Compare solutions

Quick reference for choosing between LEO (Starlink/OneWeb) and GEO (VSAT).

Compare maritime connectivity solutions

Starlink (LEO)

Technology: LEO constellation by SpaceX (>6,000 satellites, expanding)

Latency: 20–50 ms

Throughput: Up to 400 Mbps

Coverage: Global (expanding monthly)

Service model: Flexible, best‑effort

Terminals: Flat maritime antennas

Strengths: High throughput, lowest latency

Weaknesses: No CIR guarantees

Best for: Cargo, offshore, yachts

OneWeb (LEO)

Technology: LEO constellation with polar coverage

Latency: 30–75 ms

Throughput: 100–200 Mbps, CIR plans

Coverage: Global including polar routes

Service model: SLA‑backed, CIR guaranteed

Terminals: Stabilized maritime

Strengths: Enterprise CIR, SLAs

Weaknesses: Premium cost

Best for: Enterprise, government

Maritime VSAT (GEO)

Technology: GEO satellites

Latency: ~600 ms

Throughput: CIR up to 16/4 Mbps

Coverage: Global (except high latitudes)

Service model: Fixed OPEX, contracts

Terminals: Stabilized antennas

Strengths: Predictable costs, mature

Weaknesses: High latency, lower throughput

Best for: Stable CIR + fixed OPEX

Feature / system	Starlink (LEO)	OneWeb (LEO)	Maritime VSAT (GEO)
Technology	LEO constellation by SpaceX (>6,000 satellites, expanding)	LEO constellation with polar coverage, enterprise focus	GEO satellites, global coverage except poles
Latency	20–50 ms (ultra‑low)	30–75 ms (low)	~600 ms (high)
Throughput	Up to 400 Mbps (shared best effort)	100–200 Mbps, CIR plans available	CIR up to 16/4 Mbps, unlimited traffic
Coverage	Global (expanding monthly), strong on main shipping lanes	Global including polar routes	Global (except high latitudes)
Service model	Flexible, best‑effort, consumer/enterprise mix	SLA‑backed, CIR guaranteed, enterprise‑grade	Fixed OPEX, contract‑based, predictable
Terminals	Flat maritime antennas (easy install)	Compact stabilized maritime terminals	Stabilized antennas (Intellian, Cobham, SeaTel)
Strengths	High throughput, lowest latency, flexible plans	Enterprise CIR, SLAs, polar coverage, security	Predictable costs, mature, reliable, proven
Weaknesses	No CIR guarantees, service still expanding	Premium cost, smaller network than Starlink	High latency, lower throughput
Best for	Cargo, offshore, yachts needing fast crew & business internet	Enterprise, government, high‑latitude fleets	Customers needing stable CIR + fixed OPEX