Choosing between Starlink and Vienna's municipally owned fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network depends on your specific needs and location. Here's a comparison to help you decide:

1. Performance

• Vienna FTTH (100 Mbps symmetrical)
  • Provides consistent speeds with 100 Mbps upload and download.
  • Excellent for streaming, online gaming, video conferencing, and working from home.
  • Low latency (ideal for real-time communication and gaming).
• Starlink
  • Speeds vary: Typically 50–250 Mbps download, with 10–50 Mbps upload.
  • Latency: 20–40 ms, generally good but can fluctuate due to satellite coverage.
  • Performance may degrade during bad weather or network congestion.

Winner for Consistency: Vienna FTTH.

2. Cost

• Vienna FTTH: $60/month for 100 Mbps symmetrical, no data caps.
• Starlink:
  • $120/month (Standard plan) plus $599 upfront for hardware.
  • Premium plan costs more, aimed at businesses or high-demand users.
  • Data caps may apply in the future.

Winner for Affordability: Vienna FTTH.

3. Installation and Availability

• Vienna FTTH:
  • Local municipal service, easier and cheaper installation within service areas.
  • No reliance on external equipment like satellites or dishes.
• Starlink:
  • Self-installation requires a clear line of sight to the sky.
  • Better for rural or remote areas outside fiber coverage.

Winner for Ease in a Covered Area: Vienna FTTH.

4. Reliability

• Vienna FTTH: Fiber is resilient to environmental factors, ensuring uninterrupted service.
• Starlink: Weather (clouds, rain, snow) can disrupt connectivity, especially in harsh climates.

Winner for Reliability: Vienna FTTH.

5. Future-Proofing

• Vienna FTTH: Fiber can be upgraded to support higher speeds (e.g., gigabit or multi-gigabit).
• Starlink: Expanding satellite network, but physical limitations of current satellites may constrain future improvements compared to fiber.

Winner for Scalability: Vienna FTTH.

Recommendation

• Choose Vienna FTTH if:
  • You are in an area with fiber coverage.
  • You value cost-effective, reliable, and consistent internet.
  • Symmetrical upload/download speeds are important for your usage.
• Choose Starlink if:
  • You live outside Vienna’s fiber coverage area.
  • Fiber installation isn’t an option.
  • Portability (e.g., for RVs or remote work) is a priority.

For most users within Vienna, the municipal FTTH network is the better choice due to its reliability, performance, and affordability.

The Vienna 2024 election results  may be viewed here

The Vienna Planning Board has cancelled its regularly scheduled meetings for November and December in view of the holidays.
The Board will instead hold a meeting on Wednesday, December 4 at 7:00 PM at the Town House. The Board will resume its usual schedule in January.
                                                             

-- Creston Gaither, secretary, Vienna Planning Board

****Broadband Internet Service is Coming!**** 

Axiom is pleased to announce our ongoing partnership with the Town of Vienna to  install and operate a new fiber-optic internet system that delivers blazingly fast speeds and best-in-class reliability.   

Those interested in taking service should call Axiom to secure your installation.   Requests for service require a $99 deposit at the time of subscription.  The deposit  will be returned to the customer through their first bills for service..   For more information on deposits, please click here 

Call Axiom at 207-255-0679 to sign up for service. Secure your install today! 

Because of high call volume, getting a person on the phone is sometimes difficult  when you call.  PLEASE leave a message on the “Sales” extension with your phone  number and where you are calling from, and we will call you back as soon as  possible. 

When we call you back, please be ready with the following information: • Service address, and any installation details that our installers need to know • What speed package you would like to order (see below)? 

• Would you like to lease a Wi-Fi router from Axiom, or provide your own? • A credit card or other way to pay the $99 deposit to secure your install. 

*Seasonal rates are paid in full annually and reflect a 15% discount off the regular rate. Seasonal rates may be  applied to accounts that are active for six months of the year or less. 

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