Comparison of Fiber Optic Internet Quality vs Starlink and Who is More Expensive?

Morrissey Technology – The operation of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite-based internet service in Indonesia is currently a hot topic of discussion. When compared with fiber optic services, what are the differences and whose rates are more expensive?

PT Remala Abadi (Data), which is an internet service provider (ISP), revealed a number of factors that influence the quality and speed of Starlink internet.

President Director of PT Remala Abadi, Richard Kartawaijaya, said that many factors influence Starlink internet, such as unstable signals due to being blocked by trees or buildings, and also very dependent on the weather.

So when it rains, said Richard, Starlink will be ineffective to use, especially for those who need a stable network. Moreover, Indonesia’s position in a tropical area with lots of clouds and frequent rain will significantly affect Starlink services FOR4D.

“Satellites have a different character from fiber optics. ISPs that deploy fiber optics are not affected by the weather. The broadband capacity that consumers can enjoy reaches 1Gbps. So consumers who need high and stable speed will of course choose fiber optics,” said Richard in his written statement. .

He also conveyed that the advantages of fiber optics with satellite-based internet can be a mainstay for those who need a stable connection.

“With fiber optics, the delay, speed and capacity provided are still superior to Starlink. Internet via Starlink may only be purchased for backup or to complement existing broadband services,” said Richard.

In terms of prices offered by fiber optic providers, it is more affordable than Starlink. Residential Starlink subscription costs IDR 750 thousand per month. If consumers need mobile services, Starlink sets prices starting from IDR 990 thousand per month to IDR 7 million per month. Meanwhile, these costs do not include the purchase of receiving devices. Standard Starlink receiving devices are set at IDR 7.8 million to IDR 43 million, other costs still need to be added.

Richard continued, the cost of a fiber optic data subscription is very affordable. For a speed of 50 mbps, NetHome is priced at IDR 229 thousand. Meanwhile, for a speed of 250 mbps, NetHome provides a very affordable price, namely IDR 399 thousand. This cost includes installation and equipment.

First Media provides a price offer that is not much different from NetHome. For broadband services with a speed of 50 Mbps, First Media is priced at IDR 276,945. Meanwhile, for a broadband speed of 300 Mbps, First Media sets a price of IDR 776,445. This cost includes installation and equipment.

This price comparison proves that Starlink services are more expensive, when compared with cellular and fiber optic technology FOR4D. Apart from the fact that space segment devices are still expensive, the launch costs are also not cheap.

Moreover, LEO satellite operators, such as Starlink, require a lot of satellites and their age is no more than five years. Because the technology is expensive, Richard said, it is impossible for satellite operators to sell their services below the cost of goods sold.

“If the price is too cheap, there are indications that satellite operators, including Starlink, are dumping,” he said.