Amazon’s Kuiper is promising to change the way the world sees the internet. With a fleet of thousands of satellites ready to be deployed, it will certainly be interesting to see how the tech giant makes its mark on internet access. Cox is a standard broadband provider, similar to its competitors in the services it offers and coverage. They don’t provide nearly as much coverage on a state-by-state basis, however. That said, Cox has been a reliable provider for those who fit in specified coverage areas.
With all this in mind, which is the best? It can be a bit daunting comparing two different internet service providers, especially with such different methods of transmission. However, the most important thing to keep in mind with an internet plan is the speed, reliability, and coverage among other deciding factors. Let’s take a closer look at what’s on offer from Amazon Kuiper and Cox to see which is the better pick for your needs.
Amazon’s Kuiper vs. Cox: Side-By-Side Comparison
| Amazon Kuiper | Cox | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 100Mbps for the smallest receiver to 1000Mbps for the largest receiver | Plans start at 100Mbps and move up to 1Gbps depending on the monthly plan selected |
| Method of Transmission | Wireless transmission received from a fleet of satellites in low orbit | Coaxial cable or fiber optic cabling |
| Receiver Type | A wireless dish that comes in 7-inch, 11-inch, and 19-inch sizes | Cable or fiber modem |
| Cost Per Month | Amazon has yet to reveal pricing details for Kuiper | Plans start at $49.99 a month and move up to $99.99 a month depending on the speed desired |
| Coverage Area | Globally | Services 645 areas across 19 states |
Amazon’s Kuiper vs. Cox: What’s the Difference
There is a fair amount of similarity between the speeds on offer from Kuiper and Cox. There are some notable differences between the services provided by both companies, however.
Speed
Amazon Kuiper is looking to provide a minimum of 100 Mbps on average with the smallest receiver. For those looking for more permanent installations, the 19-inch receiver should bring along speeds of 1000Mbps. This is quite a substantial jump from the typical speeds seen with satellite internet access. Users are getting broadband-quality connections coupled with access in more remote locations. If Amazon is able to pull it off, then this could very well be one of the things that helps connect more of rural America.
Cox’s internet plans start with a very modest 100Mbps, which is offered with their most basic monthly plan. Speeds shoot up at regular intervals, with plans boasting 250, 500, and 1,000Mbps following with an accompanying hike in monthly rates. Cox relies on analog coaxial cable or fiber optics for the connection, so sustained speeds should be quite solid. Those who can afford the fiber connection can enjoy latency-free connections with a fully symmetric upload and download rate.
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Reliability
Satellite internet is prone to spotty connections with heavy cloud cover or during exceptionally powerful storms. As such, users can expect outages, even with Kuiper. Amazon has gone ahead and partnered with Verizon Wireless to provide wireless connectivity for its customers, however. This should provide a hybrid means of maintaining a regular internet connection, even when the weather gets exceptionally rough. The speeds on offer with the wireless component are 4G or 5G, so near broadband quality as it stands.
Cox uses physical cabling, so during poor conditions connectivity should remain rock solid. Of course, one of the major flaws of physical cabling is when damage to the lines occurs. In this event, you would have to wait for repair teams from Cox to fix the damages before your connection is restored. Bad weather can have a pronounced effect on physical cabling as well. Downed trees and sharp winds can easily damage lines. All said, during nominal conditions and even heavy cloud cover, your connection should be stable.
Availability
Amazon Kuiper aims to be available on a global basis. To this end, Amazon is deploying a massive fleet of satellites to provide full coverage no matter where you live. Ideally, this could mean users could take their receivers with them to the city or out in remote parts of the country while still maintaining solid internet access. This extends to the greater parts of the world where network cabling might not even be feasible.
Cox only provides service to 645 areas in the contiguous United States. 19 states are covered, but it isn’t full coverage. As such, before pursuing a plan, you’ll have to check their coverage map to see if your area is actually serviced by them. Most internet service providers aren’t available on a fully nationwide level, which is to be expected. That said, the coverage on offer pales in comparison to what Amazon is promising with Kuiper.
Pricing
Full pricing details aren’t readily available for Kuiper just yet. There are some hints as to the pricing for the wireless receivers, with the 7-inch model starting at $400. When it comes to monthly plans, however, there is still much that isn’t fully known. Amazon is planning on launching the service in 2024, so hopefully, more details will arise as 2023 progresses.
Cox has a variety of monthly plans that accommodate different speeds. The basic 100Mbps package starts at a fixed $49.99 and has no annual contract or change in the monthly rate. Pricing scales up expectantly as you select packages with higher speeds. There is also an additional change in rates after the first year of service. The 1000Mbps plan available for $99.99, for example, rises in price to $119.99 a month after the first twelve months of service. This isn’t an uncommon practice with service providers, but it might reduce the plan’s value when compared to other offerings across the country.
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Amazon’s Kuiper vs. Cox: Must-Know Facts
- Amazon Kuiper will have over 3,000 satellites providing internet access across the globe
- Amazon Kuiper’s smallest wireless receiver can effectively act as a portable modem
- Amazon Kuiper is the tech giant’s take on satellite internet in the same vein as Starlink
- Cox Internet has service in areas like Arizona, California, and North Carolina
- Cox Internet’s highest tier is recommended for streaming 8K media
- Cox Internet provides service with cable and fiber optic cabling
Amazon’s Kuiper vs. Cox: Which One is Better? Which One Should You Choose?
Amazon Kuiper has a lot of promise, but the service isn’t ready for prime time just yet. Time will tell if Amazon is able to deliver on the goals they’ve set for its internet service. On paper, it could very well serve as a jumping point to get the rest of the world connected. With details being relatively scarce, it is something any potential user should wait for before taking the plunge.
Cox Internet is a dependable regional internet service provider. They may not cover wide sections of the United States, but they have their own independent infrastructure and provide easy access to cable and fiber internet. Pricing is comparable to other internet service providers across the country, so it isn’t too low or too high. The inclusion of a monthly pay-as-you-go internet plan is great as well for those not looking to get tied into a contract. Amazon Kuiper might be worth the wait, but Cox may be the better choice if they are in your area.
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