Thinking of getting Starlink?
If you struggle with internet speeds and you’re looking for alternatives then Starlink by Space X is definitely worth thinking about. It generally gives great speeds and once up is pretty reliable. It’s provided by a constellation of satellites which are constantly orbiting the earth providing internet to a global market. As with any new(ish) technology there are pros and cons worth considering before you buy.
Pros:
Coverage:
Thanks to not requiring traditional methods for receiving internet reception (cables/DSL lines etc) it’s got global coverage so you’re pretty certain of getting a service, even in remote or rural areas. We’ve installed in many urban & suburban areas too so it’s not specific to remote areas.
Speed:
The system promises to deliver internet speeds comparable to those offered by traditional broadband services, with recent reports indicating speeds ranging from 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps and potentially up to 300 Mbps
Low Latency:
Unlike traditional satellite internet, which can have high latency due to the distance signals must travel, Starlink’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites offer significantly lower latency, making it suitable for real-time applications like video conferencing and online gaming.
Scalability:
The modular design of the satellite network allows for incremental expansion, meaning the service can be scaled up as demand increases and more satellites are launched.
Quick Deployment:
For areas without existing infrastructure, Starlink can be deployed much faster than laying cables for traditional broadband, providing a quick solution for urgent connectivity needs.
Cons:
Cost:
It is expensive compared to some other alternatives. If it’s for personal/home use the initial outlay is £299 and then it’s £75 per month after that. If it’s for business it’s a pricy £150 per month with a higher outlay. That being said, many clients have been struggling with terrible broadband up to that point so usually they’re happy to pay it if it means they’ll be able to get better speeds.
If you consider the cost of a 4G or 5G system where you can get a monthly cost of between £20-36 it does mount up though over the year.
Environmental:
Elon Musk and Starlink have had their share of criticism to do with the environmental impact of launching so many satellites and the issues to do with light pollution which could affect astronomical observation and space debris.
Weather concerns:
Severe weather, heavy rain, storms, ice and snow can affect your reception and use. This is definitely worth considering when you live in Scotland!
Installation
So is it easy to install? Well yes and no… It’s advertised as able to be self installed which is fine if you’re in a property with a flat roof and it’s an easy route for the cable. Some of our clients have even put the unit on a pallet in the garden and it’s worked. However you really want to get some height and if you want to put it on the highest point (or around that) on the roof then it’s better to get a professional to fit it.
We’ve got years of experience with all types of satellite installation via our sister company The Aerial Man. Our installers have installed on all types of buildings and are great at working out the best position for your Starlink. We’d recommend getting a site survey first just to make sure you order the right kit before we attend. There is a longer cable that it can come with but it’s quite expensive (starts at £82) so worth checking if you need it first before ordering. Also you may need a different type of mounting kit depending upon your property, so worth checking that too. Starlink is quite specific with it’s kit so we can’t adapt the other satellite mounting kit that we’d normally use, it really has to be Starlink kit to work effectively.
Next steps…
Just get in touch and we can organise a quick site visit. This will let us assess the best position on the property for the Starlink and see what kit you may need and how long it will take. This will give us a better idea of how long we’ll need to fit it and address any access issues.