Starlink adjusts constantly and automatically, switching satellites many times per minute for seamless connection, while the dish itself needs little manual adjustment after initial setup unless physically moved or obstructed by new obstacles like trees or buildings. Software updates typically roll out every two weeks, installing in the background, but physical alignment is key and handled by the dish's technology once correctly positioned.
Once Starlink is properly set up with no obstructions and proper alignment, you will not be required to adjust it again in the future. The Standard Kit is first set up by the user manually adjusting the Starlink with guidance from the Alignment Tool in the Starlink App.
Yes — during peak network times, speeds may temporarily decrease. This slowdown can occur when many users are online simultaneously. Starlink dynamically manages network traffic to optimize performance for all customers, but you may still notice reduced speeds during these periods.
Starlink Standard Actuated and Starlink Performance (Gen 1) will automatically level itself to search for satellites overhead. Do NOT attempt to manually adjust your Starlink. For Starlink Standard and Starlink Mini, use the alignment tool to position Starlink to connect to satellites overhead.
The Starlink "2-month rule" means that if you're using a Mobile Regional plan (or sometimes standard residential plans with portability) outside your registered service country for more than 60 consecutive days (about two months), you must update your service address to the new location or risk service suspension, as Starlink requires usage within authorized regions on their map, forcing you to change your account to avoid being cut off.
Disadvantages of Starlink:
The $200 Starlink deal typically refers to a temporary discount on the Starlink Mini Kit hardware, reducing its price from around $499 to $299 for portable, on-the-go internet, often part of seasonal promotions or to boost subscribers in less congested areas, with some areas also offering significant savings on the standard dish for fixed locations. These deals make Starlink more accessible, focusing on specific hardware (like the Mini) or regional availability where network capacity allows for more users, but availability and specific terms change frequently.
Examples that lead to intermittent connection:
Obstructions. Installation outside of service address. Improper Starlink installation and/or router placement. Hardware & cable damage.
When setting up your Starlink Standard or Starlink Mini, you will need to be sure your Starlink is properly aligned. This means that your Starlink needs to point towards the part of the sky where it spends the most time communicating with satellites overhead. Click here to view a video on how to align your Starlink.
It's not a simple "yes" or "no"; 5G is generally faster in urban areas with strong coverage, offering lower latency and higher peak speeds, while Starlink is often faster and more reliable in rural/remote areas where 5G coverage is poor or non-existent, providing consistent speeds where terrestrial options fail. Starlink excels with its low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network for remote access, but can experience congestion; 5G's speed depends heavily on proximity to cell towers and network traffic.
A 2GB file takes ~2.5 minutes to download on 500 Mbps. On 1 Gbps, it takes about 1 minute. The difference grows when multiple people are streaming, gaming, or working online at the same time.
Starlink is focused on making network enhancements which will enable gigabit speeds starting in the most remote places on Earth with the Performance Kit. Service plan upgrades will be available in 2026.
SpaceX: Don't worry about cutting down trees to get a Starlink signal anymore. SpaceX says a new Starlink upgrade can keep the satellite internet flowing — even if trees partially block your home's view of the sky.
Stated speeds below and the uninterrupted use of the Services is not guaranteed. Actual speeds may be lower than expected speeds during times of high usage. Performance varies based on location, time of day and the precedence Starlink gives your data in the network based on your Service Plan.
Peak hours are the times during the day when many Starlink users are trying to use their service at the same time (typically between 6pm and 11pm local time). While we do our best to optimize performance for all users, you may experience varying or slower speeds during these times of peak usage.
According to the latest user reports and speed test data, typical Starlink download speed ranges between 45–280 Mbps, with most users experiencing speeds above 100 Mbps during off-peak hours. Upload speeds generally fall between 10–30 Mbps, while latency averages 25–60 ms on land.
5.0 GHz is significantly faster than 2.4 GHz for Wi-Fi, offering higher speeds and less interference, ideal for streaming and gaming close to the router; 2.4 GHz provides greater range and better wall penetration but with slower speeds, making it better for older devices or areas far from the router. Think of 5 GHz as a fast but shorter highway, and 2.4 GHz as a slower highway that goes further but gets more traffic jams.
If your Starlink is misaligned or laid flat, you may experience service interruptions due to the rainwater accumulating. Please ensure you keep your Starlink in the tilted position with the provided kickstand to prevent service dropouts.
A Starlink satellite has a lifespan of approximately five years and SpaceX eventually hopes to have as many as 42,000 satellites in this so-called megaconstellation.
Starlink's disadvantages include high upfront and monthly costs, the necessity for a clear sky view (hindered by trees/buildings), weather interference (heavy rain/snow), variable speeds during peak hours, and challenging customer support (no phone). It also demands physical installation, has potential for data caps on some plans, and is often less ideal than fiber if available, although it's excellent for remote areas.
Service starting at $50/mo. Bring your internet with you while traveling anywhere in over 100 live markets. Camp in the most remote areas across the world with high-speed internet. Connect in territorial and inland waterways, with optional open-ocean coverage.
You can get Starlink for free (or heavily discounted) through limited-time promotions like a free hardware kit with a 12-month Residential plan commitment in specific low-congestion areas, or by receiving an invitation for a free Mini dish for loyal customers, but most options involve using a referral link for a free month of service, requiring an existing subscriber to share their code, which gives both parties a free month after the new user pays for their first month and remains active.
Opted-in to additional Local Priority or Global Priority data and surpassed the included data amount of your service plan, the charge will be on the following bill. This may cause your bill to be higher than previous months.