Starlink.
Photo Credit: Starlink


Starlink is a satellite internet service that is revolutionizing the way people connect to the internet. With its high-speed, low-latency connections, Starlink is providing reliable internet access to people in even the most remote areas.


This post discusses how to buy and set up Starlink hardware in the US, and also provides some tips for troubleshooting common problems.




What is Starlink?

Starlink complete components.


Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites launched by SpaceX into orbit. These satellites provide high-speed, low-latency internet access to people all over the world.


Starlink is different from traditional satellite internet services in several ways. First, Starlink uses a much larger constellation of satellites, which means it can provide better coverage and more reliable service. Second, Starlink uses a new type of antenna that is much more efficient than traditional satellite antennas. This means Starlink can provide faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite internet services.





How does Starlink work?

Starlink satellites are in a low orbit around the Earth, just 550 kilometers up. This means that they can provide much faster speeds and lower latency than traditional satellite internet services, which orbit the Earth at much higher altitudes.


When you connect to Starlink, your device will communicate with the nearest Starlink satellite. The satellite will then forward your data to a ground station, which will then connect you to the internet.





Who can use Starlink in the USA?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet service that is currently being rolled out in the United States. It is expected to be available in most areas of the country by the end of 2023.


To use Starlink, you will need a clear view of the sky. This means that you cannot use Starlink if you live in a city with tall buildings or trees. You will also need to purchase a Starlink dish and router. The dish is about the size of a pizza and it needs to be mounted on a clear, unobstructed view of the sky. The router is used to connect your devices to the internet.


Starlink offers speeds of up to 100 Mbps, which is comparable to traditional cable or fiber internet. It also has a low latency of 20 milliseconds, which is ideal for gaming and video calls.  Starlink is a great option for people who live in rural areas or who have unreliable internet service. It is also a good option for people who need high-speed internet for gaming or video calls.




One-time Equipment Fee

A Starlink router (left) and dish (right).
A Starlink router (left) and dish (right).

The one-time equipment fee for Starlink in the USA is $599. This fee covers the cost of the Starlink dish, router, and mounting tripod. The Starlink dish is a high-performance satellite dish that receives signals from Starlink's constellation of satellites. The router is a high-speed Wi-Fi router that distributes the internet signal to your devices. The mounting tripod is used to secure the Starlink dish to the ground or roof.


The Starlink equipment fee is non-refundable. However, if you cancel your Starlink service within 30 days of activation, you will receive a full refund of the equipment fee.

Starlink full components.




Starlink Monthly Subscription in the USA

Starlink's monthly subscription fee in the USA is $110. This fee covers the cost of bandwidth and data usage. Bandwidth is the maximum amount of data that can be transferred between your device and the Starlink satellite network in a given period of time. Data usage is the actual amount of data that you download and upload each month.


The monthly subscription fee is fixed, regardless of how much bandwidth or data usage you have. This means that you can be confident that you will not be overcharged.




How to buy Starlink hardware in the USA

To buy Starlink hardware in the USA, you need to create an account on the Starlink website. You will need to provide your name, email address, and shipping address. You will also need to agree to the terms of service.

Once you have created an account, you will be able to place an order for Starlink hardware. You will need to pay the one-time equipment fee and the first month's subscription fee.



Full Steps

Step 1: Create an account

The first step is to create an account on the Starlink website. You can do this by visiting www.starlink.com and clicking on the "Create an Account" button. When creating your account, you'll need to provide your name, email address, and shipping address. You'll also need to agree to the terms of service.



Step 2: Place an order

Once you've created an account, you can place an order for Starlink hardware. You can do this by visiting the "Shop" page and clicking on the "Buy Now" button. When placing your order, you'll need to pay the one-time equipment fee and the first month's subscription fee.



Step 3: Receive your Starlink hardware

Once your order has been placed, it will take a few weeks for your Starlink hardware to arrive. When it does, you'll need to set it up and connect it to your home network.





How to set up Starlink hardware in the USA

Once you have received your Starlink hardware, you can follow these steps to set it up:

1. Find a clear location for the dish. The dish needs to have a clear view of the sky in order to connect to the Starlink satellites.


2. Mount the dish. The Starlink dish comes with a mounting tripod that you can use to mount it on the ground.


3. Connect the router. The router comes with a power cable and an Ethernet cable. You can connect the router to your devices using the Ethernet cable or you can connect to it wirelessly.


Additinal tips for setting up your Starlink hardware:

- Choose a location for the dish that is free of obstructions, such as trees or buildings.
- Make sure the dish is at least 6 feet off the ground.
- Point the dish north-south.
- Connect the router to a power outlet and an Ethernet cable.
- Connect your devices to the router using the Ethernet cable or wirelessly.


Full Steps

What do you need to set up Starlink?

To set up Starlink, you will need the following:


1. A Starlink dish

2. A Starlink router

3. A clear location for your dish

4. A power source for your dish and router




Step 1: Find a Clear Location for Your Starlink Dish

The most important part of setting up Starlink is finding a clear location for your dish. The dish needs to have a clear view of the sky in order to connect to the Starlink satellites.


Here are some things to look for in a good location for your dish:

  • A location that is free of trees, buildings, and other obstructions
  • A location that is not in the shade
  • A location that is not near any electric or magnetic fields
  • You can use the Starlink app to test your location and see if it is clear enough for the dish.




Step 2: Mount Your Starlink Dish

Once you have found a clear location for your dish, you need to mount it. The Starlink dish comes with a mounting tripod that you can use to mount it on the ground.


If you are mounting the dish on a roof, you will need to purchase a separate mounting kit.




Step 3: Connect Your Starlink Router

The Starlink router connects to the dish and then to your devices. The router comes with a power cable and an Ethernet cable. You can connect the router to your devices using the Ethernet cable or you can connect to it wirelessly.




Step 4: Connect Your Devices to Starlink

Once the router is connected to the dish, you can connect your devices to it. You can connect your devices using the Ethernet cable or you can connect to it wirelessly.


If you are connecting your devices wirelessly, you will need to enter the Wi-Fi password that is printed on the back of the router.






Troubleshooting

If you're having trouble setting up your Starlink, here are a few things you can check:


  • Make sure the dish is in a clear location. The dish needs to have a clear view of the sky in order to connect to the satellites. Avoid placing the dish near trees, buildings, or other obstructions.


  • Make sure the router is connected to the dish and that it is powered on. The router should be connected to the dish using the included Ethernet cable. The router should also be powered on.


  • Enure your devices are connected to the router. Your devices should be able to connect to the router's Wi-Fi network. You can check this by opening a web browser and trying to access a website.


If you've checked all of these things and you're still having problems, you can contact Starlink customer support for assistance.