements coming down the pike.
Final Verdict: Which is Better?
AT&T Fiber is better in locations with infrastructure availability thanks to unmatched speeds, capacity, and ultra-reliable connectivity. Bundling abilities provide nice perks for AT&T mobile customers seeking a single bill and discounts.
But for many rural users and remote workers/travelers limited to sluggish DSL or cellular options previously, Starlink provides a big upgrade and flexible internet access unprecedented in history.
In the end, neither choice is objectively “better” between two impressive, innovative internet providers. Residential location and individual use cases should drive evaluations of which service gets the checkmark. AT&T Fiber wins on specs in serviced regions now, but Starlink’s global satellite ambitions and rapid improvements make it one to watch in the years ahead.
