Fibre has long been the king of connectivity, offering lightspeed internet access at an affordable price. Now, with the looming launch of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet, many users are asking if it will be a better option than fibre optics? In this showdown, there is no clear winner as both have their strengths and unique benefits in the communications landscape.

Fibre internet is delivered via glass-like strands. Data is sent in the form of light pulses that travel through these optic cables. It allows massive amounts of data to be transferred at the speed of light – offering users more bandwidth and possibilities. Fibre is said to be a ‘future-proof’ solution that will be the preferred connectivity choice for many years to come.

Satellite internet, on the other hand, works by sending data signals in the form of radio waves from satellites in orbit to ground stations on earth. Musk’s Starlink service is touted to match the speeds of fibre internet (up to one gigabit per second), but this is yet to be proven. Let’s take a look at how both forms of internet access compare.

Reliability of signals

Fibre is incredibly reliable as it is not susceptible to magnetic interference or adverse weather conditions. Since the fibre optic cables are buried underground, they remain largely protected from various interruptions and damage.

Satellite internet is slightly less reliable as the radio waves can experience interference from poor weather and obstructions, such as trees, skyscrapers and clouds. The radio signals also travel massive distances from ground stations, out into orbit and back to the ground, so there is a slight delay in transmission.

Availability of services

Fibre optic cables are costly to install, so many rural areas and remote towns may not have the infrastructure in place yet. However, in South Africa, the rollout of fibre is advancing rapidly. Every year, more and more towns are connected to the national grid of cables and data centres.

Satellite internet is more readily available and often the only connectivity option in remote regions, such as game reserves. All that is needed in these areas is a clear view of the sky, a terminal and a power source to receive the radio signals.

Cost of connectivity

Fibre internet is an affordable option considering the lighting-fast connectivity speeds and massive bandwidth available to users. The costs vary, depending on the internet service provider (ISP) that provides internet access and fibre network operator (FNO) that owns the cables.

Satellite internet can be more expensive as the initial start-up cost and monthly service fees tend to be higher per megabit of data. When you compare the cost of satellite internet to other connectivity options, it tends to be more expensive for the speeds and bandwidth available to the user. 

Speed of access

Fibre internet speeds are improving as the infrastructure gets upgraded. Currently, WonderNet can offer customers connectivity at speeds of up to 1Gbps, depending on the package you choose. 

Satellite internet is also improving in speed. Currently, the average satellite connection offers around 100Mbps – so nowhere near as fast as fibre but still adequate for most home use. However, these speeds are claimed to match those of fibre when Starlink services arrive in South Africa.

Choosing between fibre and satellite internet

Both fibre and satellite are viable options for South Africans. People living and working in urban areas and city centres are better off choosing a fibre package. However, those living in far-flung regions of the country may be better off opting for satellite internet.

The above comparisons will help you to make an informed decision on which will better suit your needs. To answer the question “Will satellite internet become more popular than fibre?”, this is unlikely. The current speed, cost, reliability and availability of fibre make it the more well-rounded choice for connectivity. Of course, satellite internet will improve over time, but so too will fibre optics. 
When it comes to fibre versus satellite, there is no one size fits all solution. It all comes down to your needs, budget and the availability of the services in your area. For more information about our fibre offerings or to get a quote for an internet upgrade, please contact us today or check if we’re connected to your address.