About T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink, T-Mobile Home Internet is a fixed wireless network that powers devices to provide home broadband.
It is mostly suitable for users in remote areas with inaccessible fiber optic or cable infrastructure.
Over the years, it has provided affordable 5G high-speed internet with low latency, making it ideal for day-to-day activities.
Nevertheless, T-Mobile has downsides and may need to catch up to other ISPs like Starlink.
From our title, today we are going to have a comparison of T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink.
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Service Availability
Generally, we have observed that the North American continent has the most Starlink subscribers, even though with some exceptions. Some notable exceptions are:
- Regions that lack adequate capacity that will enable more customers to join the waitlist or
- Regions >53° North latitude.
Many people living in countries like Canada and the United States can access Starlink, including those in rural or remote areas that cannot sustain other ISPs.
Furthermore, it has a waitlist option in some areas for new users since it lacks sufficient network capacity.
Luckily, it also provides an Availability Map that lets you see its eligibility in your area.
(Starlink train over a city)
On the contrary, T-Mobile has a wide coverage even though not as universal as Starlink. It further operates using cell towers providing 5G internet services to mobile phones.
So, if your area has little to zero cell phone signal, T-Mobile is unsuitable for you. Often, many rural area users suffer from not having a cell tower.
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Download and Upload Speeds
Both Starlink and T-Mobile have varying internet speeds depending on the time of the day and the location.
Therefore, we wouldn’t necessarily say one beats the other in fast internet.
On average, Starlink has an upload speed ranging from 5Mbps and 15Mbps and a download speed between 40Mbps and 110Mbps.
But since SpaceX is planning to launch more satellites into the Lower Earth Orbit, we can expect increased speeds.
Nevertheless, its current speed values overthrow other satellite internet providers and DSL plans.
As for T-Mobile, upload speeds are between 5Mbps (or less in congestion hours) and 25Mbps (at midnight).
Its download speeds range from 30Mbps to 80 Mbps and may be slower during peak hours.
(Checking internet speed)
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Latency and Stability
T-Mobile Home Internet has latency averaging from 30ms to 100ms. During off-peak hours, the latency drops to a considerable value.
However, when you’re using the internet during peak hours, you’ll notice the latency spiking to 1000ms or more.
Usually, this ping spike occurs in regions that have a near-maximum capacity at their operational cell phone towers.
Despite the average ping being okay for T-Mobile, the constant latency spike is a nuisance.
Any internet connection exceeding 500+ms and beyond is functionless and unstable.
Subsequently, online gaming, using VoIP technologies like Zoom calls, or working from home will be virtually impossible.
(Low latency preference)
On the other hand, Starlink has a ping ranging from 40ms to 70ms, which is far better than traditional ISPs like Viasat and T-Mobile.
The main issue with Starlink is random signal drops. While it can support gaming, the drops can be disruptive and annoying.
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Customer Service
Companies often get a bad reputation for offering poor customer service in most circumstances. It is only fair to want to know what you’re getting yourself into beforehand.
After thorough research, this is what we learned.
By ranking, T-Mobile’s support experience was the best. The receivers are straightforward, very friendly, and available 24/7.
They’ll also go above and beyond to help solve your connection issues. If you want to cancel your T-Mobile Home Internet, you won’t go through hell making it happen.
(Customer satisfaction)
Conversely, Starlink uses a non-traditional route. It means they don’t have an email address or phone number that customers can use to reach them.
Instead, you will fill in a support ticket on their mobile application or Starlink website.
They may also take days or weeks to respond to you, and their service team sometimes has a tough time troubleshooting.
Hopefully, Starlink will change in this sector to improve the public’s experience.
T-Mobile Home Internt vs Starlink: Set up
Setting up a T-Mobile Home Internet is simple and takes 15 minutes at most to complete. Use the instructions below to get yours done.
- First, download the application on your mobile phone. The app should enlighten you on the best router placement. Either way, consider our tip for a start.
Tip: 5G signals travel poorly through walls. Therefore, place your router next to a window that faces your local cellphone tower for maximum connection and speed.
- Next, connect your route and let it initialize. Then, use your phone to scan the QR on the router’s back to pair your app to the router.
Everything should be set and ready for use now.
(Wi-Fi router)
Similarly to T-Mobile, Starlink has all the instructions for the installation process in their package. It also requires no expertise.
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Price
Compared to T-Mobile, Starlink is more expensive. On your first purchase, you’ll need Starlink hardware equipment like the router, cables, and dish.
It will cost you $599 upfront. However, if you need a high-performance dish, you’ll get it for $2500.
Then, for its residential plan and service address area, you’ll need to set aside monthly payments ranging from $90 to $110.
On the contrary, a T-Mobile will need between $30 to $55 with no upfront cost. But the price here depends on the cell phone plan and carrier.
Sometimes, special offers allow users to get a free Paramount+ for a year. In this case, they’ll only charge $4.99 monthly.
T-Mobile Home Internet vs Starlink: Pros and Cons
Some of the perks and downsides of T-Mobile Home Internet include:
Advantages
- First, it has a fast speed.
- It is also easy to set up since you require no wiring.
- Then, it is cost-effective.
Disadvantages
- It lacks advanced router features like port forwarding.
- Also, depending on where you stay, sometimes you can experience dropped connections.
Conclusion
In summary, when choosing between T-Mobile Home Internet or Starlink Internet, we recommend basing the choice on your needs.
For instance, if you stay in a location with an installed millimeter wave technology and adequate 5G signal strength, T-Mobile is the befitting option.
If you also want to save money, go for T-Mobile because it is less expensive.
Alternately, if you are in a remote area with no 5G network, fiber, or optic, then Starlink it is. Furthermore, it has other advantages, like offering a stable ping/latency for online gaming. We know it’ll cost a lot, but using it is worth every penny invested.