In a nutshell, Starlink is a great solution for getting fast, reliable broadband to rural properties with limited alternatives. It is our opinion that full-fibre broadband is always the best option where it’s available. If you can’t get full fibre broadband then Starlink offers ultra-fast speeds and is the next best thing.

A Starlink dish connects to multiple “low orbit” satellites to connect you to fast internet with relatively low latency. In our experience the service is superior to and more reliable than 4G and offers faster speeds than traditional “copper-line” broadband.

 

Due to the nature of Starlink the speed you’ll receive is not fixed. Every speed test will be different and a standard residential connection can vary from around 100Mbps up to 350Mbps and more. The service is very reliable and the equipment is extremely robust.

Starlink residential is the best solution for most in a single static location. In this case the standard Starlink kit is required. No additional attachments are required, we provide installation equipment including the pole adapter, pole, fixings etc. The kit will cost £299 + postage, with £75 per month for unlimited service. You can expect 150-300Mbps download speeds on the standard residential plan.

You might prefer a portable solution: In this case the Starlink Mini is a great solution and can be used in different locations as required. Consideration needs to be given to where the equipment is to be installed. A Starlink mini installed at the roofline may not be easy to retrieve if you intend to use it as a portable unit. The Starlink mini currently costs £399 + postage for equipment and £96 per month for unlimited service. You can expect 100Mbps+ download speeds on the roaming plan.

Both of the above options work using “CGNAT” which means you cannot have or utilise a static IP address. If this means nothing to you then it probably won’t be a problem. If you have any special networking requirements let us know and we’ll confirm if a static IP address is required.

There is also a business grade solution and plan available and this can be investigated if required.

Pricing provided above is correct as on 01/11/2024 and prices include VAT. Source: Starlink.com.

On a typical residential installation we would aim to install the dish at the roofline of the property facing North-West and the dish would require a clear view of the sky at all times to operate optimally. This installation is usually completed using a short pole, a mount (on the wall) and a special adapter to hold the dish to the pole.

 

We then run a cable from the dish to within the property where the main Wi-Fi router would be located. From here we’d extend the network throughout the property as required.
 
 
 
Installation to different kinds of properties including caravans, chalets and non-permanent structures might vary slightly but the idea will always be the same. Get in touch if you have special requirements, we're happy to help.

We recommend TP-Link’s Wi-Fi solutions. Deco Mesh Wi-Fi provides a great solution for getting Wi-Fi around the property from multiple locations. Alternatively Omada business networking can provide the same solution at a managed business grade.

 
Both solutions provide mesh Wi-Fi which is one Wi-Fi network from multiple locations for the best possible coverage. This also provides you with multiple ethernet ports to hard-wire your devices where required. We’ll talk through these options with you when surveying.