Starlink vs VSAT vs 5G: Which one?

[TechRadar]

Starlink

• Pros

  1. High-speed internet connectivity: Starlink provides high-speed internet connectivity that is faster than traditional satellite services.

  2. Low latency: Starlink has low latency, which means that data transmission is faster and more responsive.

  3. Global coverage: Starlink coverage is global, and it can deliver internet connectivity even in remote locations where traditional services are not available.

  4. Cost-effective: Starlink is cost-effective compared to traditional satellite services in terms of pricing, data limits and installation.

• Cons

  1. Initial cost: The upfront cost of purchasing Starlink equipment is relatively high, making it less accessible for some yacht owners.

  2. Weather-dependent: Starlink connectivity can be affected by bad weather, and this may cause intermittent downtime for users.

  3. Limited bandwidth: Although Starlink offers high-speed internet connectivity, its bandwidth limits are currently lower than traditional satellite services.

  4. Competition: Starlink faces competition from other satellite services, and this could result in reduced market share.

VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal)

• Pros

  1. Reliable connectivity: VSAT technology provides highly reliable internet connectivity and has been a proven tested technology for decades

  2. Unlimited internet connectivity: VSAT offers unlimited and high internet speeds, making it ideal for data-intensive applications and streaming.

  3. Global coverage: VSAT provides coverage in most parts of the world, ensuring seamless connectivity even in remote locations.

  4. Customizable service: VSAT providers offer customized packages that meet the specific needs of yacht owners, giving them control over their connectivity.

• Cons

  1. High cost: VSAT services can be expensive due to the cost of maintenance and equipment.

  2. Weather-dependent: VSAT connectivity can be affected by bad weather conditions, and this may result in intermittent interruptions in connectivity.

  3. Limited bandwidth: VSAT providers offer limited bandwidth to control costs, which may limit data usage for yacht

5G

• Pros

  1. Ultra-fast internet speeds: 5G offers ultra-fast internet speeds that rival landline connectivity, ensuring seamless connectivity for data-intensive applications.

  2. Super Low latency: 5G has low latency 1-10ms, which makes it ideal for real-time applications, such as gaming, live streaming and video conferencing

  3. Massive bandwidth: 5G offers massive bandwidth, enabling yacht owners and guests to use more data-intensive applications

• Cons

  1. Limited coverage: 5G coverage is still limited, and it may not be available in remote or offshore locations.

  2. High initial cost: The initial cost of purchasing 5G equipment can be high, making it less accessible to yacht owners.

  3. Limited data plans: 5G is charged by the GB and due to how data hungry internet applications can be the monthly data cost can get costly

Credits:

Marcos Braz Bartlett on LinkedIn: #yachtdata #5g #starlink #offshoreservices...