Starlink vs du and e& in UAE: Prices, Internet Speeds and Packages Compared
Starlink is preparing to expand satellite internet services in the UAE after receiving a 10-year licence from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, giving residents and businesses another option alongside established telecom providers du and e&.
The General Satellite Services Licence allows Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, to establish and manage a public satellite telecommunications network in the UAE and provide broadband connectivity across the country.
Unlike conventional home broadband, which mainly relies on fibre-optic cables or mobile networks, Starlink connects customers through satellites operating in low Earth orbit.
The technology could be particularly useful in remote locations where fixed broadband infrastructure is limited or difficult to install.
Starlink adds satellite internet option in UAE
According to the TDRA, Starlink will introduce a space-based layer to the UAE’s communications infrastructure, complementing existing fibre-optic and 5G networks.
Satellite connectivity is expected to provide additional internet access options while supporting network resilience and continuity in different conditions.
The service can be offered to individuals, businesses and government organisations. The licence also covers satellite connectivity for sectors including maritime transport, aviation, energy, logistics and emergency response.
How Starlink differs from fibre broadband
Home internet services from du and e& are primarily delivered through terrestrial infrastructure.
Fibre broadband uses physical fibre-optic cables to connect homes and businesses to high-speed internet networks. Operators also provide wireless home internet services using 5G networks in selected locations.
Starlink works differently.
Customers install a Starlink antenna at their location, which communicates with satellites orbiting relatively close to Earth. This allows the service to provide internet access without requiring a fibre connection to the property.
The biggest advantage is likely to be in areas where fibre infrastructure is unavailable or where customers require internet access away from conventional fixed networks.
du home internet packages in UAE
Du provides both fixed-line home broadband and 5G wireless home internet services.
Its home internet packages currently start from Dh229 per month.
The company also offers higher-speed fibre packages, with some plans advertising speeds of up to 1Gbps for a limited period.
Depending on the package, customers may also receive additional services such as Amazon Prime, television packages and other entertainment benefits.
e& home internet packages in UAE
E& provides home broadband through its fibre network, including eLife packages that combine internet access with Wi-Fi equipment and other home services.
Selected plans also include television and entertainment options.
The operator is offering its Neo home internet package with speeds of up to 1Gbps for Dh399 per month.
Starlink UAE price and speed
Starlink’s residential service in the UAE is priced at Dh300 per month and includes unlimited data.
The company also offers a 30-day trial.
Customers need to purchase Starlink hardware separately, with equipment prices starting at Dh1,465. The kit includes a Router 3 with Wi-Fi 6 support.
Customers placing a pre-order are also required to pay a Dh300 deposit, which is later deducted from the price of the Starlink hardware.
Starlink advertises internet speeds of up to 400Mbps or more.
Starlink vs du and e&: Price comparison
For customers comparing home internet options in the UAE, the three providers target somewhat different requirements.
Du’s home internet plans start from Dh229 per month, making its entry-level offering cheaper than Starlink’s Dh300 monthly residential subscription.
E& offers its Neo package with speeds of up to 1Gbps for Dh399 per month.
Starlink sits between those prices at Dh300 per month, although customers must also account for the initial hardware cost starting at Dh1,465.
In terms of advertised speeds, fibre packages from du and e& can offer speeds of up to 1Gbps, while Starlink advertises speeds of more than 400Mbps.
Actual internet speeds can vary depending on the package, location, network conditions and other factors.
Starlink vs du and e& UAE comparison
| Provider | Monthly price | Advertised speed | Connection type | Additional cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starlink | Dh300 | Up to 400Mbps or more | Satellite | Hardware from Dh1,465 |
| du | From Dh229 | Selected plans up to 1Gbps | Fibre and 5G | Depends on package |
| e& | Neo package Dh399 | Up to 1Gbps | Fibre | Depends on package |
Who could benefit most from Starlink in the UAE?
For residents in areas already covered by high-speed fibre, Starlink may serve more as an alternative connectivity option rather than a direct replacement for an existing fibre connection.
Its strongest appeal could be in locations where conventional broadband infrastructure is unavailable, difficult to install or unsuitable.
Businesses operating away from fixed communications infrastructure could also benefit from satellite connectivity.
The technology may have particular value for maritime and aviation operations, logistics companies, energy projects and other industries that require reliable connectivity across geographically challenging locations.
With Starlink entering the UAE market alongside du and e&, customers will have a wider range of choices between fibre, 5G wireless broadband and satellite internet based on their location, budget and connectivity requirements.