In Argentina, the digital divide remains a major obstacle to social, educational and economic development, especially in vast rural and remote areas where traditional terrestrial networks (optical fiber and 4G/5G) face logistical difficulties and high costs. This reality prompted the search for innovative proposals, including: Satellite Internet It is emerging as a major option for expanding access to high-quality broadband.
the Low orbit (LEO) and medium orbit (MEO) satellite technologies. They are breaking into the local market, changing the way communications are delivered in places where speed and latency were previously unsatisfactory. In this scenario, three great actors stand out:
- com. starlinkthe leader of the huge SpaceX constellation.
- Amazonwhich is moving forward with its Leo project.
- Orbita local company that leverages MEO and High Capacity Satellite (HTS) technologies.
Competition between these services promises to transform Internet access in multiple countries Geographic and demographic challenges. What are the technological characteristics, availability, plans and prices as well as the strengths and weaknesses of these services in Argentina? The answers are in this article iProfessional.
Starlink: Flagship
Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service owned by the South African-American businessman Elon Muskwas the first player to put in place a high-speed global network based on a constellation of LEO satellites. This massive network contains more than 5,000 satellites in low orbit (about 550 km) working together to provide speeds comparable to a fiber-optic connection, but with the ability to reach areas where there is no solid ground infrastructure.
The main advantage of the LEO architecture is significantly reduced latencywhich translates to response times of close to 20-40 ms. This data is essential for applications that require speed, such as online video games, video conferencing, and financial transactions. In addition, Starlink’s satellite network uses advanced array antenna technology to track moving satellites, ensuring a stable connection.
In Argentina, Starlink began operations in March 2024 and expanded its coverage. Its spread was initially focused on rural and remote areas where fiber-optic and mobile networks do not reach, although today it is also found in urban and suburban areas. The company was able to establish itself thanks to “Plug and play” installation model. Which allows users to install their kits themselves without the need for specialized technicians, which is a strong point for ease of access.
Its strengths include high speed (up to about 200 Mbps, with business plans that can exceed this number), low latency, wide coverage, and ease of use. However, a related weakness for many Argentinian users is the initial cost of the devices. In November 2025, Starlink’s standard suite was reduced to 374,000 pesos In a strategy to make the service more convenient. However, the price is still high compared to traditional terrestrial options or legacy satellite services.
The other challenge is Complete reliance on the LEO constellationMaintaining and updating which is vital to the continuity of service. Additionally, connectivity can be affected by extreme weather conditions such as severe storms or heavy snowfall.
Regarding Starlink plans and prices in Argentina, the Residential plan has a monthly cost of approx 56,000 Argentine pesosWhile there are recreational vehicle (RV) and marine specific plans to suit specific needs. The cost structure includes both hardware kit purchase and monthly fees, which require a significant initial investment and ongoing commitment.
In short, Starlink leads the satellite Internet market in Argentina with an innovative technology proposition and superior user experience, but it faces Challenge to reduce your costs To achieve greater reach in a country with deep digital inequality.
Amazon Leo: The Next Giant
Amazon Kuiper, renamed in Latin America as Amazon Leo, represents the tech giant Amazon’s low-orbit satellite project, which aims to compete directly with Starlink. This ambitious plan contemplates launching into orbit More than 3,200 LEO satellites Approximately 630 kilometers above ground, with a focus on providing connectivity to rural and remote areas and commercial customers who today lack a satisfactory offer.
Unlike Starlink, which internally controls the design, launch and operation of its array, Amazon has adopted a distributed model, delegating launches to third-party providers such as United Launch Alliance and Blue originalAnd even SpaceX. This has made Amazon Kuiper’s initial deployment slower, with fewer satellites in orbit, but the company is in a rush to complete the network.
In Argentina, Amazon Leo plans to begin operations in the coming months, after obtaining the relevant regulatory permits and in a strategic alliance with the Werthein Group, owner of Vrio (DirecTV Latin America). This partnership will facilitate local distribution and support, with the aim of rapid entry into the regional market.
Among its strengths: tremendous financial and logistical support, as Amazon can integrate its satellite services with the AWS infrastructure (Amazon Web Services) and global logistics services; The ability to offer strong prices thanks to economies of scale and a consolidated network; The inclusion of compact and portable antennas expands service flexibility.
However, the company faces major weaknesses such as its buffer delay compared to Starlink, a first factor that may limit its initial market share. In addition, you will need to build Ground infrastructure (gateways) in Argentina to ensure the quality and stability of communication, a task that involves complexity and costs.
Regarding plans and pricing, though, Amazon Leo has not yet revealed at the time of writing this article iProfessionalspecific prices for Argentina, it is estimated that it plans to offer several packages adapted to it Residential and commercial sectorsWith promised speeds higher than traditional satellite services and flexibility for fixed and mobile use. The commercial strategy aims to compete on coverage, speed and costs to quickly attract users, especially in rural and suburban areas where competition with Starlink will be more direct.
As Bruno Henriques, Amazon Leo’s business development leader for Latin America, told Infobae, there will be a combined terminal with speeds of up to 100 Mbps and a standard terminal with speeds of up to 400 Mbps, and their cost will be about $400. Amazon’s arrival in Argentina promises to revitalize the market, expand options and perhaps force adjustments in prices and services to the benefit of the consumer.
Al-Madar: the national actor
Orbith is a local and regional company that brings a different perspective to satellite internet viewing in Argentina. Since 2018, this company has provided services based mostly on medium orbit (MEO) satellites and High capacity satellites (HTS, High Throughput Satellite) in the KA bands, aimed primarily at the corporate market and sectors such as oil and gas, agribusiness, government and high-value customers who require stability and strong service guarantees.
Unlike LEO satellites that operate closer to the Earth, Orbith’s MEO satellites orbit at higher altitudes, which increases latency (delay in data transmission) but allows for broader geographic coverage and consistency of service. This makes Orbith an ideal choice for Clients who prioritize stability High service quality certified through strict Service Level Agreements (SLA).
In terms of presence, Orbith has enhanced its coverage in counties like Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza and La PampaIt has expanded its portfolio to include residential services, although it remains focused on the corporate sector. Installation of the equipment is professional and not do-it-yourself, reinforcing its premium status.
Among her strengths are knowledge of the regional market and local interest in it Technical support in Spanishservice guarantee for companies and a proven model in sectors with critical requirements. Its service is characterized by reliability and stable coverage, parameters that are especially valuable in business applications.
As for weaknesses, Orbeth has Maximum speed limitswith plans around 100Mbps and higher latency than LEO groups, which may not meet the needs of users who require connections for sensitive activities such as gaming or real-time 4K streaming.
Main differences
Satellite Internet competition is taking place in Argentina Very different techniques With strong effects on the user.
- Technological differences: Starlink and Amazon Leo use LEO constellations that orbit at low altitudes (about 550-630 km), providing low latency (20-40 ms), ideal for real-time interactive activities. In contrast, Orbith uses MEO/HTS satellites at higher altitudes, which generates higher response times, but provides wide coverage and stable service with guarantees for demanding markets.
- Market differences: Starlink and Amazon focus on the mass consumer, with promises of easy installation and packages tailored to homes, travelers and small businesses. Orbith is enterprise-focused, serving high-value industries with specific needs for quality and continuity.
- Price differences and total costs: Starlink involves a high initial group investment (currently around 374,000 pesos) and a monthly payment of around 56,000 pesos. Amazon Leo promises price competition but has yet to reveal specific prices. Orbith offers lower speed, higher latency plans with prices starting at P43,000 per month, but with higher professional installation costs. This makes the Starlink/Amazon consumer pay more for speed and response time and the Orbith consumer for the company’s guaranteed service.
Viewpoints
The arrival and competition of these three parties in Argentina opens an unprecedented panorama to reduce the digital gap and expand access to it Internet Where before it was impossible or very expensive. The diversity of technology and business models provides alternatives for different profiles and needs. Competition promises to improve quality, lower prices, expand coverage, and transform broadband access in a country facing significant geographic and social challenges.
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