Which is better Starlink or Liquid Home (formerly ZOL)
After a lot of rumors and complications starlink has been finally authorized in Zimbabwe. Its no secret that we sometimes face major internet connectivity issues and in this article we will compare Starlink and Liquid Home (ZOL) internet services in Zimbabwe.
About the best internet service providers in Zimbabwe
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service developed by SpaceX, providing high-speed internet to remote and rural areas using a network of low-Earth orbit satellites.
What is Liquid Home
Liquid Home, formerly ZOL, is a Zimbabwean internet service provider that offers broadband and fiber-optic internet primarily in urban areas through Liquid Telecom's infrastructure.
Key Differences between Starlink and Liquid Home (ZOL)
| Attribute | Starlink Mobile | ZOL Mobile | Starlink Prio | ZOL Fibre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Global | Urban | Global | Urban |
| Down Speed | 10 - 50 Mbps | 5 - 30 Mbps | 100 - 150 Mbps | 50 - 150 Mbps |
| Up Speed | 2 - 20 Mbps | 5 - 30Mbps | 20 - 30 Mbps | 20 - 100 Mbps |
| Latency | 20-40 ms | 20-30 ms | 20-30 ms | 15-20 ms |
| Startup Price | $110/mo | $5 | $600 | $100 |
| Data Price | $50 (unlimited) | $0.40 / Gb | $80 (unlimited) | $120 (unlimited |
| Uptime | High | Medium | Very High | High |
| Support | Online-only | Call & Email | Online & Priority | 24/7 Support |
Starlink vs Liquid Home (ZOL) Internet Services
1. Coverage
Starlink’s satellite-based service provides global coverage, making it ideal for remote and rural areas in Zimbabwe. In contrast, Liquid Home (ZOL) is focused on urban centers, leveraging its fiber and mobile networks. This makes Starlink the superior option for those in hard-to-reach locations.
2. Download Speed
For mobile users, Starlink offers download speeds between 10-50 Mbps, while ZOL Mobile lags behind at 5-30 Mbps. However, Starlink Prio delivers a significant boost, with speeds up to 150 Mbps, comparable to ZOL Fibre's 50-150 Mbps range.
3. Upload Speed
Starlink Mobile’s upload speeds range from 2-20 Mbps, which is lower than ZOL Mobile’s 5-30 Mbps. For premium users, Starlink Prio offers 20-30 Mbps, while ZOL Fibre can reach 100 Mbps in some cases, making it a strong competitor in urban settings.
4. Latency
Latency is key for activities like gaming and video conferencing. Starlink Prio and ZOL Fibre provide low latency, with ZOL Fibre offering the edge at 15-20 ms. Starlink Mobile and ZOL Mobile both sit in the 20-40 ms range, adequate for casual users.
5. Startup Price
The initial cost can be a determining factor. Starlink Mobile’s $110 monthly fee is significantly higher than ZOL Mobile’s $5 startup price. The premium tiers see Starlink Prio with a $600 startup cost versus ZOL Fibre’s more affordable $100 entry point.
6. Data Price
For heavy internet users, data pricing is essential. Starlink offers an unlimited plan for $50 on mobile and $80 on its Prio service. ZOL Mobile charges $0.40 per GB, making it a better option for light users, while ZOL Fibre provides unlimited data for $120 per month.
7. Uptime
Both providers have strong uptime, with Starlink Prio rated as "very high" due to its satellite independence from terrestrial issues like power outages. ZOL Mobile’s uptime is only rated as medium due to its reliance on local infrastructure.
8. Support
Starlink offers online-only support, with priority given to Prio users. Liquid Home (ZOL), on the other hand, provides more accessible customer support through call and email for mobile users, and 24/7 support for Fibre customers, giving ZOL an edge in this category.
