nbn® Fixed Wireless vs Starlink | Comparing Internet Options
As regional and rural Australians look for reliable internet solutions, two of the most talked-about options are nbn® Fixed Wireless and Starlink, Elon Musk’s satellite internet service. While both services promise better connectivity for those in rural areas, there are important differences between them in terms of speed, cost, reliability, and support.
In this article, we’ll compare nbn® Fixed Wireless, particularly with new superfast upgrades of up to 400Mbps, and Starlink, to help you make an informed decision. If you’re based in Coffs Harbour or surrounding areas, local provider Solitary Technology offers exceptional value with local customer support, lower costs, and better performance compared to Starlink.
1. Speed: nbn® Fixed Wireless Superfast vs Starlink
NBN Fixed Wireless has recently undergone significant upgrades, especially in areas around Coffs Harbour, including Bellingen, Woolgoolga, and Upper Orara. These upgrades now allow nbn® Fixed Wireless customers to access speeds of up to 400Mbps, putting it in the superfast category. For most households, this level of speed is more than enough for streaming, gaming, video conferencing, and running multiple devices.
Starlink, on the other hand, offers speeds that vary depending on the location and time of day. On average, users report speeds between 100–250Mbps, although it can fluctuate. While this may be sufficient for basic use, Starlink’s speeds are not as consistent, especially during peak usage times.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless
With its recent upgrades, NBN Fixed Wireless can reach 400Mbps at 80% of premises, 250Mbps at 90% of premises and 100Mbps at 100% of premises, making it a faster and more reliable option than Starlink in many cases.
2. Cost: Affordable nbn® Fixed Wireless vs Expensive Starlink
nbn® Fixed Wireless is one of the most cost-effective internet solutions for regional and rural areas, especially with providers like Solitary Technology offering competitive plans with no hidden fees. For example, nbn® Fixed Wireless plans with Solitary Technology offer speeds of up to 400Mbps at affordable prices, with no lock-in contracts and free equipment installation for eligible customers. This makes it a budget-friendly option for households and businesses.
In contrast, Starlink comes with a hefty upfront cost. The Starlink kit, which includes the satellite dish and router, costs approximately $450 to $750 AUD, and the monthly subscription fee is around $139 AUD. This makes Starlink significantly more expensive than nbn® Fixed Wireless, both in terms of initial setup and ongoing monthly fees.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless
With lower monthly costs and no expensive upfront equipment, NBN Fixed Wireless is the more affordable choice compared to Starlink.
Fixed wireless plans
Fast, Local nbn® Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless Plus
Maximum Attainable Speeds*
100Mbps Download
20Mbps Uploads
Fixed Wireless Home Fast
Maximum Attainable Speeds*
250Mbps Download
20Mbps Uploads
Fixed Wireless Superfast
Maximum Attainable Speeds*
400Mbps Download
40Mbps Uploads
3. Latency: Lower Latency on NBN Fixed Wireless
Latency, or the time it takes for data to travel from your device to the internet and back, is a crucial factor, especially for activities like online gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.
nbn® Fixed Wireless has the advantage of lower latency because it uses ground-based infrastructure. The signal travels a shorter distance between your home and the nbn® tower, resulting in latency typically ranging from 20 to 40 milliseconds. This makes nbn® Fixed Wireless ideal for activities that require quick response times.
Starlink, being a satellite service, suffers from higher latency due to the greater distance that the signal must travel—from your dish to the satellites in low-Earth orbit and back. Latency on Starlink can vary, but users often experience latency between 40 and 60 milliseconds, which may be sufficient for casual browsing but could be problematic for gaming or high-quality video conferencing.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless
With lower latency, nbn® Fixed Wireless is the better choice for real-time applications, making it the preferred option for gamers and remote workers.
4. Local Support: Solitary Technology vs Starlink
One of the key benefits of choosing nbn® Fixed Wireless through Solitary Technology is the local customer support. As a 100% locally owned and operated provider based in Coffs Harbour, Solitary Technology offers fast, personalized assistance. If you experience any issues with your connection, you can call or visit their office for direct, local support—something that large, remote providers like Starlink can’t offer.
With Starlink, customer support is primarily handled through online channels and automated systems, which can be frustrating when you need immediate assistance. As a globally-operated service, Starlink lacks the local expertise and personalized service that providers like Solitary Technology can deliver. Starlink does not currently even have a customer service phone number.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless (Solitary Technology)
Having a local support team that understands the community and can respond quickly makes nbn® Fixed Wireless through Solitary Technology a more convenient and reliable option.
5. Fixed Wireless Stability vs Starlink’s Satellite Dependency
nbn® Fixed Wireless relies on fixed towers and ground-based technology, which provides a more stable and reliable connection. With the recent upgrades to the NBN Fixed Wireless infrastructure, customers in eligible areas are now able to experience faster speeds and greater reliability, with fewer interruptions caused by weather or other factors.
Starlink, as a satellite-based service, is more vulnerable to environmental conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or cloud cover, which can affect the satellite signal. Additionally, Starlink’s performance can be impacted by congestion as more users sign up in rural areas, where the satellites can only handle so much bandwidth.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless
Fixed Wireless offers a more stable connection than satellite services like Starlink, especially in bad weather.
6. Future-Proofing: nbn® Fixed Wireless Superfast Upgrades
The recent nbn® Fixed Wireless upgrades now allow users to access speeds of up to 400Mbps, which is significantly faster than Starlink’s average speeds. These upgrades mean that NBN Fixed Wireless users can enjoy faster, more reliable internet as the demand for data increases over time.
Starlink, while innovative, is still in its early stages of development. Although it has plans for future improvements, its long-term performance is still uncertain, especially as more users sign up and place additional strain on the satellite network.
Winner: nbn® Fixed Wireless
With new superfast speeds of up to 400Mbps, NBN Fixed Wireless is a more future-proof option, ensuring that you’ll have access to faster internet in the years to come.
nbn® Fixed Wireless is the Superior Choice
When comparing nbn® Fixed Wireless to Starlink, it’s clear that nbn® Fixed Wireless—especially with the recent superfast upgrades—is the better option for most households and businesses in Coffs Harbour and surrounding areas.
Here’s why nbn® Fixed Wireless stands out:
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- Faster speeds of up to 400Mbps in upgraded areas.
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- Lower latency, making it ideal for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.
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- Much lower costs, with no expensive upfront equipment or high monthly fees.
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- Locally-based support from Solitary Technology, ensuring quick, personalized service.
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- More reliable performance, especially during adverse weather conditions.
For those looking for fast, affordable, and reliable internet in Coffs Harbour, Solitary Technology’s nbn® Fixed Wireless plans offer unbeatable value compared to Starlink. Ready to upgrade your internet? Contact Solitary Technology at 1300 914 278 for local support and to explore their superfast plans today.