What is the actual speed of satellite WiFi and is it stable?

Actual speed of satellite WiFi

Starlink, the most popular satellite internet service today, advertises theoretical speeds that can reach:

• Download speed: 25-220 Mbps (depending on the plan)
• Upload speed: 5-25 Mbps (depending on the plan)
• Latency: 20-40ms

However, the actual speed is often lower than the advertised figures:

1. Data from Ookla in 2023: Starlink users in the US experience an average download speed of about 65 Mbps and an upload speed of about 10 Mbps.
2. Actual test results: Many reports indicate that Starlink's average download speed ranges from 42.8 Mbps to 150-190 Mbps, depending on geographic location, time of use, and the level of "congestion" in the area.
3. Testing in Vietnam: In an event held in Hoa Lac (Hanoi), the measured Starlink speed was about 200 Mbps.

Factors affecting speed

Satellite WiFi speed is affected by many factors:

• Geographic location: Areas with high user density often have lower speeds
• Weather: Heavy rain, snow, or storms can reduce speed and connection quality
• Time of use: Speed often decreases during peak hours (evenings and weekends)
• Antenna placement: Should be placed in an open area, not obstructed by trees or buildings
• View angle to the sky: Ensure the antenna has a clear "line of sight" to the sky

Stability of satellite WiFi

Advantages of stability

• Wide coverage area: Can provide internet in most places around the world
• Not dependent on ground infrastructure: Works well in remote areas without fiber optic cables
• Resilience after natural disasters: When fiber optic systems are damaged, satellite internet still operates

Disadvantages of stability

• Affected by weather: Heavy rain, snow, storms can disrupt the connection
• Higher latency: Compared to fiber optics (20-40ms compared to 5-10ms for fiber optics)
• Congestion during peak hours: Speed can significantly decrease when many people are using it
• Need clear visibility: Trees and tall buildings can obstruct signals

Starlink Internet speed test video

With the continuous launch of more satellites and technological improvements, satellite WiFi is increasingly improving in service quality and performance, promising to provide stronger and more stable network connections for remote areas and users who frequently move.