Satellite Internet has always been an alternative to traditional solutions, but with the arrival of Starlink, connectivity has taken a quantum leap in terms of performance and accessibility. Developed by SpaceX, Starlink promises high-speed Internet access even in the most remote areas. But how does this technology work, and is it a viable business solution?
Starlink: What is SpaceX's satellite Internet?
Starlink is a satellite Internet service developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX. The aim is to provide high-speed Internet access worldwide, particularly in regions poorly served by terrestrial infrastructures like fibre optics or ADSL.
The service is based on a constellation of thousands of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, located at an altitude of around 550 km. Unlike traditional geostationary satellites (located 36,000 km away), Starlink's satellites deliver significantly reduced latency, finally making satellite viable for streaming, cloud applications, and video conferencing.
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Starlink Internet: How does it work?
Starlink's operation is based on three main technical components:
- LEO Constellation: Lasers interconnect these satellites to transmit data between users and ground stations.
- Starlink Antenna: An electronic phased-array antenna that automatically orients itself to track satellites across the sky.
- WiFi Router: The latest kits now feature Wi-Fi 6 technology to ensure better speed distribution and range within buildings.
Installation is designed to be "Plug & Play". Once the antenna has a clear view of the sky, it calibrates automatically via the mobile app. However, for businesses, professional installation is recommended to ensure security and optimal placement.
Why choose Starlink Internet?
Starlink offers several strategic advantages over traditional copper or 4G solutions:
- Universal Coverage: Ideal for rural areas, mountains, or "not-spots" where fibre is unavailable.
- Low Latency: Between 25ms and 40ms, comparable to terrestrial VDSL.
- Business Continuity: It serves as the ultimate backup link because it is physically independent of the terrestrial cable network (immune to cable cuts).
- Mobility: "Roam" plans enable connectivity for vehicles and temporary sites.
What Internet speeds does Starlink deliver?
Performance varies based on location and network congestion, but averages in Europe/UK are consistent:
- Download speeds: Generally 100–250 Mbps.
- Upload speeds: 10–25 Mbps.
- Latency: 25–40 ms.
Note: "Business" plans offer "Priority Data" to ensure consistent speeds during peak usage hours.
Starlink Internet FAQs
How much does Starlink cost?
Hardware prices have dropped significantly to compete with fibre:
- Hardware Kit (Antenna + Router): Approx. €349 / £299 (often lower during promotions).
- Consumer Subscription: Approx. €40-50 / £75 per month.
- Business Subscription: Starts from approx. €50 / £80 per month (excluding VAT) for priority data plans.
Is Starlink suitable for businesses?
Yes. Starlink Business features a high-performance antenna, priority support, and a public IP option. It is increasingly used for SD-WAN deployments as a redundant link.
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Who installs Starlink in the UK/Europe?
While individuals can self-install, businesses often require roof mounting, cable runs, and network integration. Managed Service Providers (MSPs) like Wifirst offer turnkey installation and supervision services for multi-site companies.
Is Starlink legal?
Yes, Starlink is fully licensed to operate in the UK (by Ofcom) and throughout the EU.
Is Starlink faster than fibre?
In most cases, a dedicated fibre line (FTTO) will still offer lower latency and higher stability. Starlink is positioned as the best alternative where fibre is missing, or as the best backup solution available.
Conclusion
Starlink has revolutionized satellite Internet, transforming it from a last-resort option into a high-performance connectivity solution. For businesses, it is now a critical asset for connecting remote sites or securing operations against network outages.
As a B2B connectivity expert, Wifirst integrates Starlink into professional networks with enterprise-grade security and support. Contact us to discuss your connectivity needs.
