Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX Starlink

Everything You Need to Know About SpaceX Starlink

Starlink is a satellite internet service provider owned by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It’s now in Australia, with services already available in:

– Western Australia
– South Australia
– Hobart
– New South Wales
– Victoria, and Queensland

Starlink works through inter-connected low-Earth orbit satellites that reflect wireless signals from your home terminal to ground stations. They function the same way an NBN dish mounted on your roof does.

However, Starlink satellites are about 60 times nearer to earth, which leads to more responsive and faster connections. Remote and rural areas in Australia can also enjoy reliable connectivity and higher internet speeds. 

Pros of Starlink

1. High speed

SpaceX’s satellite network experiences less latency due to the low orbit altitude and many satellites. 

Regular satellites function at about 35,000 km (21748 miles). Starlink satellites orbit less than 550 km (342 miles) away. Therefore, the Starlink signals travel a shorter distance, reducing latency and enhancing internet speeds.

2. Cost-effective

The prices for Starlink internet are more affordable and competitive, especially in suburban and rural areas. Rural and suburban users usually pay the same as city users but receive slower internet speeds. 

Starlink charges standard fees for unlimited internet speeds, which is more cost-effective.

3. Availability in Rural Areas

Satellite and cable internet are only available in some areas, most major cities or towns. Rural areas have no connectivity or get very slow speeds at high costs. 

Starlink internet is available globally, thanks to the numerous low earth satellites. You can access the internet from the most remote areas, including the middle of the ocean and Antarctica.

4. Disaster Recoverability

Natural disasters such as tornadoes affect internet connectivity, which takes days or weeks to restore.

Starlink Internet doesn’t experience internet outages. Your connection will resume as soon as the skies clear. Since there are many base stations, the surrounding stations will ensure connectivity if the disaster affects one.

Cons of Starlink

Starlink has some disadvantages but on a relatively minor scale. 

i. Slow Internet Speeds in Cities

Starlink has a set number of satellites in one location at all times, and everyone uses the same bandwidth. 

Cities have more people than rural areas, but the number of satellites is the same. Because of this, Starlink’s internet speeds in urban areas are slower than in less populated areas.

ii. Hardware Installation

In most cases, cable or satellite internet companies provide installation services.

Starlink doesn’t offer installation services, so users have to install their Starlink plates. These plates also need clear sky views, which is often challenging for users in rented flats or high-rise buildings. 

iii. Interruption from Poor Weather 

Bad weather such as solar storms and heavy rain affects satellite communications. Users living in such areas may experience connectivity issues when using Starlink internet. 

Cost of Starlink in Your Home

Starlink plans cost $139 per month, including a hardware fee of $924 and $115 for shipping. You can pre-order by putting down a deposit of $139, which is entirely refundable. However, the deposit is not a service guarantee.

Conclusion

Starlink internet is the ultimate solution if your internet provider offers slow speeds. The company promises more satellites and better technology in the near future, so there’s much to look forward to. 

Global coverage means seamless connectivity, low latency, and high speeds, regardless of location. Get in touch with a qualified Starlink installer and unlock unlimited speeds at affordable costs.