About Starlink vs Centurylink. It is usual for many people to want a change in their internet service provider.
Usually, the cause of this is dissatisfaction with the current service or simply the need to shift to a cheaper option.
So, which is the better internet service?
Our guide takes you through their key features to help you make an informed choice.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Definition
Centurylink Definition
Centurylink is a mega American Communications company with a specialty in the following services:
Currently, it has a presence in 35 US states and prides itself in being one of the firms that delivers the speeds it advertises.
Starlink Definition
A Starlink Dish.
Starlink has been a revolutionary company in the way that it has changed satellite internet services. It was started in 2015 by renowned billionaire Elon Musk and launched its first satellites in 2019.
Since then, Starlink has grown in leaps and bounds. Its flagship feature is its unique low earth orbit satellites, which set it apart from other satellite internet providers.
Starlink is increasing in popularity and has taken its footing in numerous parts of the world.
Also, Its specialty in covering rural, remote areas means it will continue blossoming. Primarily, this is because it has ventured into a market few other ISPs have covered.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Service Mode
Starlink Service Mode
Satellites in Space.
Starlink’s core competency is simple: Having thousands of small satellites in the low earth orbit.
Rival firms such as Hughesnet rely on a few massive satellites located so far away from the earth’s surface.
Resultingly, the difference between the speeds and latency between Starlink and other satellite internet firms is so profound.
As Starlink’s satellites are close to Earth, they generate super-fast speeds and lower latency for a satellite internet service.
Centurylink Service Mode
Fiber Optics Installation.
As mentioned earlier, Centurylink doesn’t purely deal with the internet but provides cable TV and telephone services.
It specializes in DSL and fiber optic internet, two quite contrasting services.
Both employ cables for transmission, but there’s a profound difference in the cable types and the output speeds.
DSL uses the conventional telephone coaxial cable lines to transmit broadband internet.
Thus, fiber is super fast compared to DSLand Starlink, and its latency is pretty low.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Availability
The Starlink has a Worldwide Presence.
Starlink is the ultimate global internet solution as it aims to cover the entire world in the future. It has ventured into new markets, such as Africa, where most American internet firms are absent.
Ideally, this is because its satellites oscillate around the globe. It allows even those in remote locations to access the internet.
In contrast, Centurylink’s market scope is limited to the US, and only in some states. Their reliance on conventional telephone lines to provide internet limits their reach to only US urban areas.
Today, only residents in 36 US states can access Centurylink DSL service. The number is less for those looking for Centurylink’s fiber internet, as it’s only available in 19 states.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Speed and Latency
A group of Indian Women Browsing the Internet.
Starlink’s Speed and Latency
The average speed for Starlink residential (the basic home use package) is between 25 to 220 Mbps for downloads.
The average speed you’ll experience is above 100 Mbps, which is pretty good for satellite internet.
Note that you may not always get top speeds as this primarily relies on aspects such as the following:
- Your Location– If you’re on Starlink roam and operating in an area with high congestion, your speed will wane.
- Mounting Design– Proper mounting means finding an area without a cover above the dish. It will help it communicate well with the overhead satellites.
Starlink’s latency is between 25 and 60 ms if you access the service from land. It may rise to highs of 100 ms if you’re in Antarctica and remote locations.
Centurylink’s Speed and Latency
Expect speeds of between 100 and 960 Mbps if you’re on Centurylink Fiber. The speed will be lower if you go for the DSL service.
But, the average speed you can expect with Centurylink is 100 Mbps.
If you’re on an internet-intensive activity requiring the least amount of lag, consider Centurylink Fiber service.
With it, you can comfortably play games online as a -1ms lag perfectly suitssuch browsing.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Reliability
Accessing the Internet in Rural India.
You cannot go wrong with Starlink, especially if you reside in rural US/Canada.
The internet in such places is highly reliable, although you must deal with downtime during inclement weather.
Remember that the internet signals (radio waves) will travel via air to reach your receiving dish.
Hence, when it is windy/stormy, there’ll be a signal interruption and, thus, poor signal reception.
But if you live in a US city with CenturyLink coverage, opt for it over Starlink.
Its reliability is top-notch as it’s not prone to damage or service distortion from weather changes.
Moreover, you will enjoy the super fast speeds of Centurylink fiber and its relatively low latency.
Besides, you can also opt to subscribe to its landline telephone services and cable TV as part of your internet plan.
Also, go for Centurylink Fiber if you’re an online gaming fan.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Price and Installation
A Starlink Receiver Dish.
Centurylink is way cheaper than rival companies for such an excellent internet service as what it offers. For instance, you will pay a measly $50 monthly for the Simply Unlimited Plan. Its perks:
- Unlimited data access,
- Ability to connect numerous devices at a constant speed of 100 Mbps,
- Constant price rates throughout your engagement with the provider.
If you want a higher speed, rising to 940 Mbps, simply subscribe to Centurylink Fiber. It’s also affordable at $70 per month. So, how does it compare to Starlink?
The biggest hurdle you’ll encounter as a new Starlink subscriber is the equipment fee.
You’ll pay $ 599 for the basic Starlink Residential kit and a $110 monthly charge. If you go for other plans such as business, the fees are even much higher.
Hence, while you’ll install Starlink all by yourself, the high installation fees will undoubtedly trouble new customers.
Starlink vs Centurylink: Customer Support
A Call Center.
You can email Centurylink for clarification, or query, or even call their customer support.
But contacting Starlink’s customer service team is such a hassle. First, they don’t have an outright number you can call.
Instead, you will be required to apply for a ticket and wait for feedback, which may take up to three business days.
The back and forth involved is quite a hassle that many subscribers rate Starlink’s customer support so lowly.
Conclusion
You can choose Starlink and Centurylink if you understand their perks and downsides.
If you’ve avidly read our guide, making such a choice won’t be a problem, as we’ve highlighted all the details above.