A White Paper for Internet Subscribers
Contents
Customer Service and Experience.
Definitions
Definition of Cable Internet
Ever seen your television cables? Cable internet is a type of high-speed internet that is powered by coaxial cables, which looks exactly like your television cables. Data is transmitted through sound waves by pairing coaxial cables with a cable modem, a process that results in internet connection.
Going by the highest download speeds of cable connections, which is normally around 100 Mbps, it can be argued that cable connections are not that slow, although they are generally slower than fiber. Cable connection is the most popular type of connection because, as long as there is a TV cable in your given area, cable connection can be provided through different providers.
Some of the advantages of cable connection include:
- Less expensive
- Can bundle with other services like cable TV
- Widely available
Disadvantages:
- Susceptible to latency
- Slow upload speed
- Hidden fees
Definition of Fiber Internet
This type of internet is powered by fiber optics, which use very thin but flexible strands of glass or sometimes plastic cables. The other name for fiber internet is fiber optic broadband. The cables used in this case allow the transmission of data through beams of light instead of electricity, in turn ensuring fastest speeds.
When compared to cables, fiber internet is fastest because a single fiber optic has the capability of transmitting more data than thousands of copper cables. In various areas, fiber internet can go as fast as offering internet speeds of up to 10 gigabytes per second.
“Fiber internet is the ‘latest and greatest’ from internet service providers like Google Fiber, Verizon and AT&T in the U.S., and others worldwide,” said Gustavo Soares, Global Product Manager at Dell Technologies.
This one also has advantages;
- High speeds
- Low latency
- Reliable
Its Disadvantages include;
- Expensive
- Limited availability
- Complex installation
Definition of Starlink
This is a satellite internet from SpaceX, which is owned by billionaire Elon Musk. It uses Low-Earth-Orbiting (LEO) satellites and self-adjusting receiver dishes. It provides internet speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 500 Mbps, to almost every location on Earth.
Some fast Facts about Starlink:
They launched their first 60 satellites in 2019, via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
In the orbit, the current number of satellites by Starlink stands at 63350, of which 6290 are working (as of August 2024), as told by astronomer Jonathan McDowell, who tracks the constellation on his website.
As of June 2024, the number of countries that approved Starlink hit 100. The network is growing rapidly around the globe.
The Starlink satellites orbit is closer to earth than traditional internet services, and hence, results in faster internet speeds.
Pros
- Low latency
- High Speeds because satellites are closer to Earth
- No annual contracts
- Unlimited data
Cons
- High prices
- Hefty equipment fees
- Fee for an antenna and router
- Vulnerable to bad weather
- Slower than cable or fiber internet
More Facts About Starlink
- The company offers a 30-day guarantee, allowing a refund in case the consumer doesn’t like the service.
- When you enter your address on their website, you are able to check their availability in your area in case they aren’t there yet, in turn reserving your spot on their waitlist by paying $99 to $500, which is refundable.
- Setting Starlink is a very easy process and you can do it yourself. Having their App will assist you in finding the best installation location.
- In cases where the satellites are no longer operational, Starlink’s satellites will keep the space clean by deorbiting.
Some Differences
| Fiber Internet | Cable Internet | Starlink Internet | |
| Latency | Lowest | Lower | Low |
| Speed | Fast Fiber internet provides synchronous speeds, which means you can upload and download simultaneously, which is ideal for services like online gaming, video calls and uploading large files. | Medium Cable internet has a much slower rate of upload versus download and favors those who consume but don’t create content, like avid streamers. | Slow It is good for streaming video calls, online gaming and other type of household internet use. |
| Weather Interruptions | Thanks to its durable technology, fiber internet is weatherproof. | Ground lines can be damaged by extreme cold, and in this case, an outside repair work would be required. | Can be easily interrupted by storms or harsh weather. |
| Availability | Only available in big towns and cities | Depends on existing cable infrastructure, less availability in remote areas. Better for suburban and urban areas. | Available virtually everywhere, only requires a clear view of the sky. Ideal for rural areas. |
| Reliability | Very Reliable, with over 99.99% uptime outside of weather events | Very reliable, with 99% uptime outside large weather events that knock out power. | Subject to more variability based on weather, heavy rain/snow can degrade or disrupt connectivity. |
| Ease of installation | Must be installed by fiber optic technician. | Cable company technicians handle all aspects of installation and setup for you. | DIY setup as a “self-installation kit.” You must mount dish and configure on your own. |
| Cost | You’ll pay an average of $138 per month | Starts around $50/month and changes depending on speed | $110/month + $599 equipment cost upfront |
Customer Service and Experience
STARLINK
Starlink customer service has received mixed reviews from users. Many appreciate the speed of installation and the technology itself, noting that the satellite internet often performs well in rural areas where other options are limited. However, some customers have reported challenges with customer support, citing long wait times and difficulty resolving issues.
Setup: The self-installation process is generally straightforward, with the satellite dish (Dishy) being easy to set up and align. Performance wise, speeds can vary, but many users report satisfactory performance, especially for activities like streaming and gaming.
In terms of reliability, service can be affected by weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, which may lead to temporary disruptions. While some have had positive experiences, others report frustrations with response times and support quality when it comes to customer support
Overall, while many users enjoy the benefits of Starlink, they must offer customer service improvements to enhance overall experience.
FIBER INTERNET
Fiber internet services generally receive positive feedback for both customer service and user experience. Here are some key points:
- Performance; Fiber internet is known for its high speeds and reliability, often providing symmetrical upload and download speeds. Users appreciate the consistency, especially for activities like streaming, gaming, and working from home.
- Installation: While installation can sometimes be complex, many providers offer professional installation that ensures everything is set up correctly. Some users prefer this to self-install options, especially if they have complex setups.
- Customer Support: Many fiber providers tend to have robust customer support systems. Users often report quicker response times and knowledgeable representatives compared to traditional ISPs. However, experiences can vary by provider.
- Reliability: Fiber is less prone to outages compared to cable or DSL services, which enhances the overall user experience. Users often feel more secure knowing they have a reliable connection.
- Pricing and Contracts: Fiber internet can be competitively priced, though some users have noted that promotional rates can lead to higher costs after the initial period. Transparency about pricing is an area where some providers could improve.
CABLE INTERNET
Cable internet customer service and experience can vary widely depending on the provider, but here are some common observations:
- Performance. Cable internet generally offers good speeds and can handle multiple devices well. However, speeds can fluctuate during peak usage times since cable connections share bandwidth among users in a neighborhood.
- Installation. Many providers offer professional installation, which can be convenient. Self-install options are also available, though the setup process can sometimes be tricky for those unfamiliar with networking.
- Customer Support. Customer service experiences with cable providers are often mixed. Some users report long wait times and difficulty getting issues resolved, while others have had positive interactions with knowledgeable representatives. Consistency is key, and it varies greatly by provider.
- Reliability. Cable internet is generally reliable but can be affected by outages, especially during severe weather. Users often appreciate that cable connections are less impacted by distance compared to DSL.
- Pricing and Contracts. Pricing structures can be complex, with promotional rates that jump after a certain period. Many users express frustration over hidden fees or unexpected price increases.
Conclusion
- Best for Rural Areas: Starlink is ideal if you’re in a location where fiber or cable isn’t available.
- Best for Speed and Reliability: Fiber is the top choice if you have access, especially for heavy users and remote workers.
- Best for General Use: Cable can be a solid option if you’re in an area with good service, but check reviews for your specific provider.
Ultimately, your choice should be based on what’s available in your area and your specific internet needs.