What Exactly Is Starlink Internet?

What is Starlink?

High-speed internet has become a fundamental necessity in our increasingly interconnected world, improving communication, productivity and entertainment. Yet, millions of people in rural or remote areas don’t always have access to a reliable internet connection. Starlink aims to change that, offering high-speed, low-latency internet access to the most distant corners of the globe. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of Starlink internet, exploring the technology behind it, its impact on global connectivity and the potential it holds for changing the way we live, work and communicate.

When did Starlink start?

The idea behind Starlink satellite internet was announced by SpaceX in early 2015, with the first practical steps toward implementing it beginning a few years later.¹Since then, SpaceX has continued to deploy batches of Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, gradually expanding its internet service coverage. Starlink is still a newer internet service provider, but it is continuing to expand its availability to various regions around the world.

How does Starlink work?

Harnessing a vast constellation of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide global internet access, Starlink users are able to establish an internet connection via a Starlink dish and router. The dish is installed at the user’s location and points to the constellation of Starlink satellites in the sky. When a user requests data, the dish communicates with the nearest satellite overhead, which relays the request to a ground station on Earth. The Starlink router then distributes the internet connection to devices within the user’s home or business, providing reliable internet access.

How fast is Starlink internet?

Starlink internet offers impressive speeds and low latency, especially in comparison to traditional satellite internet services. Starlink users typically experience download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, with the majority of users having speeds over 100 Mbps with upload speeds between 5 and 20 Mbps.See Disclosure ² However, internet speeds can vary based on several factors, including:

Location. Users in regions with a clear line of sight to the sky and minimal obstructions tend to experience faster and more stable connections.
Network congestion. When many people share the same satellite beams or ground stations, especially during peak usage times, speeds may temporarily decrease.
User equipment. The performance of your Starlink dish, router and other equipment can influence your internet speed, which is why it is important to always keep your gear up-to-date.
Type of Starlink plan. There are various Starlink internet plans available, with higher-tiered plans having more impressive download and upload speeds and lower latency.

As the technology continues to advance and more satellites are utilized, Starlink internet speeds will seemingly only go up in the future. If you are curious about your current internet setup, you can always test your broadband speed to give you an approximate reading.

Where is Starlink available?

Starlink internet is available in most of the US, Europe and New Zealand and in portions of Canada, Australia, South America and Africa.³ However, the service is expanding to even more regions in the future. One of the primary goals of the Starlink project is to promote digital inclusion by offering broadband internet to remote regions of the world where coverage is lacking. Many rural areas suffer from slow or unreliable internet connections or have no access at all, but Starlink is changing that.

How do you install Starlink?

Installing Starlink is a relatively straightforward, user-friendly process. After receiving a Starlink kit, here are the general steps for correctly setting everything up:

Find a suitable location that has a clear and unobstructed view of the northern sky
Mount the dish to a stable surface, ensuring that it is leveled and securely fastened
Plug the power supply into an outlet and connect it to the router and the dish, and then turn it on
Connect to Starlink Wi-Fi with a laptop, tablet, smartphone or other device
Follow any additional setup instructions provided in the kit or on the Starlink app

Once the installation is complete and your devices are connected, you should be able to successfully access your Starlink internet.

What is the future of Starlink?

Holding significant potential and possibilities, Starlink is planning on continuing to expand its coverage in the foreseeable future. Over the next few decades, SpaceX hopes to send an additional 42,000 Starlink satellites into space.⁴ The intention is to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the world, empowering communities and bridging the digital divide. So, if you’re in a rural area and you’ve already looked into mesh routers or Wi-Fi extenders and other options only to discover you still aren’t getting the greatest coverage, it might be time to start considering Starlink. The satellite internet service provider is only going to grow and become more efficient as time goes on.

References

1. Howell, Elizabeth and Pultarova, Tereza. “Starlink Satellites: Everything You Need to Know about the Controversial Internet Megaconstellation.” Space.com, Future US, Inc. August 2, 2023. https://www.space.com/spacex-starlink-satellites.html.

2. “Starlink Specifications.” Starlink, SpaceX. 2023. https://www.starlink.com/legal/documents/DOC-1400-28829-70.

3. McCloud, Cheryl. “SpaceX Continues to Launch Starlink Satellites. 14 Things to Know about Internet Provider.” Florida Today, USA Today Network. June 13, 2023. https://www.floridatoday.com/story/tech/science/space/spacex/2023/06/13/starlink-satellite-internet-provider-spacex-elon-musk-cost-availability-florida-service-wait-list/70313159007/.

4. Kay, Grace. “Everything We Know About Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellites and Future Internet Plans.” Insider, Insider, Inc. August 9, 2023. https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-starlink-satellites-internet#:~:text=Over%20the%20next%20few%20decades,potentially%20space%20exploration%20for%20decades.