I’m from Fulshear, Texas and the internet was always a problem here. Cable and fiber internet didn’t exist and satellite internet was the only option available. Doing anything on a satellite internet, be it streaming movies, playing games, or working was a gruesome experience.
However, back in 2019 when Starlink came to my city, I was hopeful that it might be a bit better than other satellite connections. And I wasn’t wrong! As it was a satellite connection, the speeds were comparatively lower than cable or fiber internet. However, my overall experience with Starlink was good and that is why I am writing this article.
In this article, I’ll tell you some reasons why Starlink is the best internet connection for people living in rural areas. So, read on:
Why is Starlink better than other Satellite Internet Connections
Why You Should Choose Starlink?
You Want Internet on the go
No Access to Broadband Internet
You Want Unlimited Data
You Want to do Online Gaming/Work
How is Starlink better than other Satellite Internet Connections?
Starlink Internet has sent thousands of small satellites that orbit the Earth at a relatively close distance. As these satellites are closer to the Earth, it takes less time for signals to reach the targeted destination. Hence, the latency remains low and speeds are much greater than most satellite internet providers.
On the flip side, most satellite internet providers rely on a few, large satellites that orbit the Earth at a greater distance. As a result, this great distance contributes to high latency and slow-speed internet.
Why You Should Choose Starlink?
Cable and Fiber internet providers offer plans with free hotspot zones. For example, opting for Xfinity internet packages gives you access to its millions of free hotspot zones. However, in far-fetched areas, cable and fiber internet may not be available.
That being said, Starlink covers every inch of the country with its satellite connection. Starlink offers a “Roam” package for people on the go. This offer comes with unlimited mobile data (for inland use). As for seafarers, they can also avail Starlink’s services as no connection except Starlink is available in the middle of the sea.
No Access to Broadband Internet:
Signing up for Starlink is the best option if you don’t have access to cable, fiber, or DSL internet. As I’ve already told you, Starlink is a satellite internet and it’s available even in those areas which are not serviced by traditional internet providers.
However, you may rarely experience better speed than cable or fiber internet with Starlink. But Starlink’s wide availability makes it the best choice for people who have spotty internet access.
Unlimited Data:
Relying on your phone or a hotspot internet connection is normal for rural users. It’s because cellular signals are often strong as compared to internet connection. However, there’s a problem that you must be aware of:
Most ISPs put a data cap on users to limit the data’s usage. Also, the used data reaches its limit quickly when you download or stream movies, play games, or use software to work. Moreover, as you’re close to reaching the data limit, you may also have to deal with bandwidth throttling.
As a rural user who’s tired of such constraints, Starlink should be your top priority. It’s because there are no data caps and users don’t face any bandwidth throttling from the ISP.
However, Starlink does have a priority system where premium users are prioritized for higher speeds. But even as a regular customer, your internet will not slow down or stop working even after the data limit is exceeded.
Online Gaming/Work:
Online gaming wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I needed a stable internet connection for my remote work but on weekends, I spent some time on gaming as well. Gaming on a traditional satellite internet was no less than a nightmare. However, living in a rural area, now I can enjoy almost any online game with the help of Starlink Internet.
The bandwidth and low latency keep the lag at bay. I won’t lie that Starlink Internet does face problems when multiple devices are connected to it while gaming. Other than that, it’s a pretty solid satellite connection.
Coming to my remote work, Starlink can pretty much do everything that I want from it. Be it running powerful software or tools, video conferences, or presentations, Starlink doesn’t create any hurdles for me.
To wrap up, I will not suggest Starlink if you have access to cable, fiber, or DSL internet. It does not match their speed while Starlink or any satellite connection is also prone to weather conditions. However, in places like Fulshear where only satellite connections are available, Starlink should be your top choice.
