Starlink Internet Speed: Is it Good for Businesses?

It wasn’t long ago we were yelling at someone in the house to “get off the phone” because we were trying to download an email. The idea of not being able to download something seems so far in the past, right?

Unfortunately, if you or your business reside in the rural areas of the country, that old-fashioned nightmare still holds, to some extent.

If you’re one of the 1.1 million small businesses that operate in a rural area, downloading anything might still be a cumbersome task due to the lack of internet options.  

If that hit a little too close to home, this blog is for you! SpaceX, led by Elon Musk has developed its own internet that is breaking all the physics of space, download speeds, and contractual obligations!

Here are the top 6 questions I get asked when discussing switching to Starlink:

1. What is Starlink?
2. How much does Starlink Cost?
3. How fast is Starlink?
4. Can my current equipment support Starlink?
5. What is the difference between Starlink and other satellite providers?
6. When isn’t Starlink right for me?
   
   

1. What is Starlink?

Starlink is a satellite-based internet provider owned by SpaceX. It features high-speed, low latency internet, allowing for video calls, online gaming, streaming, and other activities that were once unthinkable for satellite internet. Starlink is a great internet option for rural and remote communities, where internet service is usually unavailable or unreliable. This service is available in at least 35 countries.

Satellite internet is not a new service. It’s been around since the 1990s but has been slow to be a viable competitor to other high-speed internet services. For many rural businesses, satellite internet isn’t great, but it’s the only available option.

The most common satellite ISPs are:

• Verizon
• Hughes Net
• Viastat

If your curiosity is already piquing and you want to skip to their differences, click here!

2. How Much Does Starlink Cost?

Starlink’s pricing is based on your specific needs. Each package has a unique design and configuration to get the most of your satellite connection. The different services and their pricing are:

3. How Fast is Starlink Internet?

Starlink is still in early development, but users can expect download speeds of up to 350 Mbps, which is fantastic for many small rural businesses. According to satelliteinternet.com, the average satellite internet speed is 31 Mbps.

4. Can My Current Equipment Support Starlink?

Absolutely! When you purchase your Starlink device, it comes with everything you will need to replace your existing internet connection. Having set up both residential and business services, I can say the instructions are intuitive, making it super easy for even the least tech-savvy.

5. What is the Difference Between Starlink and Other Satellite Providers?

While the concept of how the internet is received is the same, there are some major differences between Starlink and its competitors. Here are a few key differences: 

• Internet Speed: Starlink outshines its competition by at least 10 times the download speed.
• Data Limits: Unlike most satellite providers, Starlink doesn’t have a limit on how much you can download before slowing down your speeds. 
• Contracts: With Starlink, there are no long-term contracts and no exclusivity requirements! 
• Constant Improvements: Starlink is dedicated to improving its service by launching more satellites into orbit. This will: increase speeds, lower latency, and provide an overall better level of connectivity.
  
  

6. When isn’t Starlink right for me?

All good things have a potential setback. And, while this question leans more toward an opinion, there are still some other factors that can contribute to making this decision. 

• Other ISPs available: Depending on your location, you may have Fiber internet available. If that is the case, fiber typically provides a faster, more stable connection than satellite. 
• Cost: Initial startup cost for Starlink can be a little pricey compared to a traditional ISP. Also, most Fiber-ISPs offer packages that may include options like phone and TV.
• Speed: Depending on your business needs, you may require a higher speed than what Starlink is capable of.
  
  

Is Starlink Right For You?

Interested in knowing if Starlink is right for your business? Omnis Technologies is available to help design a network plan that works for YOU!  Click here to connect with us today.