If your business operates in remote or off-grid environments, reliable connectivity is essential for keeping the day-to-day business operations going and for allowing teams to talk to each other no matter where they are. Two leading solutions stand out in the world of satellite communications: Starlink and BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network, powered by Inmarsat).
Both offer satellite internet beyond the reach of traditional networks, but they serve very different needs. Here's how to choose the right tool for the job.
What Is Starlink?
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, is a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet to homes, businesses, and mobile users. With speeds similar to fibre in some locations, it's an ideal solution for teams needing performance in rural or remote regions.
What Is BGAN?
BGAN, operated by Inmarsat, provides portable satellite connectivity using a small terminal and a network of geostationary (GEO) satellites. It delivers consistent service in areas where terrestrial or cellular infrastructure is unavailable — ideal for emergency responders, field engineers, NGOs, and military users.
Important note: BGAN provides near-global coverage, excluding the polar regions.
Starlink vs. BGAN: At a Glance
| Feature | Starlink | BGAN (Inmarsat) |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Expanding worldwide, strong in many regions | Near-global (excludes polar regions) |
| Portability | Semi-portable (Standard, Mini models) | Highly portable and fast to deploy |
| Latency | ~25–60 ms (LEO) | ~600–800 ms (GEO) |
| Speed | 50–250 Mbps (Standard), lower on Mini | Up to ~464 Kbps |
| Power requirements | Higher, requires AC power | Low power; battery or solar compatible |
| Weather resilience | Very stable and includes Snow Melt mode | Very stable in all conditions |
| Security | Consumer-grade encryption | Enterprise-level encryption, secure channels |
| Setup time | ~1 minute | ~1–2 minutes |
| Use cases | Video calls, remote work, streaming | Telemetry, messaging, critical comms |
| Data pricing | Cost-effective per GB | Expensive per MB |
| Contract options | Monthly hardware and data plans | Flexible prepaid and postpaid options |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Starlink if you:
- Need high-speed internet for video, file sharing, or cloud apps
- Operate in a remote area with access to power
- Are setting up a base of operations (e.g. construction sites, field offices)
- Want affordable, unlimited data
Choose BGAN if you:
- Need compact, easily deployable connectivity in minutes
- Work in environments with limited or no power infrastructure
- Require near-global coverage (excluding polar regions)
- Prioritise mission-critical communication and low-bandwidth reliability over speed
Starlink and BGAN are both powerful tools, but they’re built for different jobs. Starlink offers fast, affordable bandwidth for more stationary operations, while BGAN delivers ultra-portable, dependable service for users in unpredictable environments with critical communication needs.
