About Starlink vs. Att, If you stream videos or games online, you know a dependable internet connection ensures your browsing seamlessly.
Although AT&T Fiber and Starlink both services provide high-speed internet, they employ different technologies and have varying coverage and pricing structures.
Consequently, we compare Starlink vs. ATT Fiber to assist you in choosing the ideal internet for your requirements.
Table of Contents
- What is the AT&T Fiber?
- Starlink vs. AT&T Fiber: Comparison
- Starlink vs. ATT Fiber: Which is the better home internet service?
- Conclusion
What is the AT&T Fiber?
AT&T Fiber is a broadband service providing a fast, reliable internet connection via fiber-optic cables.
The service is for its incredible download and upload speeds, which may go as high as 5000Mbps (5Gbps).
AT&T fiber also offers low latency of 5 to 20 milliseconds compared to DSL, cable, and satellite internet.
This low latency makes it perfect for real-time applications like video gaming and other activities requiring quick response time.
Apart from its fast speeds, AT&T Fiber also offers various pricing options depending on your budget.
For instance, you can get its cheapest package of 300Mbps for $55 and its top-tier plan of 5000Mbps at $180.
While AT&T Fiber is helpful for its speedy and dependable service, it was available in only 21 States and selected regions across the United States.
Nevertheless, it continuously enlarges its fiber network, and more individuals may access it in the coming years.
Fiber optic network
Starlink vs. AT&T Fiber: Comparison
Here is a comprehensive comparison of the two services:
Widest service
Accessibility is an essential factor when talking about any network.
The wider the service, the easier people can access it in their areas.
In this regard, Starlink is more available than AT&T Fiber.
With over 3500 satellites, the service is accessible in many countries, including Canada, the USA, and some European, African, and Asian countries.
It also offers services in remote regions where cable and fiber infrastructures are yet to develop.
Additionally, Starlink continues to launch more satellites to ensure global overage in the future.
On the other hand, AT&T Fiber is only available in about 21 states and a few cities in the US.
Being a fiber optic service, it may not be available in remote areas since the necessary structure does not exist.
However, as the service expands, it may cover other US states and cities.
Speeds
Internet speed refers to how fast you can upload or download data through the network.
High speed is essential during real-time applications such as video conferencing and gaming.
Generally, fiber optics internet is faster than any satellite or cable internet.
Consequently, boasting 300 to 5000 Mbps speeds, AT&T is faster than Starlink. Also, this network comes with various speeds option at different prices.
Conversely, Starlink features speeds of about 200Mbps which is a decent improvement compared to other satellite internet services.
However, this speed can be affected by obstacles, congestion, and weather.
These external factors do not affect AT&T fiber speed since they come through underground optic cables.
Additionally, unlike Starlink speeds which vary between upload and download, AT&T’s internet speed is symmetrical.
Internet speed
Latency
Latency refers to the delay in sending and receiving a signal between a server and a network-enabled device.
Usually, this delay is higher in satellite internet since the data has to travel to and from the satellite to your computer.
On the other hand, data travels through optic cables in a fiber network, thus lowering latency.
It means that AT&T has lower latency than Starlink, with the company advertising 5 to 20 milliseconds latency.
This extremely low latency makes AT&T fiber suitable for video conferencing and online gaming.
Starlink reports a latency of about 20 to 40 milliseconds, which is also valuable for most browsing applications.
While satellite internet usually has high latencies, Starlink utilizes sophisticated dish technology and low Earth orbit satellites to reduce it considerably.
Latency
Data Caps
You can only use a predetermined amount per period when an internet service has a data cap.
The provider may charge you extra or terminate your internet if you exceed this monthly data amount.
In other cases, you may experience reduced speeds (deprioritization) once you exceed the preset threshold.
Starlink and AT&T internet services have no data caps meaning you can use as much as you need.
However, both providers may slow your internet speeds if you exceed a specific data usage threshold.
For instance, the deprioritization threshold for AT&T fiber is about 1TB per month, depending on your chosen package and location.
Similarly, if you go above a particular data limit in Starlink, you may experience slower speeds during peak hours.
Starlink vs. Att: Pricing
Starlink offers three distinctive prices depending on your budget and needs.
Its business package costs a monthly fee of $500 and a one-time equipment price of $2500.
The residential plan costs a monthly fee of $110 and equipment fees of $600.
Starlink also offers RV plans which you subscribe to for $135 per month plus an equipment fee of $600.
Comparably, AT$T fiber offers five main plans depending on your required speed and the number of connected devices. Below are the main monthly speeds plans:
- 300Mbps for $55, and you can connect up to 10 device
- 500Mbs for $65 and up to 11 devices
- 1Gb for $80 and 12 devices connection
- 2Gb for $110 and 12+ devices connection
- 5Gb for $180, and you can connect 12+ devices
Starlink vs. ATT Fiber: Which is the better home internet service?
You must consider several factors to determine which provider is better for home internet.
First, when you compare speed, AT&T Fibre is faster than Starlink, thanks to its 5GB ultimate speed.
Additionally, its latencies of 5 to 20 milliseconds are very low compared to 20 to 40 milliseconds for Starlink.
The low latency and the high speed make this AT&T service ideal for video conferencing and web-based gaming tasks.
Additionally, AT&T may be your ideal choice due to the lack of a data cap and low pricing.
However, Stalink offers considerably higher speeds and low latency than traditional mobile and satellite internet services.
Being a satellite internet, it is also available even in remote locations where other networks may not be present.
Therefore, since both services have advantages and disadvantages, your ultimate choice depends on your residence and intended use.
Using Starlink
Conclusion
Comparing AT&T fiber and Starlink reveals that each service has advantages and disadvantages.
If you live in urban and suburban locations, AT&T can be your ideal choice for dependable internet.
On the other hand, Starlink, a satellite-based provider, can provide incredible speeds and low latency if you’re in remote areas.
Ultimately, both services are excellent choices for home internet, but the best depends on your geographical location and personal preferences.
