SpaceX ’s Starlink has quickly become a popular internet provider for those in areas where traditional cable’s length and fibre internet are slow or unavailable .
You might inquire what makes Starlink different to other , more conventional internet providers . Keep reading to learn everything you want to bang about Starlink .
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite configuration owned by Starlink Services , a subsidiary of US aerospace company SpaceX.
The satellite configuration is used to render high - speed , low - latency cyberspace to Starlink customers in more than 100 land and soil around the world .
In thecompany ’s own Scripture , “ Starlink is the world ’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet adequate to of supporting streaming , on-line gaming , video cry and more ” .
As well as furnish net for homes and businesses , Starlink applied science has been used to replace destroy communication networks in Ukraine , with the company later signing contracts with the US Department of Defense .
Why would anyone use Starlink?
There are a duad of intellect hoi polloi and business organization might opt to use Starlink over competing internet provider .
Firstly , SpaceX is the only satellite wheeler dealer capable of launching its own satellites as needed . This makes it possible for Starlink to frequently update its artificial satellite with the newest technical school . In fact , as of January 2025 , there are 6994 Starlink planet in orbit , 6957 of which are act . ( via Space.com )
On top of this , Starlink satellites orb the Earth at a much cheeseparing distance compared to individual orbiter . It need less time for data to move between the satellites and the major planet and so the latent period is significantly depleted for Starlink . harmonize to the company , latency sits at around 25ms compared to 600ms and gamey for competitors .
A low-toned latent period intend better support for more intensive activity , from online gaming to video cyclosis to group discussion career .
Is Starlink faster than 5G?
While Starlink is often faster and declare oneself abject reaction time compared to traditional cable and fibre networks , 5 G still comes out on top in most representative .
Depending on where you ’re situate , you might receive that Starlink and 5 G offer like performance . However , 5 G is theoretically open of attain speeds between 10 and 20 Gbps , whereas Starlink can reach maximum speed of 250 Mbps for received service or 500 Mbps for business service .
Where Starlink does have the edge is in more rural areas where 5 one thousand might not have the same reportage . For people in these locations , Starlink can be a heavy solution .
Can I get Starlink in the UK?
Yes , you could get Starlink in the UK . The service of process has been useable here since 2021 and covers the vast majority of the country .
you could see an up - to - date view of where Starlink is useable onStarlink ’s coverage map , with many field marked ‘ available ’ and others ‘ coming soon ’ or even ‘ sold out ’ .
Does Starlink work anywhere?
Starlink is uncommitted in many regions across the populace , including expectant parts of Australia , Europe , North America and South America . Many locating – including the majority of Africa , Antarctica and Asia – are still mark as ‘ coming soon ’ onStarlink ’s coverage mapas of us issue this guide .
There are also some areas that are melanize out on the map , include Afghanistan , Belarus , China , North Korea , Iran , Russia and Syria .
How much does Starlink internet cost?
Starlink net does n’t come cheap ( at least in the UK ) with Starlink ’s Residential design start at $ 30 / £ 75 a month for households . There ’s also a Roam program for RV owner and digital nomads which start at £ 50 a calendar month .
For businesses , the architectural plan start at $ 71 / £ 80 a calendar month for the Fixed Site program , with that terms increasing to £ 206 a calendar month for the Land Mobility and Maritime plans which suffice nomadic business organisation on land and in the sea .
You ’ll also need to grade the Starlink Kit , which include a satellite antenna and Wi - Fi router among other thing . These kit commence at $ 349 / £ 299 and go up to $ 2500 / £ 1,199 depending on the plan you need .
Why did Ontario cancel its Starlink contract?
SpaceX ’s Starlink has made headline late for losing a contract bridge with Ontario in response to a 25 % tariff placed on Canada by the US .
Starlink had been cut to bring eminent - swiftness internet to 15,000 homes and business across Ontario , admit ones in rural communities , by June 2025 ( via The Guardian ) .
