About Starlink vs Sky Muster: Starlink came into the scene in 2019, promising blasting speeds and low latency, thanks to its LEO satellite technology.
On the other hand, SkyMuster NBN is a well-established network, experienced in providing excellent service for years.
However, they are both excellent satellite internet providers that ensure all rural Australians have internet access.
Which ISP should you choose if you choose Starlink vs. Sky Muster NBN?
Let’s compare several aspects of their services, including coverage performance and price.
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Definition
As I mentioned earlier, Starlink is a satellite ISP launched by SpaceX in 2019, aimed to provide internet in remote areas.
It uses LEO satellites and phased array antennae technology to provide services where other traditional ISPs do not exist.
While Starlink Started in the US to rival Viasiat and Hughesnet, the ISP is now available globally including in Australia.
To use Starlink, you must purchase the Starlink kit with a satellite dish and router to install in your house.
On the other hand, Sky Muster is the government-owned national broadcasting network’s technology to provide satellite internet in rural Australia.
Unlike Starlink, which uses thousands of small satellites, Sky Muster uses just two satellites to provide its services.
It is also the same with Starlink; you must install a user terminal (a satellite dish and a route) to use it.
Starlink antenna
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Operational Mode
While I indicated earlier that Starlink and Sky Muster differ in the number of satellites, their operation technology is the same.
First, they both have satellites in space that communicate with a ground station established in different locations.
Secondly, to use either service, you must install its infrastructure, which includes an antenna and a router.
What happens is you will send internet requests via your PC to the router, which in turn corresponds with the dish.
The dish sends your requests to the satellites in space, which then beam those same signals to the ground station.
The ground station is now connected to servers that process and send your requests back.
Once the ground station receives the feedback on your request, it resends it to the satellite.
Finally, the satellite sends it to your dish, router, and device as search results.
Note that this process happens so fast, based on your internet speed.
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Design
While both ISPs use satellites, their appearance differs greatly. For starters, Starlink uses several low-orbit satellites which look like yachts.
On the other hand, Skymuster uses only two satellites that appear like common communication satellites launched in higher orbits.
However, both their satellites get their power from installed solar panels.
Communication satellite illustration
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Coverage
Starlink started its Australian services in 2021, covering New Wales and Victoria. However, the ISP is currently available in most Australian territories and states.
It is now available in most parts of the globe and aims for coverage worldwide. I suggest you visit the Starlink website and check the availability map to know if it’s in your area.
On the other hand, Sky Muster has just 500,000 users across Australia. With this in mind, Starlink coverage is way better than the established Sky Muster.
Like in Starlink, it would be better to contact them and know if they offer services in your location.
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Download and Upload Speeds
In a nutshell, the performance of Starlink in terms of speed is way better than that of Sky Muster.
For Example, Starlink promises standard plans download speeds of between 100 to 220 Mbps.
If you have business plans with priority data access, you can get a speed close to 350 Mbps.
For upload, the ISP promises between 10 to 25 Mbps which is fast enough for most personal and business usage.
However, the speed you receive will depend on various factors such as weather and congestion.
According to Ookla data, Stalink Australia’s average speeds are about 106Mbps for downloads and 11Mbps for uploads.
In comparison, Sky Muster satellite internet plans have a download speed of 25Mbps and an upload of about 5Mbps.
However, recently, the company introduced premium plans that can clock up to 100Mbps to rival Starlink.
Also, note that the NBN has other plans, such as fixed wireless, which maxes at 75Mbps for downloads.
Additionally, most Sky Muster Plans are subject to data caps and speed throttling, which is not the case with Starlink.
Internet speed representation
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Latency
Latency is the time it takes for a signal to travel from your device to the server and back.
As you may already know, low latency is vital for VoIP services and other real-time activities such as gaming.
Generally, Satellite internet has the highest latency since the signal can travel from your device to the satellite in space and back.
However, Starlink has ensured a very low latency of between 20 to 40 ms, thanks to its LEO satellite usage.
In comparison, Sky Muster has a higher latency, mainly because their satellites are higher up in space.
You can expect it to be even more than 600 ms, which is way below the threshold for real-time online activities.
Like speed, Satellite internet latency also depends on weather conditions and congestion.
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Price
In both ISPs, the price you pay depends on the Internet plan you choose. However, Starlink is the most expensive of the two services.
For instance, if you go for the residential Starlink, you must pay $599 and $30 for shipping and handling.
In addition to this price, you will also pay a monthly fee of $139. The good news is you can also rent the same Starlink kit for a monthly fee of $160 plus a $300 connection fee.
Alternatively, you can wait for offers to buy a refurbished kit for half the price. It is also good to mention that you can get a cheaper secondhand one, but make sure a router, dish, cables, and the stand are there.
There are also other plans, such as business and high-end, maritime, and aviation.
For business and maritime plans, the kit costs $3740, where you get the Flat high-performance dish.
Then, you can choose to use the standard data rate or buy priority access data, which has the following prices
- 1TB for $374
- 2TB for $748
- 40GB for $230
In contrast, Sky muster plans are cheaper starting at $35 for 50 – 100GB monthly data. You can also get higher plans with unlimited data for about $70 monthly.
For the kit, you get an antenna, a modem, and installation for around $345.
Starlink vs Sky Muster: Which One Is Better For Your
Generally, the choice between Starlink and Sky Muster depends on your internet usage and budget.
For example, if you play professional online games, I recommend Starlink for its amazing speed and low latency.
However, if you are on a tight budget and looking for a simple household connection, go for Sky Muster.
Internet coverage
Conclusion
Looking at the above comparison data, we can boldly say Starlink is better regarding performance.
However, Sky Muster won the price race, thanks to its affordable internet plans.
You will get an internet connection from any services now that they are both in rural Australia.
I also recommend contacting their customer service to know their status on offering in your locality.