Starry vs. Northern Wireless

Whether you’re researching Starry vs. Northern Wireless internet service at your current address, comparing internet options for potential locations, or just researching alternatives, this detailed comparison will help you understand which provider best suits you.

Starry and Northern Wireless compete directly in approximately 0.00% of their service areas, with Starry covering 8,942,585 people nationwide and Northern Wireless serving 5,691. Starry primarily delivers internet through a fiber connection; Northern Wireless specializes in DSL connections. Jump directly to specific sections using the links below, or continue reading for our comprehensive comparison of Starry and Northern Wireless's availability, speeds, pricing, and customer satisfaction.

Jump to: Availability | Speeds | Plans & Pricing | Customer Reviews | Fees

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Pros & Cons

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Availability

Starry and Northern Wireless 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.

Both Providers Available | Starry Available | Northern Wireless Available | No Coverage

Starry currently offers internet service in 109 cities and 22 counties across 8 states, reaching approximately 8,942,585 residents. Their service area includes major markets like New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; and Brooklyn, NY. By comparison, Northern Wireless serves 5,691 residents in 7 cities and 2 counties in 1 state, with a presence in population centers such as Chisholm, MN; Side Lake, MN; and Buhl, MN.

Internet availability can vary significantly even within specific cities and zip codes. For the most accurate information about Starry and Northern Wireless at your location, use our address search tool:

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Speeds & Technology

Starry and Northern Wireless utilize different network technologies to deliver internet service, resulting in varying speed capabilities across their service areas.

Across their service areas, Starry primarily delivers internet through fiber, available to 1.1% of their customers. They also offer fixed wireless to 99.8% of their coverage area. Northern Wireless relies on DSL technology, which comprises less than 1% of their network, with fixed wireless available in 100.0% of their service locations.

In terms of potential speeds across the country, Starry offers higher overall speeds, with speeds for most covered areas averaging 339 Mbps compared to Northern Wireless's average speed of 84 Mbps. When examining their overlapping service areas, Starry delivers faster speeds in 0.00% of locations where both providers operate, similar speeds in 0.00%, and slower speeds in 0.00%.

The availability of each provider's fastest technology varies significantly by location. Starry's premium Fiber service reaches 1.1% of their coverage area. Meanwhile, Northern Wireless's top-tier DSL is available to 0.6% of their footprint. Even within the same technology type, speed offerings can vary based on local infrastructure investments.

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Plans & Pricing

Below are the current internet plans and pricing details for Starry, sourced directly from FCC-mandated machine-readable broadband labels to ensure transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, Northern Wireless has not complied with FCC requirements to provide their broadband label data, limiting transparency and the ability for consumers to make direct comparisons.

We've included the available Starry plan details below to help you understand their offerings while we await Northern Wireless's compliance with federal transparency requirements.

Starry Plans

Northern Wireless Plans

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.

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Customer Ratings & Reviews

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

When comparing customer satisfaction, Starry earns an overall rating of 4.21 / 5 stars from 24 customer reviews, while Northern Wireless maintains a 0.00 / 5 rating from 0 reviews. Northern Wireless outperforms Starry by 0.00 points in overall satisfaction. Starry's best-rated service is their fiber offering at 4.50 / 5 stars, compared to Northern Wireless's highest-rated service, , at 0.00 / 5 stars.

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.

Starry vs. Northern Wireless | Top Cities

Starry serves 109 cities while Northern Wireless is available in 7 cities nationwide. The tables below highlight their largest markets and areas where customers can choose between both providers.