Starlink

[bdhsfz6]

Those sound like new enough devices that there shouldn't be a bandwidth issue with the hardware, so that is great news.

I agree that device to the internet is what matters. The two other Starlink speed tests help diagnose if there is and issue, and where there it might be, so whatever is limiting can be fixed. Given how close all your devices are to the router, I would start by splitting the 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks (under settings in the app "Split network"), and then only telling your devices about the 5GHz network.

All the best,

Peter

Good advice! I'll play around with the 5G a bit. A few of my older connected devices are not compatible with 5G though.

Unfortunately, the predicted high wind & rain will keep me off the roof for the next 5 days or so.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Give it a little time. It will fine tune its aim and settings in the first day or so.

Also, after making sure you have solid network connection from your devices to your router just spend some time running real world usage scenarios. Too often people get stuck on speed testing and don't just look at whether the service is meeting the actual needs you have for your ISP. Stream video from a few devices. Connect to your work VPN and make a VOIP call at the same time. See how it actually works with real use. You'll be very happy.

In over a year of paying very close attention to Starlink from many aspects I've NEVER encountered someone who was dissatisfied with the actual Internet capability from a speed or latency perspective (assuming they didn't have a bunch of obstructions). You don't even hear gamers fussing about it in the last 6+ months. If you are unobstructed it WILL be just fine for you.

Rob

I've also been following this thread, and a few others as well. I agree, almost everyone is a satisfied customer. For most however, Starlink is their only option for high speed internet. for them, the Starlink speeds of 50 down and 8 up that I'm getting, are a dream come true.

There are a few, myself included, that have access to wireless internet from the likes of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. These systems provide close to the same speeds at half the cost.

I know I was thrilled to go from DSL speeds of 1.5 down & .3 up to the 50/8 I'm getting with Verizon 4G LTE. You can see why I'm a bit disappointed when I'm getting very little improvement with Starlink.

Your point about real world testing is well taken however. Unlike DSL, the 4G LTE service allows my wife & I to stream HD and some 4K video without buffering. We were able to boost the resolution on our security cameras to maximum due to the increased bandwidth. Zoom sessions are now smooth with no interruptions. We are now able to send large video files almost instantaneously. So far, 4G LTE seems to meet all our needs.

My earlier statement about dumping Starlink was just a knee jerk reaction. I fully intend to give the system a chance and see what it does over time in comparison to the 4G LTE service.

Thanks for your input!

 

[kcflhrc]

My 4G LTE with AT&T works well and for $23 a month it's a bargain. It will typically run 30 down and 10 up. Never had an issue with anything buffering and Zoom worked well when my wife was working from home. My neighbor got the T-Mobile Home Internet and he's running 50 down and 30 up. Hard to beat that option either for $50 a month. StarLink definitely has it's place where user's have no options but when you do have options it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay $500 for equipment and then $100 a month.

 

[BigBlue1]

I've also been following this thread, and a few others as well. I agree, almost everyone is a satisfied customer. For most however, Starlink is their only option for high speed internet. for them, the Starlink speeds of 50 down and 8 up that I'm getting, are a dream come true.

There are a few, myself included, that have access to wireless internet from the likes of Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc. These systems provide close to the same speeds at half the cost.

You have a valid point about those folks with options. If you have access to landline ISPs with faster prices and less money it would be a pretty hard thing not to choose over Starlink just because there are fewer moving parts in the connection path.

That said, there aren't many (any?) reports of people consistently getting 50Mb/s with Starlink (that are not also obstructed). The speeds do vary though. Sometimes it is down in the 80Mb/s range for me. Sometimes it is up in the 2xx range. Sat proximity, distance, angle and system load all play a part. I do have faith that as the constellation reaches full capacity (it's at something like 2500-3000 sats now out of a 12,000 design) things will become more 'standard' with the speeds.

 

[bdhsfz6]

You have a valid point about those folks with options. If you have access to landline ISPs with faster prices and less money it would be a pretty hard thing not to choose over Starlink just because there are fewer moving parts in the connection path.

That said, there aren't many (any?) reports of people consistently getting 50Mb/s with Starlink (that are not also obstructed). The speeds do vary though. Sometimes it is down in the 80Mb/s range for me. Sometimes it is up in the 2xx range. Sat proximity, distance, angle and system load all play a part. I do have faith that as the constellation reaches full capacity (it's at something like 2500-3000 sats now out of a 12,000 design) things will become more 'standard' with the speeds.

The 50/8 speeds I quoted for my 4G LTE wireless service are the max I've seen. They also vary and can drop to 20/5 on occasion. Perhaps the 51/8 Starlink speeds I recorded earlier are minimum and will rise over time. I'll do more testing when I get the system back up.

 

[lman]

Do you have to be pretty close to a cell tower to get the internet plans from cell companies. I noticed that none show as available when I put my address in on their sites. I can use my cell phone if I'm outside or near a window.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Do you have to be pretty close to a cell tower to get the internet plans from cell companies. I noticed that none show as available when I put my address in on their sites. I can use my cell phone if I'm outside or near a window.

In general, the closer you are to a serving tower, the faster your internet data speeds will be. This is especially true for 5G service.

Not all cell towers have the necessary equipment installed to provide this service though.

 

[ponytug]

Do you have to be pretty close to a cell tower to get the internet plans from cell companies. I noticed that none show as available when I put my address in on their sites. I can use my cell phone if I'm outside or near a window.

Yes, as @bdhsfz6 wrote, closer is better, and do check that home internet is supported.

If your signal is that weak, it may not ever work well. Your best bet is to use a cell phone repeater/amplifier/booster for LTE data/internet to be effective. For the best results in a weak signal area, you probably want an LTE modem that can take dual antennas that could be hooked up to dual antennas (rotated 90 deg apart, pointed toward the best cell signal, which may not be where the tower is). Not every cell company supports them, and you will get the best results from using whomever is closest/strongest. So, yes, potentially a dual antenna port LTE modem, two LPGA antennas, and possibly twin amplifiers just to find out if it works.

This is one of those occasions when it pays to shop around.

Good luck,

Peter

 

[jk96]

From Starlink
Due to excessive levels of inflation, the price of the Starlink kit is increasing from $499 to $549 for deposit holders, and $599 for all new orders, effective today. In addition, the Starlink monthly service price will increase from $99 to $110. The new price will apply to your subscription on 5/4/2022.

The sole purpose of these adjustments is to keep pace with rising inflation. If you do not wish to continue your service, you can cancel at any time and return your Starlink hardware within your first year of service for a partial refund of $200. If you have received your Starlink in the past 30 days, you can return it for a full refund.

Since launching our public beta service in October 2020, the Starlink team has tripled the number of satellites in orbit, quadrupled the number of ground stations and made continuous improvements to our network. Going forward, users can expect Starlink to maintain its cadence of continuous network improvements as well as new feature additions.

Thank you for being a Starlink customer and your continued support!

The Starlink Team

 

[JethroB]

Ten and twenty percent increases, that’s pretty bold.