Starlink vs 5G: which is better?

July 9, 2023

You've probably heard of 4G or 5G mobile networks, and Starlink - a similar network - as well.

But which is better for you and your particular needs?

Let's take a look at the two options from go to woe.

5G networks: tell me about them

The newest and speediest "G" network, 5G - or the fifth-generation mobile network - first launched in South Korea in 2019.

Two years later, South Korea was leading the world - along with China and the US - in the construction and spreading of 5G technology.

Australia began offering its first 5G options in around 2019 as well, although 4G options still cover far more geography than that of 5G.

Telstra launched its first 5G home option in late 2020 and the telco's 5G towers now satisfy about 80% of the Australian population.

Optus now has around 1,000 5G sites across 1.4 million households.

Vodafone's 5G network was only switched on in March 2020, and now, according to the telco's website, one million of their consumers enjoy this network.

At the same time, Vodafone 5G is still only available in selected areas in 1,000 suburbs across the country.

Starlink networks: tell me about them

According to its website, Starlink is "the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet."

Or, as another article we read explained:

"Starlink's mission is to cover the entire globe with a constellation of satellites offering internet access to literally every person on Earth.

"The company is planning to install an army of 42,000 satellites to develop an entire grid in the Earth’s lower orbit."

Starlink is a venture of American billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk who is also behind electric car company, Tesla, and who purchased Twitter in 2022.

Mr Musk's Starlink plan is based on his SpaceX rocket manufacturer and transport services company, with Starlink satellites owned by SpaceX being up to 65 times closer to Earth than that of traditional satellites.

In other words, it is hoped that Starlink can deliver higher-speed internet to harder-to-reach areas, including rural Australia.

According to one article, Starlink possibilities were in the works via SpaceX for many years before "picking up the pace" in 2021.

Starlink power is now available via 2,000 SpaceX satellites, which together enable dozens of countries worldwide across all seven continents - including Australia - to pick up speedy internet connections.

In Australia, Starlink is largely available in the "lower half" of the country, but it is hoped the service will cover the entire nation this year.

As well, SpaceX now offers a mobile satellite internet service, soon to enable every square centimetre of the country to connect to Starlink.

Launched in May 2022 and known as Starlink for RVs, the new plan allows travellers to utilise high-speed internet access wherever they go, with the simple installation of a small satellite dish on top of their vehicle.

In short, while 5G is a localised internet connectivity through a network of small towers while Starlink connections travel long distances and reach remote areas.