Starlink vs. Xplore

July 16 2023 · 7 minutes to read

In the vast landscapes of Canada, where urban centres are often separated by large rural and remote areas, reliable internet access is a significant challenge. This article will delve into a comparison of two major players in the field of satellite internet services: Starlink and Xplore. We will explore their offerings, compare their performance, and discuss their impact on rural Canadians. This article is a must-read for anyone to make an informed decision about their internet provider.

Table of Contents

• What is Satellite Internet?
• Who is Starlink?
• Who is Xplore?
• Internet Speed Comparaison
• Latency for Starlink and Xplore
• Price Comparaison
• Installation: Delay, Cost, and Complexity
• Pros and Cons
• Coverage Comparaison
• Contract Term
• tThe Future of Satellite Internet in Canada

What is Satellite Internet?

Satellite internet is a type of internet service that uses satellite technology to provide internet access. This is particularly useful in rural and remote areas where traditional wired connections like lte, DSL or fibre-optic cables are not available. Satellite internet providers like Starlink and Xplore aim to bridge this digital divide.

Who is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite internet service launched by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. It uses a constellation of low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide high-speed, low-latency internet service.

Who is Xplore?

Xplore, formerly known as Xplornet, is a Canadian internet service provider specializing in both satellite and fixed wireless internet services. As a leading entity in the sector, Xplore has earned a reputation for being a reliable solution for rural Canadians in need of internet connectivity. Following a rebranding initiative, the company continues its mission to provide high-quality fibre and 5G broadband services, affirming its commitment to enhancing internet access and experiences for Canada's rural population.

How do Starlink and Xplore Compare in Terms of Internet Speed?

Internet speed is a critical factor when choosing an ISP. Both Starlink and Xplore offer competitive speeds, but how do they stack up against each other?

What is the Latency Like for Starlink and Xplore?

Latency refers to the delay before a transfer of data begins following an instruction for its transfer. It is a crucial factor in the performance of your internet connection, especially for real-time applications like video calls and online gaming.

As you can see, Starlink has significantly lower latency than Xplore. This is because Starlink's satellites are in low Earth orbit (LEO), which is much closer to the Earth than the geosynchronous orbit (GEO) of Xplore's satellites. The closer the satellites are to the Earth, the less time it takes for data to travel between them and your device, which results in better performance.

Lower latency is important for applications that require real-time communication, such as online gaming, video conferencing, and streaming video. If you are an avid user of these, Starlink is the clear choice.

What Internet Plans are Offered by Starlink and Xplore?

Both Starlink and Xplore offer a variety of internet plans to cater to different user needs. Let's delve into the details of these plans.

See detailed Starlink pricing with available subvvention

See detailed Xplore plans

Installation: Delay, Cost, and Complexity

The installation process for satellite internet can vary significantly between providers, impacting the delay before service can begin, the cost, and the complexity of the setup. Both Starlink and Xplore have unique installation procedures that potential customers should be aware of. Let's compare these aspects of both providers:

Let us professionally install your Starlink Dish

Pros and Cons, How Reliable are Starlink and Xplore

Reliability is an important factor to consider when choosing an internet service provider, especially if you live in a rural area. Both Starlink and Xplore are satellite internet providers, so they are both susceptible to weather outages. However, Starlink is generally considered to be more reliable than Xplore.

Here is a comparison of the reliability of Starlink and Xplore:

Starlink

• Pros:
  • Lower latency than Xplore
  • More satellites in orbit, which means less congestion
  • Self-installation available
• Cons:
  • More expensive than Xplore
  • Some areas require High Performance kit

Xplore

• Pros:
  • More affordable than Starlink
  • Available in more areas than Starlink
• Cons:
  • Higher latency than Starlink
  • More likely to experience weather outages
  • Professional installation required

Ultimately, the reliability of Starlink and Xplore will depend on your individual needs and location. If you need the fastest speeds and lowest latency, then Starlink is the better option. However, if you are on a budget or live in an area where Starlink is not yet available, then Xplore may be a better choice.

What is the Coverage of Starlink and Xplore in Canada?

Both Starlink and Xplore provide extensive coverage across Canada, encompassing almost the entire country.

Here are some additional details about the coverage offered by Starlink and Xplore:

• Starlink: Starlink's coverage is limited by the number of satellites that it has in orbit. As the company launches more satellites, its coverage area will expand.


• Xplore: Xplore's coverage is limited by the amount of ground stations that it has. Ground stations are used to connect the satellites to the internet. As Xplore builds more ground stations, its coverage area will expand.

Contract Term: Commitment and Flexibility

When choosing an internet service provider, the length and terms of the contract are important factors to consider. Some providers require a long-term commitment, while others offer more flexibility with month-to-month plans. Let's compare the contract terms for Starlink and Xplore:

What is the Future of Satellite Internet in Canada?

With advancements in technology and increasing competition, the landscape of satellite internet in Canada is rapidly evolving. Let's explore what the future holds for satellite internet in Canada.

In conclusion, both Starlink and Xplore offer viable solutions for rural Canadians seeking reliable internet access. While Starlink offers the advantage of high-speed, low-latency internet, Xplore provides a variety of plans to cater to different user needs. The choice between the two will depend on individual requirements, budget, and location. As the landscape of satellite internet in Canada continues to evolve, it is essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments to make an informed decision about your internet service provider.