Starlink vs NBN vs 4G/5G vs fixed wireless
There's no single "best" internet — it depends on your address. Here's how the options stack up, and how we help you pick and install the right one.
How we make money: Birch Tech is a licensed installer. We also help you choose and connect an internet plan — and where we refer you to a provider, we may receive a referral fee or commission, at no extra cost to you. We work with a limited panel of providers and the connection types available at your address — this is not a whole-of-market comparison, and we don't cover every provider. Any provider we suggest may be influenced by these arrangements, not solely by price or suitability, so we always recommend confirming current prices and terms directly with the provider before you sign up.
Starlink and SpaceX are trademarks of Space Exploration Technologies Corp. Birch Tech is an independent installer and referrer and is not affiliated with, authorised by, sponsored by, or endorsed by SpaceX or Starlink. We install and configure Starlink hardware; we are not an authorised Starlink reseller.
| Connection | Typical speed | Typical cost | Best for | Install |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink (satellite) | ~100–250 Mbps down | Hardware + monthly plan, billed by Starlink | Rural, acreage, no/poor NBN, sheds & farms, fast setup anywhere with clear sky | Professional mount + cabling recommended |
| NBN / FTTx | 25–1000 Mbps (by tech & plan) | From ~$60/mo via an RSP | Most metro homes & businesses where fibre/FTTx is available | Lead-in / data point / MDF work where needed |
| 4G / 5G Fixed Wireless | ~20–300 Mbps (coverage-dependent) | From ~$50/mo | Quick connect, renters, backup link, areas with strong cellular | Antenna/router placement for best signal |
| NBN Fixed Wireless | ~25–100 Mbps | From ~$60/mo via an RSP | Regional homes within an NBN fixed-wireless cell | External antenna alignment |
Not sure which is right for your address? We'll check coverage and give you a straight answer — then install it.
What's best for your situation?
Rural & acreage
Starlink is usually the winner where NBN is poor or absent.
New build / shed / farm
Starlink for instant connectivity; we pre-wire for NBN where it's coming.
Apartment / unit
NBN via MDF jumpering is typically fastest and cheapest.
Business
NBN/fibre with a Starlink or 4G/5G failover so you never drop offline.
Caravan / RV / boat
Starlink Roam or 4G/5G for connectivity on the move.
Renting / short-term
4G/5G fixed wireless — quick to set up, nothing to install long-term.
Providers we can help you connect with
A selection of providers — not every provider on the market. We'll help match you to the best fit for your address, and disclose any referral arrangement.
Comparison — FAQs
Do you compare every provider?
No. We compare a panel of providers we have commercial arrangements with, plus the connection types available at your address. It's not a whole-of-market comparison. We'll always tell you if a connection we don't broker is genuinely your best option.
Does it cost me anything to use Birch Tech as a broker?
No — our recommendation is free. If you sign up to a provider through us we may earn a referral fee or commission from that provider, at no extra cost to you.
Will commission affect what you recommend?
We recommend the best connection for your address and needs first. Where multiple good options exist, our commercial arrangements may influence which partner we suggest — so we disclose them up-front and you can always confirm prices directly with the provider.
Is Starlink better than NBN?
Only sometimes. If you have solid NBN/FTTx it's usually cheaper and faster. Starlink wins where NBN is poor, absent, or you need to connect rural property, sheds or farms. Your address decides it.
Find My Best Connection
Speak to a friendly Birch Tech expert. We provide free quotes with no hard sell — call us or send a message and we'll get back to you fast.