Starry Internet Plans
The Ultimate Guide to Starry Internet
🌐 Introduction to Starry
Starry is a disruptive fixed wireless internet provider delivering high-speed, low-cost internet in urban areas. Unlike traditional ISPs, Starry uses millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology to beam internet via small antennas, avoiding costly cable/fiber infrastructure.
✅ Why Consider Starry?
✔ No contracts (Month-to-month only)
✔ Transparent pricing (No hidden fees or promo rates)
✔ Unlimited data (No throttling or caps)
✔ Free equipment (Router included at no cost)
✔ 5-minute self-install (No technician visit needed)
✅ Key Features:
Price-for-life guarantee (No increases)
No equipment fees (Free WiFi 6 router)
Community-focused (Discounted "Starry Connect" for low-income areas)
⚠ Note: Only one speed tier offered to simplify choice.
⚡ Speed & Performance
Real-World Tests (Urban Environments)
| Advertised | Actual Speed | Latency | Consistency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 Mbps | 180-220 Mbps | 18-25 ms | 98% uptime |
🔍 Best Uses:
✅ 4K streaming (Supports 3+ devices)
✅ WFH/remote learning (Stable video calls)
✅ Light gaming (Decent latency for casual play)
⚠ Not ideal for:
❌ Competitive gaming (Not fiber-level latency)
❌ Rural areas (Urban-focused infrastructure)
📍 Starry Availability
🌍 Coverage Areas (As of 2024):
✔ Boston, MA ✔ New York, NY ✔ Los Angeles, CA
✔ Denver, CO ✔ Washington, DC ✔ Columbus, OH
How to Check Availability:
Visit Check Availability
Enter apartment/house address
Confirm building eligibility
⚠ Limitations:
Only available in select multi-unit buildings
Requires line-of-sight to Starry station (Usually rooftop)
👍 Pros & Cons
✅ Advantages
✔ True flat-rate pricing (No surprises)
✔ Faster setup (Self-install vs. cable ISP wait times)
✔ Ethical policies (No data selling)
❌ Disadvantages
❌ Extremely limited coverage (15 cities max)
❌ No speed tiers (Only 200 Mbps option)
❌ Building-dependent (Renters may need landlord approval)
🔍 Starry vs. Competitors
| Provider | Type | Max Speed | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starry | Fixed Wireless | 200 Mbps | $50/mo | Urban renters |
| Google Fiber | Fiber | 2 Gbps | $100/mo | Tech-heavy homes |
| Verizon 5G | 5G Home | 300 Mbps | $50/mo | Wireless alternative |
| Xfinity | Cable | 1.2 Gbps | $80/mo | Wide availability |
💡 Best Alternative?
For higher speeds: Google Fiber (if available)
For broader coverage: T-Mobile Home Internet
📢 Final Verdict: Is Starry Worth It?
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5
👍 Best For:
Urban apartment dwellers
Budget-conscious users
Those tired of Big ISP practices
👎 Not Ideal For:
Gamers needing <15ms latency
Homes with heavy bandwidth demands
Suburbs/rural areas