Starlink Internet Review: Low Satellites, High Pricing
Starlink's low-orbiting satellites offer decent speeds and unlimited data, but at a high price.
Starlink Internet Plans
Starlink offers a range of internet plans with different speeds and data allotments. The Standard plan, priced at $120 per month, provides speeds of 25-220Mbps and unlimited data. The Priority plan costs between $140 and $500 per month, depending on the data allotment, and offers the same speed range. Starlink also has mobile plans available, with prices ranging from $150 to $200 per month for standard unlimited data and $250 to $5,000 per month for mobile priority data.
While these prices may seem high compared to traditional cable or fiber connections, they are competitive with other rural internet options like Hughesnet and Viasat. Both of these services can cost as much or more per month and may offer slower speeds, higher latency, and lower data allowances.
The Benefits Help Justify the Cost
Despite the high price, Starlink offers several benefits that can help justify the cost. One major advantage is the unlimited data included in the plans. Unlike other satellite internet services that have data caps, Starlink provides truly unlimited data. Additionally, Starlink plans do not have contracts, so customers are not locked into a long-term commitment.
Starlink also boasts low latency, which refers to the time it takes for information to travel between the user and the provider. Traditional satellite internet services have high latency due to their geostationary orbit, but Starlink's low-orbiting satellites have significantly lower latency. This makes activities like online gaming and video calls smoother and less laggy.
Setup Seems Surprisingly Simple
Setting up Starlink is relatively straightforward. Customers need to install a small satellite dish at their homes to receive the signal and connect it to their routers. Starlink provides various mounting options for different locations, and their app offers augmented reality features to assist in finding the best position for the dish.
Professional installation is not required, unlike other satellite internet services like Hughesnet and Viasat. This simplifies the setup process and eliminates the need for additional upfront costs associated with professional installations.
