Top 10 Starlink Competitors and Alternatives

Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, an American aerospace company based in Redmond, Washington. It was launched in 2019 by SpaceX founders Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, and Gwynne Shotwell. The company’s satellites transmit laser signals between each other and ground stations in strategic locations globally. In 2019, SpaceX started launching Starlink satellites. Starlink broadband constellation had nearly 5,200 operational satellites as of Dec 2023. SpaceX launched over 90 orbital missions in 2023. In Oct 2023, Elon Musk announced that Starlink will provide communication links in Gaza to support internationally recognized aid groups. [1]

Starlink is a leading internet service globally, providing internet coverage to over 65 countries. The company introduced the Gen 2 Mini to replace its older Gen 1.5 and V 1.5 versions. In Dec 2023, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink internet satellites to orbit from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The rocket made its 19^th liftoff on this first stage. However, Starlink is not the only satellite internet provider on the market. The company faces stiff competition from OneWeb, Telesat, EchoStar, Telstra, SES, Viasat, Kuiper, and Hughes. [2]

Here is an in-depth analysis of Starlink’s top 10 competitors and alternatives:SpaceX competitors

Table of Contents

1. OneWeb

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: London, UK

OneWeb is a Eutelsat Group subsidiary providing broadband satellite internet services. The UK government bought OneWeb out of bankruptcy in 2020. As of Mar 2023, OneWeb had 618 satellites in its in-orbit constellation. The only company globally flying more satellites in space than OneWeb is Starlink.

OneWeb offers broadband satellite internet services in low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike Starlink, OneWeb doesn’t sell broadband connections directly to individual users.

Most of its clients are telecom companies specializing in internet services. In Mar 2023, OneWeb launched its final set of satellites via an Indian LVM3 rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. The company now delivers a broadband internet connection globally. OneWeb is the top Starlink competitor and alternative. [3]

Our innovation team has been working closely with one of our Innovation Challenge finalists, @Skyted_audio, on a voice absorbing mask that is set to facilitate ‘silent’ calls and video conferences.

The tech has the potential to be combined with Eutelsat OneWeb’s high-speed,… pic.twitter.com/Yh1Y2v8gs9
— Eutelsat OneWeb (@EutelsatOneWeb) December 21, 2023

2. Telesat

Year founded: 1969
Headquarter: Ottawa, Canada

Telesat is a Canadian satellite communications company. It launched its first satellite in Jan 2018 and went public via a $5 billion IPO in 2021. In the summer of 2023, Telesat swapped its Lightspeed satellite manufacturer from French-Italian Thales Alenia Space to Canadian company MDA.

Telesat provides broadcast TV signals and satellite internet services to corporate, telecom, and government customers. In Sep 2023, SpaceX signed a deal with Telesat covering 14 launches of Telesat’s 198 Lightspeed internet satellites. The agreement will save Telesat about $2 billion. Telesat is a competitor for Starlink but also SpaceX’s customer. [4]

As #LEO satellites rapidly grow, potential #cyberthreats may also escalate. Telesat’s CIO Charles Vaillancourt discusses the importance of securing the LEO #satellite environment before launch with @C4ISRNET. https://t.co/gPbIUjemXK
— Telesat (@Telesat) January 5, 2024

3. EchoStar Mobile

Year founded: 2008
Headquarter: Dublin, Ireland

EchoStar is an innovative mobile satellite services provider. The company operates a mobile satellite system (MSS) via the geostationary EchoStar XXI satellite. In Jul 2022, EchoStar deployed its pan-European LoRa-enabled IoT network. It provides multinational service continuity to meet the needs of mobility customers across sectors. [5]

EchoStar is developing an S-band constellation of LEO satellites to support IoT connectivity globally. In Jul 2023, EchoStar’s S-band won an IoT Business Impact Award from IoT Evolution. Seven leading European IoT service providers have signed multi-year agreements to develop and sell IoT solutions using EchoStar’s LoRa-enabled IoT network. EchoStar is the top competitor for Starlink in Europe’s IoT connectivity space. [6]

After 4 weeks in Dubai, that’s a wrap on the @ITU 's #WRC23, where our team has been discussing critical regulatory, satellite and spectrum issues. Thanks to the UAE for hosting this important event for our industry! pic.twitter.com/ChSvITpFjG
— EchoStar (@EchoStar) December 15, 2023

4. Telstra

Year founded: 1992
Headquarter: Melbourne, Australia

Telstra is Australia’s largest telecommunications firm by market share. The company develops and operates telecom networks and sells related products and services. In 2023, Telstra had around 31,000 employees. Starlink has been serving Australians since 2021, about 30 years after Telstra launched in the market.

Telstra operates over 60 satellites and provides satellite internet services to enterprise customers. In July 2023, Telstra partnered with Starlink to boost connectivity across rural Australia. The firm will offer voice-only and voice-plus-broadband plans through Starlink’s LEO satellite constellation. Telstra is the best alternative to Starlink in Australia. [7]

And the golden globe for creepiest zoom shot goes to… #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/9sOTr9Io0R
— Telstra (@Telstra) January 8, 2024

5. SES SA

Year founded: 1985
Headquarter: Betzdorf, Luxembourg

SES is a satellite telecoms network provider. The company rolled out and tested over 160 O3b mPOWER terminals on its O3b constellation in 2023 to serve mobility, telecom, government, and enterprise customers. In Jan 2023, SES had around 2,200 full-time employees.

SES supplies video and data connectivity globally. In Nov 2023, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched SES’s two O3b mPOWER satellites into space from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, US. The company now has six medium earth orbit (MEO) satellites to offer high-performance network services with high throughput, flexibility, and service availability. SES is a fast-growing competitor for Starlink. [8]

Success! 🚀 We’re thrilled to announce that our fifth and sixth #O3bmPOWER satellites have successfully launched into space!

This marks an incredible milestone for our second-generation medium earth orbit system, as this duo completes the six #MEO satellites required to offer… pic.twitter.com/qdbJBA6mv8
— SES (@SES_Satellites) November 12, 2023

6. Viasat

Year founded: 1986
Headquarter: Carlsbad, California

Viasat is a US-based communications company. The firm offers high-speed satellite broadband services and networking systems to military and commercial markets. In Nov 2023, Viasat cut 800 jobs, or 10% of its workforce, to achieve operational and cost efficiencies. [9]

Viasat delivers vital safety and connectivity services across aviation, maritime, government, and commercial divisions. In May 2023, Viasat acquired British-based satellite operator Inmarsat for $7.1 billion. The company seeks to leverage Inmarsat to strengthen its global mobile satellite communications. The firm also plans to launch its ViaSat-3 geostationary orbit (GEO) constellation in 2024. Viasat is one of the top competitors for Starlink.

DYKT only 30% of business leaders we surveyed thought space could help people access the internet globally? But what will they think when we reveal how space and satellites are shaping the global economy? Sign up for ground breaking insights, coming soon. https://t.co/w749cPwaCI pic.twitter.com/7HFPnwFsmU
— Viasat (@viasat) January 10, 2024

7. Project Kuiper

Year founded: 2019
Headquarter: Redmond, Washington

Project Kuiper is a broadband satellite network by e-commerce giant Amazon. Amazon created Kuiper to build a new service to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet. In Oct 2023, the company announced plans to launch Kuiper on ULA’s Vulcan Centaur space vehicle. Vulcan Centaur uses engines built by Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Amazon CEO Andy Jassey plans to integrate the Kuiper satellite service into Amazon’s core business. In Oct 2023, Amazon launched the first test satellites for the Kuiper broadband satellite network. The company has partnered with Vodafone Europe and Vodacom in Africa to provide satellite internet through their networks. As Amazon’s project, Kuiper has enough resources to compete and poach customers from Starlink. [10]

8. Hughes Network Systems

Year founded: 1971
Headquarter: Germantown, Maryland

Hughes is an EchoStar subsidiary offering broadband equipment and solutions, SDN-managed services, and end-to-end network operation. It provides internet service through HughesNet in the Americas and serves tens of millions worldwide via the Hughes JUPITER System. As of Nov 2023, Hughes supplied over half the global satellite terminal market to satellite and mobile operators and military customers.

Hughes serves consumers, businesses, governments, airlines, and communities. Its products and services delivered in-flight video and broadband to thousands of aircraft over 20 years ago. In Nov 2023, Hughes was recognized as a Leader in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Managed Network Services. Hughes is one of the top competitors for Starlink. [11]

Join Hughes at @NRFBigShow 2024, Retail's Big Show, Jan 13-16. Swing by booth #3256 to explore cutting-edge managed services, including Hughes Managed Wireless. 🚀 Learn more: https://t.co/AepM9jSD7t #NRF2024 #NRF #RetailTech #DigitalSignage #Cybersecurity #CX pic.twitter.com/4Xj0BbZ47p
— Hughes (@HughesConnects) January 10, 2024

9. Inmarsat

Year founded: 1979
Headquarter: London, UK

Inmarsat is a British satellite operator. The company offers mobile services and satellite-based technologies to aviation, military, government agencies, mining, maritime, and individuals. As of May 2023, Inmarsat operated 15 fifteen geostationary telecommunications satellites.

Inmarsat provides voice and data services to consumers worldwide via portable and mobile terminals. In May 2023, Viasat completed the Inmarsat acquisition for $7.1 billion. The companies plan to unify their spectrum, satellite, and terrestrial assets, including 19 satellites in space, to deliver connectivity and enhanced products and services. This acquisition can increase Inmarsat’s competitive advantage over Starlink. [12]

10. Freedomsat

Year founded: 2012
Headquarter: Hayling Island, Hampshire, UK

Freedomsat is a multi-technology internet service provider owned by Bentley Walker. The firm offers satellite, 4G, and fiber services. As of Dec 2023, Freedomsat provided internet deals and options to home and business users from £25/month.

Freedomsat connects their homes and businesses globally with superfast broadband internet. In Oct 2023, Freedomsat deployed new services on Avanti Hylas 4 to increase its capacity to support its Africa VSAT customer base. The company plans to extend its initial rollouts from the Makarios GW7 hub to serve satellite internet agents and customers across western, central, and southern Africa. Freedomsat is a worthy alternative to Starlink. [13]

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