Starlink Performance Analysis: Satellite Broadband Outpaces Terrestrial Networks While Challenging Regulations

Recent performance analysis reveals SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service consistently outperforms terrestrial networks in data transmission efficiency, even when routing through more network hops. Karina Stefanovic, wireless access network optimization engineer at Telekom Srbija, presented findings at APRICOT 2026 demonstrating Starlink's speed advantage over European 4G/5G networks using the RIPE Atlas measurement platform. Her research methodology involved direct comparisons of data transmission times between European and Asian endpoints across both satellite and terrestrial infrastructures.

Performance Benchmarks and Technical Advantages

Connection Type	Avg. Latency	Packet Loss Rate	Notable Characteristics
Starlink Satellite	25-50ms	0.3% during handover	Laser inter-satellite links
Terrestrial 4G/5G	35-75ms	<0.1%	Tier 1 network reliance
Fiber Backbone	10-20ms	Near-zero	Limited geographic coverage

Stefanovic attributes Starlink's unexpected performance advantage to its proprietary laser inter-satellite links, which create an orbital routing layer bypassing traditional internet infrastructure. These space-based lasers dynamically route traffic across the satellite constellation before selecting optimal terrestrial egress points, effectively creating a new network topology layer. This architecture demonstrates particular efficiency for long-distance transmissions where terrestrial networks require multiple carrier handoffs.

Regulatory and Jurisdictional Complexities

Geoff Huston, APNIC Chief Scientist, highlighted unprecedented regulatory challenges during the conference panel. Starlink's orbital infrastructure transcends national boundaries, creating jurisdictional gray zones:

• Traffic Landing Limitations: Mongolian user traffic routes through Japan due to geopolitical restrictions in neighboring China and Russia, creating regulatory dependency on Japanese authorities
• Airborne Jurisdiction Shifts: Commercial aircraft passengers using Starlink transition between legal jurisdictions mid-flight as satellites cross airspace boundaries
• Orbital Sovereignty Void: No national jurisdiction applies to satellites themselves while in space

Indonesia's Ministry of Communications representative Dr. Ismail confirmed these concerns while acknowledging Starlink's critical role in connecting the nation's 17,000 islands. SpaceX established a local Network Operations Center in Indonesia and implemented content filtering to comply with national laws prohibiting gambling and extremist content. This compromise highlights the tension between Starlink's technical capabilities and regulatory compliance requirements.

Technical Limitations and Implementation Recommendations

Despite performance advantages, Starlink presents unique technical constraints:

• Satellite Handover Disruptions: Terminals reconnect to different satellites every 15 seconds, causing consistent packet loss during transitions
• Urban Capacity Limitations: Jakarta's 40 million residents share just four visible satellites versus Serbia's 13 satellites for 6.5 million users
• Routing Protocol Incompatibility: Traditional TCP/IP struggles with Starlink's dynamic topology changes

Huston recommends protocol-level adaptations for optimal Starlink implementation: "You need networking stacks that accommodate rapid path changes without assuming stable routes. QUIC protocol implementations show promise but require modification for space-based architectures."

Homelab builders and remote infrastructure designers should consider these factors:

1. Redundancy Planning: Pair Starlink with terrestrial failover connections using BGP routing
2. Protocol Selection: Prioritize QUIC over TCP for latency-sensitive applications
3. Power Management: Account for 100-200W continuous power draw per terminal during operation
4. Regulatory Verification: Confirm satellite downlink locations comply with data residency requirements

Starlink represents a fundamental shift in global connectivity paradigms, offering unprecedented performance for remote locations while challenging traditional internet governance models. Its laser-linked orbital infrastructure demonstrates measurable speed advantages over terrestrial alternatives, yet requires specialized implementation approaches and forces reconsideration of jurisdictional boundaries in the space age.