New Ookla research shows that Starlink now averages over 100 Mbps in 15 countries.
Data from Q4 2021 indicates SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network outperforms median fixed broadband speeds in many markets:
| Starlink (Mbps) | Fixed Broadband (Mbps) | |
| Australia | 141.55 | 51.35 |
| Austria | 131.84 | 50.33 |
| Belgium | 155.15 | 76.94 |
| Canada | 106.64 | 96.39 |
| Chile | 118.95 | 168.92 |
| France | 102.15 | 75.47 |
| Germany | 115.58 | 65.86 |
| Ireland | 123.51 | 65.89 |
| Italy | 124.39 | 49.56 |
| Mexico | 141.94 | 36.56 |
| Netherlands | 138.40 | 95.55 |
| New Zealand | 116.44 | 98.61 |
| Poland | 129.29 | 83.88 |
| Portugal | 140.35 | 94.62 |
| United Kingdom | 121.94 | 57.66 |
| United States | 104.97 | 131.90 |
Starlink’s median download speed rose from 87.25 Mbps in Q3 2021 to 104.97 Mbps in Q4 2021, reaching the Federal Communications Commission’s “above baseline” performance tier for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund.
In the United States, Starlink currently leads satellite broadband providers on both speed and latency.
Ookla’s figures show Starlink’s 104.97 Mbps download performance outpacing competitors such as HughesNet and Viasat, which recorded median downloads of 20.92 Mbps and 21.81 Mbps respectively.
Latency differences are even more pronounced. Starlink achieves roughly 40 ms latency—suitable for most online activities, including many multiplayer games—while HughesNet and Viasat reported median latencies around 725 ms and 627 ms respectively.
These performance gaps stem largely from orbital strategy. Starlink operates using low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which sit much closer to the surface and reduce signal travel time, whereas many established providers rely on geostationary satellites positioned much farther from Earth.
Ookla’s full analysis provides greater detail on the comparisons between Starlink, HughesNet and Viasat and the broader implications for satellite broadband rollout and competition.
(Photo by Elena Mozhvilo on Unsplash)
Related: SpaceX sends more Starlink terminals to Ukraine but experts warn of targeting
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