Starlink is the much anticipated satellite internet service brought to the world by Elon Musk and his team over at SpaceX. While the technology may not be 100% ready to really challenge the speed and ease of the massive internet providers that hold most Americans hostage with their limited “broadband” speeds, soaring prices, and nearly non-existent customer service, the mere fact that it is even as close as it is to a viable alternative to the cable-industry’s monopolies is a major coup for all those of us looking for a better internet alternative.
Here’s to hoping that as the service rolls out and matures that it becomes what so many of us hope it will.
How Much Does Starlink Internet Cost?
So far, here is the basic cost structure for Starlink internet service:
- Monthly Cost: $99
- Startup Kit: $499 (one time)
Considering the ever-increasing costs of our current slate of highspeed internet options, the pricing for Starlink seems incredibly reasonable.
What Is Included In The Starlink Internet Startup Kit?
The basic Starlink kit includes:
- User Terminal (connects to satellites)
- Mounting Tripod
- WIFI Router
Additionally, there is an app available in both the Google and Apple stores to help setup and monitor your Starlink service.
How Fast Is Starlink Internet Service?
The team at Starlink (and most early testers) have indicated that in the short-term the speeds will be around:
- Download Data Speed: 50 – 150 MB/s
- Upload Data Speed: 25 MB/s
- Latency: 20 – 40ms
In the long term, Starlink anticipates a download speed of 1 GB/s (when that will be a reality remains to be seen). Additionally, there is currently no cap on the amount of data that you use through Starlink, though they have hinted that there may be some in the future – much like the data caps on many cell phone plans.
How Has Starlink Internet Worked Out For Those Who Have Adopted Early?
From early reviews that we have read, most users have no problem with streaming because the data is buffered before being displayed – so services like Netflix, Youtube, etc work just fine. However, in situations where a sustained connection is needed (Slack, Zoom, gaming, etc) the service is far less reliable or useable – to the point where using it become a non-starter.
If you are thinking of making the move to Starlink, contact Xorca so that we can help you make an informed decision and get everything up and running right the first time.
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