Starlink v NBN | A Real-World Case Study in Geham, Queensland
This article presents a real-world comparison of Starlink and NBN Fixed Wireless on the same property in Geham, Queensland — approximately 25 km north of Toowoomba. Starlink Australia is one of the most searched terms on Google for good reason. After reading this case study Starlink v NBN, you’ll understand why Starlink consistently outperforms NBN Fixed Wireless and even rivals NBN Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) for residential and small business use.
The Initial Visit: Identifying the Issue
My journey with this client began when they booked me to install a wireless access point to extend their home WiFi range. As part of my standard procedure, I ran a speed test before starting the job and again after completing the installation to ensure that the WiFi speed remained consistent. Wireless access points are designed to extend range, not alter internet speed.
While the installation was successful, the speed test revealed a significant limitation: the client's NBN Fixed Wireless connection was achieving a download speed of only 23 Mbps. I flagged this with the client, who responded that they had already contacted their ISP and been told this was the best speed available in their area on the NBN. While factually accurate, the client was unaware Starlink a private company and is not part of the NBN (and is actually a competitor to the NBN).
Enter Starlink: A Game-Changer for Rural Internet
Based on my recommendation, the client ordered a Starlink Standard Gen3 v4 kit through Starlink's website that evening. They also booked me for the installation the following week. This setup presented the perfect opportunity to pit Starlink against NBN Fixed Wireless, with both systems installed just meters apart on the same rooftop.
Having installed dozens of Starlink dishes in the Toowoomba region, I confidently told the client to expect Starlink speeds at least 10x faster than their NBN connection. While bold, this prediction was based on extensive installation experience and personal use, including a recent trip around Australia with my own Starlink Gen2 dish, which performed flawlessly in every location.
Installation: Straightforward and Efficient
The installation took place on a classic tin roof (corrugated iron or Colorbond). I used the Hills Starlink Gen 3 Standard Metal Roof Mount (50mm, black) and the Hills Starlink Gen 3 (v4) Mount Adapter (32-50mm) to secure the dish. These items are readily available online and priced between $250-$350, making them a great option for DIY enthusiasts who are comfortable working at heights.
For this installation, I focused on two key factors:
- Positioning the dish in an area free of obstructions (such as trees to the south, as required in this region).
- Positioning the dish in such a way to make the cable run back to the modem as easy as possible for installation.
The Speed Test: Starlink Crushes the Competition
Once the Starlink dish was aligned using the Starlink app, it was time to put my claims to the test. I ran a speed test for both the existing NBN Fixed Wireless connection and the newly installed Starlink system. The results were nothing short of astounding:
- NBN Fixed Wireless: 21.6 Mbps download speed, recorded just an hour earlier. This result, while typical for NBN Fixed Wireless in rural areas, highlighted the limitations of its shared infrastructure and dependency on proximity to the tower.
- Starlink: A jaw-dropping 357 Mbps download speed. This wasn’t just fast—it was transformative for the client’s internet experience, surpassing not only their previous connection but also exceeding many urban fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) connections.
The dramatic 16.5x improvement in speed means tasks like downloading large files, streaming 4K content, or connecting multiple devices simultaneously become effortless. For this client, the upgrade to Starlink didn’t just improve their internet—it revolutionized their ability to work from home, stream content, and stay connected with family and friends.
Why Starlink Outperforms NBN Fixed Wireless
Starlink’s superiority lies in its innovative low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network, which provides several key advantages:
- Unmatched Speed: Starlink delivers download speeds ranging from 100-350 Mbps, far outpacing NBN Fixed Wireless in rural areas, where speeds often struggle to exceed 25 Mbps. This ensures Starlink users can meet the demands of modern internet use, including streaming in ultra-high-definition and large file downloads.
- Dedicated Bandwidth: Unlike NBN Fixed Wireless, which shares bandwidth among all users connected to the same tower, Starlink provides a direct connection via its satellite network. This allows for consistently higher speeds, even during peak usage times.
- Scalability: Starlink’s speeds continue to improve as more satellites are launched, making it a future-proof choice for households and businesses looking to maintain competitive internet performance over time. Starlinks infrastructure is already far superior to NBN Fixed Wireless and is expanding at an expotentially higher rate.
- Universal Coverage: Starlink isn’t limited by tower locations. Its satellite-based delivery makes it accessible in remote areas where NBN Fixed Wireless simply can’t compete.
Conclusion
The results of this case study demonstrate the transformative potential of Starlink, especially for rural and regional properties. With speeds that far surpass NBN Fixed Wireless, Starlink has become the go-to solution for those seeking fast, reliable internet. Whether you're working remotely, streaming 4K content, or just browsing, Starlink delivers the performance you need.
If you are considering buying a Starlink kit you can now get the first month for free if you order your Starlink kit directly from Starlink using our referral link https://www.starlink.com/residential?referral=RC-108876-56783-26
If you would like to learn more consider reading our earlier article comparing Starlink v NBN in Australia https://www.smartdatatv.com.au/starlink-vs-nbn-fixed-wireless/
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