Starlink is a strong choice for users in rural or remote areas where cable internet is not available, offering reliable satellite internet with no long-term contracts. However, Cox Communications provides faster speeds and bundling options for customers in its service areas, but suffers from data caps and negative customer service reviews.
| Attribute | Starlink | Cox Communications |
|---|---|---|
| Download Speed (Maximum) | Up to 300 Mbps (typically 25-220 Mbps, with most experiencing over 100 Mbps. Some users have reported speeds up to 315Mbps) | Up to 2 Gbps |
| Upload Speed (Maximum) | Typically between 5 and 20 Mbps | 5 Mbps to 1 Gbps (up to 100Mbps with fastest plans) |
| Data Caps | Most plans do not have hard data caps. Residential plans offer unlimited standard data, which may be deprioritized during peak hours. Some plans, like the $50/month Roam plan, have a 50GB data cap. Business plans offer varying amounts of 'priority data'. Starlink may slow down users exceeding 850GB of data per month. | 1.25 TB monthly (additional 500 GB for $29.99/month or unlimited for $49.99/month) |
| Contract Length | Monthly, no contract for Roam plans. Pause and resume service anytime. A 30-day trial is often available. | No annual contracts |
| Equipment Fees | Standard equipment costs vary, with some reports indicating $349, while others mention different prices based on promotions or refurbished options. Some deals waive the equipment fee with a 12-month commitment. Starlink Mini dish costs $599. | Panoramic Wi-Fi Modem rental $13/month (one-time $25 activation fee may apply) |
| Installation Fees | Self-installation is free. Professional installation is offered in some states through a third-party partner for $199. | Professional installation $100, Self-installation (Easy Connect) is free |
| Customer Service Rating | Not available | Generally negative reviews |
| Network Reliability | Generally reliable, especially in remote areas. More reliable than traditional satellite internet. Heavy rain and snow can cause short interruptions. | Cable internet network, fiber in select areas, outages occur frequently |
| Technology (Satellite vs. Cable) | Satellite internet | Primarily cable internet, fiber in limited areas |
| Geographic Availability | Available in many areas, including the U.S., Canada, Europe, Asia, Latin America, Australia, and Africa. Service availability can be checked by zip code on the Starlink website. Starlink provides service to over 5 million active customers across 125 countries. | 19 states (Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Virginia) |
| Pricing (Monthly) | Residential plans start at $80 per month for the 'Residential Lite' plan (50-100Mbps) and $120 per month for the standard 'Residential' plan (150-250Mbps). Roam (mobile) plans start at $50 per month. Business plans start at $65 per month. | $50 to $150 (excluding taxes, surcharges, and fees) |
| Bundling Options | Not available | Internet, TV, phone, and smart home services (Cox Mobile savings available) |