thecryptobasic.com
XRP influencer John Squire has triggered a conversation about blockchain utility and speed, using a metaphor that compares XRP to Starlink.
Specifically, Squire likened Bitcoin to a landline, while claiming Ethereum serves an updated purpose, calling it a cell phone. However, both still suffer from limitations in speed and flexibility. As a result, Squire argued that XRP fulfills that need, comparing it to Starlink, with no lag.
Explaining the Metaphor: Bitcoin as Landline and XRP as Starlink
In essence, the tweet frames Bitcoin as a foundational yet outdated system that is trusted, reliable, and secure, but slow, much like a landline. Meanwhile, like a mobile phone, Ethereum offers more advanced capabilities but still faces certain performance bottlenecks.
On the other hand, XRP is portrayed as Starlink: a futuristic, satellite-based internet system offering global coverage with minimal latency.
Importantly, the analogy is rooted in real-world network performance. Specifically, XRP consistently ranks among the fastest and cheapest blockchain networks for settlement. It confirms transactions in 3–5 seconds with fees under $0.01.
This contrasts with Bitcoin’s 10-minute block times and Ethereum’s often congested and gas-fee-intensive environment. XRP’s architecture prioritizes fast, frictionless value transfer, aligning with the “no lag” concept.
Furthermore, unlike Bitcoin, which relies on mining, the XRP Ledger uses a consensus protocol that allows rapid validation. This design has made XRP a favorite among banks, payment providers, and remittance services seeking near-instant cross-border settlement.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin continues to serve as a store of value for institutions and governments. Many now view BTC as a digital equivalent of gold suitable for national reserves.
On the other hand, Ethereum remains the backbone of decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, NFTs, and real-world asset tokenization. While it faces competition in this space, Ethereum still dominates much of the innovation and infrastructure.
Some members of the XRP community believe XRP could eventually fulfill Bitcoin’s role as a store of value and strategic reserve. Figures like Panos Mekras continue to promote the XRP Ledger as the “OG” of DeFi, with others highlighting its potential in real-world asset tokenization.
XRP Community Reactions
Squire’s metaphor resonated with many XRP supporters, some of whom added their own humorous takes on how XRP compares to Bitcoin and Ethereum.
X user Jon called it a “perfect analogy.” He argues that Bitcoin laid the foundation, Ethereum brought flexibility, and XRP is the next step in the transition.
Likewise, X user Red Cocktail claimed that every era has its defining digital currency, and XRP stands out in the current era.
Another community member, Bruce Hunter, compared Bitcoin to a disk operating system, Ethereum to Windows 3.11, and XRP to Linux. This called attention to XRP’s efficiency and modern capabilities.
However, not everyone in the broader crypto community agreed with the characterization. Some mocked the metaphor, calling the poster a clown. Others argued that XRP’s price will never rise significantly, citing the massive number of tokens in circulation.