Getting a satellite internet service from Starlink may have its advantages, but when it comes to speed, local Internet service providers are still the better option.
Ookla recently shared its latest study that shows Starlink experiencing download and upload speeds that are slower than those of traditional providers in the Philippines. The company’s Speedtest Intelligence report for Q2 2024 placed Starlink’s median download speed at 48.14 Mbps, whereas the median download speed for the country’s fixed broadband stood at 94.42 Mbps as of June 2024. At 12.63 Mbps, Starlink’s upload speed is even significantly slower than the 94.13 Mbps achieved by fixed broadband.
Fixed broadband also has Starlink beat in terms of multi-server latency. The latter recorded an average of 50ms, which is twice as high as that of all fixed operators combined, and therefore has a longer delay in transmitting data across networks.
Despite these shortcomings, the report does acknowledge the value of Starlink’s internet access in the Philippines, whose archipelagic geography has led to fixed broadband underserving remote populations. In this context, satellite broadband can emerge as a practical choice for Filipinos. According to ABI Research, the Philippines is expected to become the leading market for satellite broadband in Southeast Asia. The global tech research firm estimates 909,000 subscriptions will be established by 2028.
Though yet to become available in the Philippines, Starlink recently launched a cheaper option called Starlink Mini. It comes with a portable kit that’s small enough to fit inside a backpack.