Which is better, Nextlink or Starnet?

Nextlink is faster and available to more people. Where both are offered (about 2,325 people), Nextlink has the faster top speed for 41% of homes.

FasterNextlinkTop speed 5,000 Mbps vs 500 Mbps; faster for 41% of homes where both are offered.

Cheaper to startToo close to callWe do not list plans for both yet.

Better ratedToo close to callToo few reviews to compare yet (19 and 0).

Available to more peopleNextlink11.6 million people in 12 states, vs 3,168 in 1 state.

Nextlink
Price: $40.00 - $90.00 / mo.
Speed: 10 - 5,000 Mbps
Internet Type: Fixed wireless and fiber
Rating (Reviews): (18)
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Starnet
Price: Unavailable, please see site for details
Speed: 500 Mbps
Internet Type: Fiber
Rating (Reviews): (0)
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Nextlink vs. Starnet at a glance

Measure	Nextlink	Starnet
Available to	11.6 million people in 12 states	3,168 people in 1 state
Main technology	Fixed wireless 99%, fiber 2.4%	Fiber 100%
Top download speed filed with the FCC	5,000 Mbps	500 Mbps
Fastest plan we list	1,000 Mbps	Not listed
Starting price	$40 a month	Not listed
Cheapest plan, first 2 years	$960 (100 Mbps plan)	Not listed
Customer rating	3.0 of 5 (19 reviews)	No reviews yet
Rated for speed	2.7 of 5	No reviews yet
Rated for price	3.0 of 5	No reviews yet
Where both are offered	About 2,325 people (73% of Starnet's area); Nextlink is faster for 41% of them, the same top speed for 42%

Coverage and top speeds: FCC filings; plans and prices: our pricing table; ratings: verified customer reviews on ISP Reports. Check your address for what is offered at your home.

Where Nextlink and Starnet are available

Nextlink and Starnet have distinct coverage footprints across the United States. Our interactive map shows exactly where each provider offers service and where they overlap, helping you understand your options.

Nextlink currently offers internet service in 5,036 cities and 498 counties across 12 states, reaching approximately 11,613,400 residents. Their service area includes major markets like Dallas, TX; Fort Worth, TX; and Omaha, NE. By comparison, Starnet serves 3,168 residents in 11 cities and 3 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Ruthven, IA; Graettinger, IA; and Wallingford, IA.

Availability changes from one street to the next. Check your address to see whether Nextlink, Starnet or both are offered at your home.

Nextlink vs. Starnet Speeds and Technology

Nextlink and Starnet utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Nextlink offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 527 Mbps compared to Starnet’s average speed of 500 Mbps.

The availability of each provider’s fastest technology varies significantly by location. Nextlink’s premium Fiber service reaches 2.4% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Starnet’s top-tier Fiber is available to 100.0% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Nextlink vs. Starnet Plans and Prices

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Nextlink, drawn from our independently maintained pricing database. The source and verification date for each provider's plans are noted beneath the table. Unfortunately, Starnet has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

If you represent Starnet, getting listed is simple: publish your machine-readable broadband label file, or send your current plan lineup through our contact page, and your plans will appear here shortly after verification.

Most households with 3-5 users need download speeds of at least 100 Mbps for smooth streaming, video conferencing, and everyday internet usage. Larger households or those with heavy users (gamers, 4K streamers, or remote workers) should consider plans with speeds of 300 Mbps or more for optimal performance.

Any prices listed are the base service rates and may not include additional charges such as equipment fees, installation costs, or other service-related expenses. For a comprehensive view of all potential charges, refer to our Fees & Details section below.

Nextlink vs. Starnet Customer Ratings and Reviews

Compare how real customers rate Nextlink and Starnet based on our comprehensive database of verified customer reviews across all service types.

Fees vary by plan and location. The fees shown apply to most plans; check with the provider for costs specific to your plan.

When comparing internet providers, remember that advertised prices rarely tell the complete story. Equipment fees alone can add $10-15 per month to your bill, while installation charges, early termination fees, and data overage penalties can significantly increase your total cost of service. Consider these additional costs alongside monthly rates when determining which provider offers the better value for your specific needs.

Nextlink vs. Starnet Pros and Cons

Nextlink

From 12 written customer reviews on ISP Reports and our plan data.

Pros

• Fast speeds: praised in 3 of 12 written reviews. "Our internet speed has always been very good"
• Faster where both are offered: the faster top speed for 41% of those homes.
• Available to more people: 11.6 million in 12 states, vs 3,168.

Cons

• Outages and drops: a complaint in 8 of 12 written reviews. "My internet has been down for an entire week"
• Poor customer service: a complaint in 6 of 12 written reviews. "No one has called or come by to get it fixed"

Starnet

No written reviews yet; these lines come from our data.

Pros

• Mostly fiber: 100% of the homes it serves, vs 2.4% for Nextlink.

Cons

Nextlink vs. Starnet Top Cities

Nextlink serves 5,036 cities while Starnet is available in 11 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.