Starlink vs OneWeb - Battle for Supremacy
Space technology has long been a topic of discussion and fascination for people worldwide. With the introduction of Starlink and OneWeb, the world has seen a race towards developing satellite constellations. Both companies aim to provide high-speed internet access to remote areas, making communication more accessible and affordable.
The Basics
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX, with the primary objective of providing global internet coverage. The current system consists of over 1,700 satellites as of August 2021.
OneWeb, on the other hand, is a similar network of satellites aiming to bring internet access to remote areas globally. It was founded by Greg Wyler, intending to provide affordable and accessible internet worldwide. Its operational constellation consists of 146 satellites as of August 2021.
Speed
Speed is a crucial factor when it comes to internet access. Users in remote areas often face low-speed internet with long buffering times, making the experience frustrating.
Starlink has achieved a download speed of around 100 Mbps and an upload speed of around 40 Mbps. The latency is also relatively low between 20-40 ms.
OneWeb claims it can reach a speed of up to 1 Gbps, but it is yet to be seen as it has only launched a limited number of satellites.
Coverage
The coverage area is another critical aspect to consider while comparing both systems.
Starlink has achieved a vast coverage area, including several remote locations worldwide. The company aims to provide internet coverage to areas with low or no access to connectivity.
OneWeb has made remarkable progress in launching their satellites, but the coverage area is still limited compared to Starlink.
Cost
Affordability is equally important when it comes to space technology.
Starlink is currently charging $99 per month for the basic internet package, which includes the user terminal, mounting tripod, and Wi-Fi router.
OneWeb has yet to announce its pricing plans, but the aim is to make the service affordable for areas without internet connectivity or with low speed.
Conclusion
Both Starlink and OneWeb have made commendable progress in making high-speed internet accessible and affordable for people worldwide. Starlink has a vast network of over 1,700 satellites, making the coverage area relatively more extensive than OneWeb, which has only 146 satellites as of August 2021.
Starlink has achieved a remarkable speed of around 100 Mbps for downloads and 40 Mbps for uploads. However, OneWeb is yet to reach its purported speed of up to 1 Gbps.
Affordability is also vital, of course. Currently, Starlink's pricing is altogether reasonably competitive at $99 per month for basic internet access; OneWeb has yet to launch its services in full.
In summary, both companies are vying for supremacy in the satellite internet space, offering reliable and high-speed internet access to remote areas worldwide.