tldr; Starlink, Elon Musk’s internet service brainchild, is certainly a game-changer in the satellite broadband space, delivering high-speed internet in the most remote corners of the world. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s a stroke of genius that’s hard to ignore.
Tech Specs
- Internet via low Earth orbit satellites.
- Download speeds: 50 Mbps to 150 Mbps.
- Upload speeds: Up to 40 Mbps.
- Latency: 20ms to 40ms.
- Service availability: Globally (dependent on local regulations).
- Kit includes: Satellite dish, modem, power supply, and mounting tripod.
- Power draw: Average of 100W.
- Operating temperature: -30°C to 40°C.
What We Loved (and What Made Us Meh)
Here’s what made our techie hearts flutter:
- Impressive download and upload speeds.
- Low latency for satellite internet.
- Set-up is a breeze.
- Service availability in remote locations.
- Smooth streaming and gaming experience.
- Sturdy and durable hardware.
And here’s what made us go “Meh”:
- Pricier than most traditional broadband services.
- Occasional service dropouts.
- High power consumption. Your electricity bill may go “ouch!”
- Heavy and bulky dish. Not exactly portable.
- Unpredictable service availability during peak times.
- Customer service could use a boost.
Starlink is a bold venture into the future of internet connectivity. It’s an audacious endeavor from the house of SpaceX, and we have to admit, it’s impressive. The service delivers on speed, with numbers that are a cut above traditional satellite internet.
The set-up is a piece of cake – even our office cat could do it (with supervision, of course). It’s as simple as placing the dish under an open sky, plugging it in, and voila – you’re connected to the Internet, possibly from the middle of nowhere.
However, like a cake that’s a bit too rich, Starlink does come with its share of excesses. The service is pricey, and the dish draws a decent amount of power. Let’s just say, your electricity bill might start looking a tad portly.
And then there’s the occasional dropout. It’s like that friend who suddenly decides to go AWOL in the middle of a conversation. But hey, it’s still in the beta phase and we’re told improvements are on the way.
As for customer service, let’s just say they seem to have borrowed a page from the book of traditional cable companies. It’s not terrible, but it’s not winning any awards either.
But, for those living off the grid, or in areas where traditional broadband is as rare as a unicorn, Starlink is a godsend. It’s the promise of high-speed internet, delivered.
Verdict
⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
It’s a promising service with a few kinks that need ironing out. But then again, Rome wasn’t built in a day, nor a stable satellite internet service, it seems.
Would we buy it?
If we were living in a remote cabin in the woods? Absolutely. In a bustling city with plenty of broadband options? Probably not.
Value for Money
For those in remote locations, it’s priceless. For the rest, you might need to weigh the pros and cons.