For decades, the internet has relied on underground cables and fiber optics to deliver connectivity, but this method isn’t feasible everywhere. Starlink, a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX, is changing the game by providing high-speed internet through a constellation of satellites in low-Earth orbit. Designed for remote areas, travellers, and businesses in need of reliable connections, Starlink is redefining broadband accessibility.
What is the Internet and How Does It Operate?
The internet is a worldwide network of millions of interconnected devices, enabling communication and transfer of information. Normally, internet service providers build trenches and lay underground cables, install fibre optics, and erect cellular towers to send the data to homes and businesses.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is an internet service that uses satellites to connect to the internet that is owned by SpaceX, the company founded by Elon Musk. Starlink differs from broadband internet as it utilises satellites and doesn’t have any infrastructure on the ground.
How Does Starlink Work?
Unlike traditional internet services that use fibre optic cables, Starlink operates through a network of satellites. Ground stations transmit radio signals to these satellites in space, which then bounce the data back to Starlink users on Earth. This satellite-based technology has been in use for many years.
Deeper Dive into Starlink
As mentioned above, Starlink has a comination of both satelittles that orbit the earth and ground stations that help emit signals between ground stations and users.
Satellites in Space
Approximately 340 miles (550km) above Earth, Starlinks stand-alone constellations operate, which allows for low orbit satellite internet.
Ground Stations
These satellites are connected with ground stations that are wired to data centres permitting internet traffic to pass through.
User Terminals (Dish & Router)
The users of Starlink are provided with a satellite dish that has a built in router which links to the closest satellite to obtain an internet signal.
Dependeble Internet
Latency, or ‘lag’, is much lower because Starlink relies on satellites orbiting the earth instead of large satellites stationed further away. With the lower height, the satellites have better coverage and are more dependable.
Who Can Use Starlink?
Starlink was created for people living in remote places and deep countryside where options for high speed internet are limited or entirely missing. However, it can also be utilised by companies, tourists, and people working for emergency services who require an internet connection in remote areas.
3 Advantages of Using Starlink
Starlink is a great option for people living rurally or those moving around the country. Here are three advantages of using Starlink:
Can Be Accessed Just About Everywhere
Starlink, unlike other broadband services that depend on fiber or cable lines, can be used anywhere there is an unobstructed view of the sky. It is perfect for rural, remote, and off-grid areas which didn’t have any access to high-speed internet before.
Quicker Than Old-School Satellite Internet
Starlink has and will always be quicker than traditional satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Viasat, who have satellites in geostationary orbit (35,000 km above Earth), this position creates a high latency. Instead, Starlink focuses on a low-Earth orbit at 550 km which significantly improves latency.
User-Friendly Installation and Relocation
Starlink is provided in a self-installation kit that includes a satellite dish, a router, and other cables. To set it up, simply put the dish outside where there’s a clear view of the sky.
Is Starlink Availble in The UK?
Starlink is also available here in the United Kingdom for homes, businesses and even people in moving vehicles like caravans and boats, especially for people that live in rural parts of the UK where broadband infrastructure is not as reliable.
How Can I Get Starlink?
Getting Starlink is a fairly straight forward process. To get Starlink follow these few steps:
Check Availability: Go to Starlink’s website and put in your address.
Order Your Kit: If you qualify for Starlink service in your area, you can order and pay for the equipment.
Install The Dish: The kit comes with a satellite dish, router and cables, which you have to set up, The dish should be mounted outside where it can see the sky.
Connect and Set Up: Set up the router, connect your devices, then you can start using high-speed satellite internet.
