[strig]

Just curious, how does the quality/speed of service of a wireless ISP compare to a wired or satellite connection? Somewhere in between, I'd imagine?

[r1ch]

A fixed wireless ISP can be as fast and stable as a fiber connection or as slow as a 90s-era DSL ISP. The main problem is scaling - as you add customers, you have more users competing for a limited spectrum. To accommodate this, you have to use TDMA and other multiplexing strategies which reduce throughput and increase latency.

It's been a long time since I had to use satellite, but I'd happily take even the most oversubscribed WISP out there over satellite internet.

[bryanlarsen]

Starlink is much more like a WISP than traditional satellite internet. Starlink satellites orbit at 550km vs traditional satellites at 36000km.

[r1ch]

Yeah, I can't wait to see how it performs. It's truly in a technology class of its own.

[rsynnott]

Still implies a HUGE cell, though. I have doubts that this will work well in anywhere but the very most unpopulated areas.

[def8cefe]

Depends on the wireless ISP. Speaking generally, a wireless ISP has the potential to provide much better service at a much lower price. As compared to current satellite internet providers it is exponentially better, as compared to Starlink... who knows, we'll see when they release concrete information.