FTTP vs Starlink – What’s Better for Your Internet?
There’s a growing misconception that Starlink is always the fastest and best internet option. While it’s an incredible technology, it’s not always the right choice—especially if you already have access to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) is the gold standard of internet in Australia. It uses fibre optic cables running directly to your home or business.
Key benefits:- Extremely fast speeds (up to 2Gbps)
- Very low latency (great for gaming and VoIP)
- Highly stable and reliable
- Not affected by weather or congestion like wireless
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, uses low Earth orbit satellites to deliver internet anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
Key benefits:- Works in rural and remote areas
- Fast setup with minimal infrastructure
- Good speeds compared to traditional satellite
- Ideal where NBN options are limited
Yes—by a long margin.
FTTP offers:
- Higher maximum speeds
- More consistent performance
- Lower latency
Starlink speeds vary depending on:
- Network congestion
- Time of day
- Satellite coverage
No.
FTTP is:
- More stable
- Less affected by environmental factors
Starlink can be impacted by:
- Heavy rain or storms
- Obstructions (trees, buildings)
- Network demand
This usually comes down to setup and expectations:
- Poor WiFi setup in the home (router in the garage, weak signal)
- Old or low-quality networking equipment
- Confusion between WiFi performance and internet connection
When people switch to Starlink:
- They often reposition the router properly
- They get newer WiFi hardware (WiFi 6)
- Performance feels better—even if the connection isn’t
Choose FTTP if you have access to it.
Best for:- Streaming (4K, multiple users)
- Gaming (low latency)
- Work from home
- Businesses
- Smart homes and CCTV systems
- You only have NBN Fixed Wireless
- You’re stuck on NBN Satellite
- You have poor or unreliable FTTN
- You live in a rural or remote area
No.
Starlink is a great alternative where fibre isn’t available, but it does not outperform FTTP in:
- Speed
- Latency
- Reliability
Generally, no.
Switching from FTTP to Starlink is usually a downgrade unless:
- Your fibre service is faulty (rare)
- You have a very specific use case (e.g. mobility)
Final Verdict
Have FTTP? Stick with it.
No FTTP? Starlink is a fantastic alternative.
The key is choosing the right technology for your location—not just what’s trending.
Not Sure What You Have?
Use our checker to see:
- Your NBN technology
- Whether FTTP is available
- If Starlink is actually worth it for your address
👉 Get a clear answer before you switch.