We are working through broadband operators at present. From traditional broadband suppliers or the intriguing newcomer, Starlink. The choice can feel almost like deciding between a well-loved old shoe that’s comfortable yet worn out and a shiny new model promising comfort and speed. But just like that shoe, the one you select will fundamentally affect your day-to-day operations and overall business agility, not to mention your Netflix binge-watching experience. So, how do we navigate this digital quandary?
When considering speed. Traditional broadband connections can range from 25 Mbps to well over 1 Gbps, depending on the service provider and your location. For many entrepreneurs, particularly those operating in metropolitan areas, the reliability of these speeds is often a major selling point. If you’re running a bustling e-commerce site or hosting video conferences that make "Can you see me now?" a frequently asked question, a stable, high-speed connection is worth its weight in gold—or at least in monthly subscription fees. Our site is city centre based, so the connectivity problems are not an issue seemingly.
On the flip side, Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, boasts impressive download speeds that can range from 50 Mbps to 250 Mbps. While these figures are tempting, particularly in areas typically neglected by terrestrial providers, there’s a catch: latency. Ah, latency, the silent killer of seamless internet interactions. In broadband systems, latency is usually around 20-40 ms, while Starlink can experience latencies from 20 ms to over 100 ms due to the nature of satellite communication. If you’re piecing together a complex business strategy via a video call, that slight delay might lead to a whole lot of “Wait, did you just say…?” moments.
Now, let’s take an entrepreneurial dive into the most critical aspect: reliability. For anyone running a small business or startup, downtime can be disastrous. Traditional broadband services often come with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), offering assurances of uptime and customer service responses that can quickly resolve issues. Starlink, meanwhile, is a bit of a wild card. While its infrastructure is continuously evolving, being dependent on satellite technology means its performance can be affected by weather conditions (like that pesky rain cloud that seems to follow you around).
Interestingly enough, there’s also the matter of installation. In most cases, traditional broadband means scheduling an appointment, possibly wrestling an installer for a few hours, and navigating potential hidden costs. Starlink, however, offers a more ‘do-it-yourself’ approach, providing you with a dish and instructions that could have come from an IKEA manual. Entrepreneurs keen on rolling out their operations with minimal hassle might appreciate this plug-and-play nature, though it does come with its own learning curve.
Another crucial consideration is cost. Depending on your location, standard broadband prices can range from modest to quite hefty. Starlink's monthly service fee is generally comparable, but it requires an upfront equipment cost that can be a hard nut to crack in an early-stage budget. That said, if you’re located in a remote part of the world where broadband is scarce, suddenly, the investment won’t seem quite as daunting.
Let’s not forget the emotional aspect! For those of us who fondly remember waiting for our dial-up connection to chime in as an old friend, the prospect of Starlink feels like a nostalgic leap into the dizzy heights of innovation. The idea of satellite internet conjures up visions of space-age progress, a tale entrepreneurs love to weave into their brand stories. Who wouldn’t want to ride the wave of technological advancement?
The decision between traditional broadband suppliers versus Starlink boils down to your specific needs and circumstances. Are you in a remote area requiring flexibility? Is latency a significant factor for your business operations? Do you value speed over reliability, or the other way around? Our current contract provider is Virgin and with a failover 5G connection to piggyback the mobile network if all else fails. But these are business-critical processes for us and most businesses; we would not be able to function with all the cloud-based systems we operate via.
So, gather your data, weigh your options, and just like that old shoe, make sure you’re ready to step into the future of business connectivity with confidence! Any thoughts and experiences to share?
