Starlink's satellite internet service delivers impressive download speeds of 192 Mbps in Australia, revolutionising business connectivity beyond city limits. Peak hour speeds remain strong at 165.5 Mbps, which makes this service 10 times faster than 4G networks and a solid option for high-speed internet in regional areas.
Business operations see clear differences between Starlink and 5G networks. Urban areas benefit from 5G's faster speeds, but Starlink provides reliable internet performance throughout Australia with its network of 20 ground stations. Australian businesses experience average latency between 20 and 50 milliseconds. These numbers exceed fibre or 5G response times but show better performance than traditional satellite connections. Regional and remote businesses often get better service from Starlink than 4G and 5G networks, which struggle to maintain mobile coverage outside cities.
Starlink stands out as the world's first large-scale low Earth orbit satellite constellation. The company plans to launch 42,000 satellites to create a global internet grid that helps areas with poor infrastructure. Businesses in remote locations find the self-installation process straightforward, which adds to its appeal as a portable internet and advanced internet connectivity solution.
Starlink brings a groundbreaking change to satellite internet with its constellation of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites that orbit 550km above Earth's surface. Traditional satellite internet uses single geostationary satellites at 35,786km, but Starlink's closer proximity to Earth cuts down latency to 25–40ms instead of the usual 600+ms of conventional systems.
SpaceX's Starlink has attracted more than 200,000 Australian users. The network now has over 7,600 mass-produced small satellites. These satellites move at 17,000 mph and complete an Earth orbit every 1.5 hours. This creates a dense network that gives users reliable internet connectivity with few interruptions.
The system works through 20 ground stations in Australia. These stations connect to the internet and talk to the satellites, which then send data to user terminals—the distinctive dish receivers at customer sites. Users can also opt for Starlink Roam, which provides a flexible solution for travel or temporary locations.
5G technology builds on existing 4G infrastructure while delivering faster internet speeds, better capacity, and quicker response times. Australian 5G networks use three spectrum bands: low-band (below 1 GHz) for wide coverage, mid-band (1–6 GHz) that balances range and speed, and millimetre wave (mmWave) that offers maximum speeds over shorter distances.
Telstra, Optus, and TPG Telecom are rolling out 5G services throughout Australia. Their infrastructure combines large macro cells that cover several kilometres with smaller cells mounted on structures like light poles for specific areas.
The ACCC reports that 5G deployment varies greatly across regions. We focused on building 5G in major cities, while regional areas are still upgrading from 3G to 4G.
These technologies differ mainly in how they cover Australia. Starlink reaches every corner of the continent, which makes it valuable for businesses in remote areas where other internet plans don't exist.
5G coverage stays mostly in capital cities (except Darwin) and some regional centres. While 5G delivers great speeds in cities, it struggles in less populated areas because companies invest less in infrastructure there.
Businesses in regional Australia often get better performance from Starlink than from 4G and 5G networks. Telstra sees this opportunity and has partnered with Starlink to create hybrid service plans. These combine satellite services with existing fixed-line and 4G networks to give reliable internet connectivity even in Australia's most remote regions.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) shows Starlink latency in Australia averages 29.8 milliseconds throughout the day. This marks a dramatic improvement over traditional satellite options like NBN Sky Muster's 664.9 milliseconds. Average latency varies by region—Western Australia sees 25–34ms, while the Northern Territory experiences 53–76ms.
Business applications that need immediate interaction work smoothly with this low-latency performance. Video conferencing, cloud-based applications, and remote system management run efficiently at sub-50ms latency levels.
5G networks deliver impressive internet speeds in urban centres. Average download speeds reach around 212.3Mbps, with Telstra continuing to lead large-scale 5G rollouts across Australia. Maximum 5G speeds have reached remarkable levels—Sydney (1120Mbps), Brisbane (1023Mbps), and Gold Coast (1077Mbps).
These figures mostly reflect metropolitan performance. Regional 5G deployments may still struggle to outperform well-provisioned 4G networks. Upload speeds from all carriers range between 13–17Mbps, similar to Starlink’s steady 28.6Mbps average speed.
Each technology handles congestion differently. Starlink performance in Australia sees moderately slower speeds during evening hours (7–11pm). Average download speeds drop from 192Mbps to 165.5Mbps—a 14% reduction.
5G network congestion varies by location and carrier. Regional 5G users face severe performance swings during busy periods. Starlink's upload speeds stay stable throughout the day, averaging 28.6Mbps compared to 27.8Mbps during busy periods.
Location often determines the choice between Starlink vs 5G for businesses. Urban operations benefit from 5G's higher peak speeds. Rural businesses find Starlink internet delivers more consistent performance with better coverage, even in tough weather conditions.
Latency plays a bigger role than raw speed for video conferencing. Starlink latency in Australia ranges from 20–40ms, which works well for video calls even in remote areas. Users can enjoy smooth HD video conferencing without the usual hiccups of traditional satellite connections. 5G delivers even better performance in urban areas with single-digit millisecond latency, making it perfect for bandwidth-heavy tools like AR/VR collaboration.
Retail stores need reliable internet connectivity for their point-of-sale systems, inventory tracking, and customer Wi-Fi. 5G delivers great speeds for these needs in urban areas. Starlink speeds in Australia average 165–192Mbps, which works just as well for retail operations where 5G isn't available. Many stores now use Starlink to provide consistent in-store Wi-Fi, helping them process mobile payments and improve customer service, even in rural areas.
Businesses with field operations can stay connected almost anywhere using Starlink Roam and Land Mobility services if they have a clear sky view. Agricultural businesses use 5G for precision farming where possible but rely on Starlink in areas without cellular coverage.
The real power of Starlink vs 5G lies in using them together. Many Australian businesses now take a multi-layered approach to connectivity. They use fixed-line connections as their main line, 5G as backup, and Starlink as a third option. This setup creates true network redundancy since Starlink works independently from ground-based networks. Critical business operations can continue even during major outages or natural disasters.
As connectivity needs evolve across Australia, businesses are exploring new ways to stay reliably connected, whether in city centres or remote outposts. Satellite broadband solutions like Starlink are reshaping the landscape, offering widespread coverage and greater flexibility for enterprise operations.
At MobileCorp, we’re watching these developments closely and helping our clients explore hybrid connectivity models that include 5G, fixed-line, and satellite technology. The future lies in building smart, resilient networks that ensure business continuity, no matter where you operate.
Whether you're a business in the heart of Sydney or operating in a remote regional location, having fast, reliable internet is non-negotiable. At MobileCorp, we help Australian businesses navigate the evolving landscape of 5G and satellite internet.
From expert advice on the right internet plans to setting up hybrid networks using Starlink and 5G, we make it easier to stay connected and competitive, wherever you are.
If you're unsure which internet solution suits your operations best, our team is here to help you make an informed choice and handle the setup from start to finish.
Need help staying connected? Contact MobileCorp today and speak to our business connectivity specialists.