Internet: Satellite internet, 5G, or broadband? Which offers blazing-fast speeds, and which is the right choice for your budget?

Elon Musk's satellite internet service, Starlink, has received the green light in India, and the company is now preparing to launch its services in remote and underserved areas. This leaves ordinary users with the dilemma of choosing between Starlink, 5G, or fiber broadband for their internet needs. The three technologies differ in terms of speed, coverage, price, and reliability.

What is Starlink, and who is it best for?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that operates through Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. It requires a dish installed at home, which receives signals directly from the satellite. There's no need for mobile towers or fiber optic lines.

It is most beneficial for areas where 4G/5G coverage is poor or non-existent, and where broadband is unavailable. Starlink typically offers speeds of 50 to 200 Mbps and latency of 20–50ms.

However, its cost is currently high. On December 8th, the company listed prices on its website, indicating that the installation kit could cost up to ₹34,000 and the monthly plan up to ₹8,600. However, the company removed the price list shortly after. According to some reports, the company may also introduce more affordable plans.

Who is 5G internet right for?
5G mobile internet is rapidly expanding in cities and large towns. It doesn't require any installation; a 5G phone or dongle is sufficient. Where the network is strong, speeds of 100–300 Mbps and latency of 10–20ms are possible.

However, 5G's biggest weakness is its coverage. In many areas, network traffic or weak signals prevent users from achieving optimal speeds. 5G is still a distant prospect in hilly and rural areas. Currently, private telecom companies are providing 5G services, and the average cost is ₹6–10 per GB.

Are fiber broadband connections reliable? Fiber broadband is still considered the most stable and reliable internet option today. Speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps and a latency of just 5–10ms make it ideal for working from home, streaming, gaming, and video calls.

Good plans are available in many cities for 400 to 1,000 rupees per month, and many companies are also offering free installation. The only drawback is that its availability is still limited in villages and hilly areas.

What's the final verdict?
If you live in a city and want stable internet, fiber broadband is the best option. However, if most of your work is done on your mobile and you have good 5G coverage, then 5G internet will suffice. But if you are in an area with neither broadband nor mobile network coverage, then Starlink, the satellite internet service soon to be launched in India, could be a game-changer for you, even if it's a bit expensive.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.