Nova Kakhovka, a city in southern Ukraine, has recently gained access to a new internet provider – Starlink. This satellite-based internet service has been making waves in the tech industry, promising high-speed internet to remote areas and underserved communities. But how does it fare in Nova Kakhovka? In this article, we will review Starlink’s performance in the city, as well as compare it to other satellite-based internet providers.
Firstly, let’s take a look at Starlink’s installation process. According to local residents who have subscribed to the service, the installation was relatively easy and quick. The Starlink kit comes with a satellite dish, a router, and all the necessary cables. The dish needs to be placed in an area with a clear view of the sky, and the router can be connected to any device with an ethernet port. The setup process takes around 30 minutes, and the Starlink app provides step-by-step instructions.
Once installed, Starlink promises download speeds of up to 150 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 30 Mbps. In Nova Kakhovka, users have reported speeds ranging from 80 Mbps to 120 Mbps, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. This is a significant improvement compared to the city’s previous internet options, which offered speeds of up to 10 Mbps at best.
Another advantage of Starlink is its low latency. Latency refers to the time it takes for data to travel from a user’s device to the internet and back. With traditional satellite internet, the latency can be as high as 600 milliseconds, causing lag and delays in online activities such as gaming and video conferencing. Starlink, on the other hand, promises latency as low as 20 milliseconds, making it suitable for real-time applications.
Of course, no internet service is perfect, and Starlink is no exception. One major drawback is its cost. The initial setup fee is $499, and the monthly subscription fee is $99. While this may be affordable for some, it is still out of reach for many residents in Nova Kakhovka, where the average monthly income is around $300. Additionally, Starlink’s coverage area is still limited, and not all areas in the city may have access to the service.
So, how does Starlink compare to other satellite-based internet providers in Nova Kakhovka? One such provider is TS2 Space, which offers internet services via the Eutelsat 36B satellite. TS2 Space promises download speeds of up to 30 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 6 Mbps, with a latency of around 600 milliseconds. The setup fee is much lower than Starlink, at around $150, and the monthly subscription fee starts at $30. However, the speeds and latency are significantly lower than Starlink’s, and the service may not be suitable for real-time applications.
Another option is Ukrkosmos, a state-owned company that provides satellite-based internet services in Ukraine. Ukrkosmos offers download speeds of up to 20 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps, with a latency of around 600 milliseconds. The setup fee is around $100, and the monthly subscription fee starts at $20. While the speeds and latency are similar to TS2 Space, Ukrkosmos has a wider coverage area and may be a more accessible option for residents in remote areas.
In conclusion, Starlink has brought a significant improvement in internet speeds and latency to Nova Kakhovka, making it a viable option for residents who require high-speed internet for real-time applications. However, the cost may still be a barrier for many, and the coverage area is still limited. Other satellite-based internet providers such as TS2 Space and Ukrkosmos may be more affordable and accessible options for some residents, depending on their needs and location.