Until recently, Starlink was only seen as a way to connect to the Internet in remote areas. Many users now install this system at home. Regular power outages made thousands of Ukrainians interested in Starlink. This especially applies to IT specialists and representatives of professions that are highly dependent on access to the World Wide Web.
In the article, we will touch on the main questions that arise for those who wish to purchase such a device. How to buy, how much does it cost, what is the subscription fee, where to install, how much energy does it consume, how to connect and configure? Let’s deal with the most common nuances and try to explain them “on the fingers” so that it is clear to all categories of users.
What is it and why?
Starlink is a satellite communication system that allows you to access the Internet almost anywhere on the globe. These devices are manufactured by SpaceX. The system consists of satellites in orbit and receivers that can be purchased for personal use.
Roughly speaking, satellite dishes for television, which were popular 10-15 years ago, work on a similar principle. The receiver (dish) and the satellite exchange data with each other. This is how Starlink works, providing access to the Internet.
Course
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Become a professional financial manager and earn from $500 in 2 months.
REGISTER!
Why use such a system when there is a mobile network? Transmission speed and signal stability are the main problems of mobile communication. Operators and receiver manufacturers boast about the new 4G, 5G standards, but in real conditions the speed still rarely exceeds the capabilities of 3G networks.
In good conditions, you won’t always be able to get a stable 50 Mbps from your mobile phone. And in the event of a power outage, only the truly lucky will be able to use a smartphone at a speed of 500 Kbit/s. A significant part will go to the “stone” age with a Dial-UP speed of 56 Kbit/s, or will simply remain without coverage. Everything is very individual, depends on the region and place of residence.
Starlink provides consistently high speed. It will work anywhere and allow you to comfortably use the Internet. The ping will be slightly higher than with a fiber connection, but this is not critical.
Areas of use and alternatives
There are many professions that depend on the Internet. Such people need uninterrupted access to the network. It would be possible to purchase an inverter and connect routers/modems during power outages. But not everything is so simple. The substations of the leading providers are also “covered” when the electricity is turned off. It all depends on which power supply line the amplifier is on, whether there is a backup power source, etc.
If the user still has access to the Internet during a power outage, Starlink will be redundant. It is easier to buy a charging station or an inverter with a battery and power stationary network equipment. Everything seems to be clear with this. What about 4G routers with boosters?
All mobile phones (even the top ones) are equipped with relatively weak signal receivers. The smartphone shows a good result only in ideal conditions. During the period of high workload, they are not able to cope with their task. The speed drops catastrophically, so handing out Internet by phone is the worst option. There are autonomous routers that support Ukrainian telecommunications operators.
External antennas can be connected to some models. They will significantly strengthen the signal. If you are lucky, the speed will be sufficient for comfortable work on the Internet. It is important to consider the individual geographical factor. IN
In different regions, mobile communication shows itself in different ways. It is impossible to write universal instructions for residents of Kyiv, Lutsk, Kherson and some backward village in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. If this method does not suit you – then only Starlink.
Starlinks have become popular precisely because they do not have a worthy alternative. It’s like all-terrain vehicles. They are not very practical, expensive, but will pass where all comfortable cars get stuck or break down. Starlink is the only way to get high-speed Internet where there is no coverage of mobile operators and leading operators do not work.
Types of Starlink
Ordinary users are primarily interested in Residental tariffs. There are special models and tariffs for transport, aviation, business. Price and speed can vary greatly. Businesses often use Starlink’s high-speed business rates. It will be too expensive for personal use. Shops and bulletin boards mostly sell basic mods for the private sector.
All tariffs and models can be found on the official website.
Business subscribers will have to pay a monthly fee of $500. Also, you need to add $2,500 for equipment. In this, the company guarantees speed from 150 to 500 Mbit/s.
Regarding the basic tariff. The official website indicates a subscription fee of $75 and $600 for equipment (as of 01/09/23). The discounted price will remain in effect until the company revises it. The connection package includes a terminal (antenna), a branded Wi-Fi router and a cable 20-30 meters long. Speed is promised up to 150 Mbit/s, ping 20-30 milliseconds.
There are different models of terminals and physically. There are standard and more powerful antennas. They have different dimensions, equipment, power consumption level and maximum speed. For basic needs, choose the “STANDARD” set, and the more expensive “HIGH PERFORMANCE” is suitable for business.
How to buy Starlink?
Let’s consider three ways to purchase a device in Ukraine. Let’s start with the least rational.
Buybacks
A difficult time for the state is a good time for speculators. Many sellers want to cash in on people’s problems. You can buy Starlink from them and support their families financially. The cost can be much higher than the official one. There are no guarantees. If problems arise, the user will be left alone.
Most of these sellers buy terminals abroad much cheaper, and bring them here exclusively for the purpose of profit. Everyone decides personally whether to buy from them.
Official site
It is better to buy Starlink on the official website. It is also interesting that the company SpaceX does not consider Crimea to be the territory of Ukraine. But there is another problem. Availability for Ukraine in “WAITLIST” status. That is, prepare for serious delays. It’s hard to say a typical time to get your official kit. You specify your delivery address, pay part of the funds and wait.
Stores
You can buy a terminal in online stores. This option is somewhat more reliable compared to resellers. The user will be sure that he will not be abandoned. The prices do not exactly correspond to the official ones. Also, pay attention to the tariff that comes with the kit. In any case, it is better to buy in a store through a cash register than to transfer funds to a “baryza” who sells scarce goods.
Offers from shops on Hotline.
How to connect and configure Starlink?
So, the buyer has already received his Elon Musk networking kit. How to make it work? The “plug and play” terminal in its pure form. Only a few movements are required from its owner.
The procedure is as simple as possible:
- We unpack the device;
- We insert the router and power cables;
- We connect the antenna;
- We install the terminal on the stand;
- Download the program;
- Log in;
- We wait a few minutes for the antenna to catch the signal;
- We use high-speed Internet;
The antenna automatically turns and finds the optimal location. It is enough to make sure that nothing prevents the terminal from receiving the signal. It is best to put it on the roof of a multi-story building or take it out into the open space.
It is easier for those who live in the private sector. A spacious balcony is also suitable, although the speed will not be the same as on the roof. You should not be afraid that the receiver will freeze. The manufacturer assures that Starlink works at temperatures up to -30 degrees Celsius.
It can be controlled from a mobile application. When setting up for the first time, you will have to create a password and a login. Setting up a regular router from the store is no more difficult.
That’s it, you can use high-speed Internet and watch the neighbors trying to catch at least some signal from their flagship mobile phone.
Energy consumption and autonomy
Using official data, the device consumes between 50 and 75 watts if you choose the standard configuration.
A more powerful version needs 110-150 W. This is quite a lot for network equipment. A gaming laptop consumes about the same amount.
The device is powered by the network, there is no battery. Knowing the level of energy consumption, you can calculate the estimated operating time from an uninterrupted source. Let’s consider the example of the basic model and choose the average value of 60 W.
For the tenth hour of autonomous operation, you will have to use a charging station or a 650-700 W * h battery. But this is only for the terminal. If you plan to charge a laptop or other equipment, the battery will drain much faster.
Allpowers S700 606Wh charging station is enough for 8-9 hours of work. The asking price is 27,000 hryvnias. Is there something easier to eat? Consider the possibility of using an inverter and a gel (traction) battery.
A 70Ah battery and a 1200W inverter will cost much less. You can assemble an analogue of a charging station almost twice as cheaply. It will have a shorter resource, because lithium batteries will last longer than gel batteries and such a battery takes longer to charge.
Gel battery MAXX 12-FM-70 70AH 12V UAH 9900
Car inverter TECHNAXX TE16 power inverter 1200W UAH 4900
With such a battery and inverter, you can count on 8-10 hours of autonomous operation of the Starlink terminal.
Conclusions
Starlink remains an indispensable type of equipment. These terminals have no worthy analogues and are in great demand. The high cost of content does not repel users. Many depend on Internet access. It is for stability and good speed that buyers are ready to pay $75 per month.
We have considered different methods of purchase, level of energy consumption, method of connection and other nuances that may be of interest to users before purchase.
First, make sure this is the only way you can get Internet access, because Starlink’s speed-to-cost ratio is terrible. Although for many, it became a real lifeline and returned access to the civilized digital world. We recommend reading our editorial review of the station itself:
Overview of the Starlink terminal – the experience of using satellite Internet from SpaceX in the conditions of the Ukrainian metropolis
