Quick Facts About Starlink Satellite Internet

Before diving into everything Starlink has to offer, we would like to take a step back and look at Starlink from the low-Earth orbit view. Here’s everything we know about Starlink thus far:

• Starlink is the third-largest satellite provider in the United States.
• Starlink currently provides coverage to over 10 million users across 150 countries, including the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Spain, Australia, Chile, and Brazil.
• Starlink has 10,398 satellites in orbit.
• SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket can carry up to 60 Starlink satellites into space. There have been 386 licensed launches of Starlink satellites, with one in five of all commercial space launches licensed by the FAA being Starlink launches.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved Starlink’s use of satellites in moving vehicles, and Starlink is now offering roaming services for RVs and maritime services. Starlink also provides in-flight Wi-Fi on various commercial planes, including Emirates, United, and Hawaiian.
• Experts expect Starlink to profit between $30 billion and $50 billion annually once the satellite launches and expansions are complete.

Starlink Satellite Internet Availability

Starlink is one of the latest satellite internet providers in the United States, alongside Viasat and HughesNet. Since its launch, Starlink has become a leading satellite provider, offering faster speeds than its competitors and comparable monthly rates.

Starlink expects to have 12,000 satellites in orbit to achieve basic coverage and 42,000 by the time all is said and done. As of May 2026, Starlink has 10,398 satellites in orbit and is launching approximately 120 satellites monthly. That said, Starlink is already the third-largest satellite internet provider in the U.S., and it is currently providing internet coverage to over 10 million users across 150 countries internationally.

Starlink Satellite Internet Connections

* Speeds referenced are maximum available speeds, are not guaranteed, and will be slower during times of congestion.

Starlink Plans: Residential vs. Roam

Starlink Residential is designed for a permanent address, offering higher network priority and more consistent performance. This option is ideal for the average household with streaming, gaming, and general internet needs. With 100 Mbps, 200 Mbps, and 400 Mbps options, customers can choose a speed plan that meets their needs and even rivals the speeds offered by wired internet connections.

Starlink Roam is built for digital nomads, RVers, and travelers who need connectivity on the go. While Roam data is deprioritized behind Residential and Business users during peak hours (which may result in slower speeds in congested areas), it offers the unique ability to pause and unpause service as needed.

Starlink Satellite Internet Equipment

Unlike other satellite providers, Starlink doesn’t offer the option of leasing your satellite equipment. You’ll need to purchase it from them for $349, which covers one-third of the actual cost. The best part: Starlink picks up the rest.

Starlink installation kits can be purchased directly from the provider or through retailers. Here's what you can expect to come in your installation kit: 

• Starlink
• Power Supply
• Cables
• Base
• Wi-Fi Router

Some kits, such as The Starlink Mini, Starlink Performance, Starlink Performance (Gen 2), and Enterprise, don't come with a Wi-Fi router, but those can be purchased through the Starlink Shop. Either way, no matter what kit you use, you can choose to buy your own Wi-Fi router. You can also choose to add mounts or other accessories to your purchase if needed.

Starlink Equipment Kits

For a full overview of all of the Starlink equipment (and equipment past), check out the following list: 

• Standard 4 X: This high-efficiency hardware is designed for the Residential and Roam plans, offering enhanced durability and thermal performance for power users.
• Standard 4: Also known as the "Gen 3" kickstand model, this kit is built for the Residential and Roam plans and features a wider field of view and simplified setup.
• Starlink Mini Kit: This ultra-portable, all-in-one device with built-in Wi-Fi is specifically made for the Mini and Roam plans, which are best for travelers and backpackers.
• Starlink Performance Kit: This high-gain hardware is engineered for the Business and Maritime plans, providing better connectivity in extreme environments and higher speeds.
• Starlink Standard Actuated Kit: The classic "Gen 2" motorized dish is designed for Residential and Roam plans and uses an internal motor to self-orient for the best signal.
• Starlink Enterprise Kit: This high-performance hardware is dedicated to the Enterprise and Business plans and is optimized for high-demand locations and multi-user environments.
• Starlink Performance Kit (Gen 2): An evolution of the high-gain design, this kit is primarily used for the Priority and Mobile Priority plans, offering superior reliability for commercial and maritime use.

Starlink Equipment Installation

When it comes to installing Starlink, self-installation is the way to go because of how easy it is. You can choose professional installation with Starlink, but it’s going to cost you. As long as you have a clear line of sight in a place other than the roof, installation is relatively straightforward. You can access installation instructions through Starlink’s customer portal or via the Starlink app. Starlink makes clear in the instructions: If you cannot safely install the Starlink kit, don’t attempt to install it and hire someone to do it for you. If you need to mount this dish on the roof, many contractors are available with expertise in roof-based dish mounting.

Before permanently installing your terminal, use the Starlink app (available on iOS and Android) to assess your field of view (or the area where the transmission beam moves). Starlink recommends you have a clear field of view (preferably an unobstructed 100-degree cone around the center of the dish and a 25-degree minimum elevation).

If you have trouble setting up your terminal, don’t expect to get someone over at Starlink on the phone to baby-step you through it. However, Starlink does have a pretty robust troubleshooting section in the app that may help clear up any problems you have with your setup.

Starlink Satellite Internet Contracts and Data Caps

Contracts and satellite internet services tend to go hand in hand, but Starlink is doing things a bit differently. With Starlink, you don’t have to worry about signing on the dotted line and getting stuck with a service you might not like.

Much like the other mainstream satellite internet providers, Viasat and HughesNet, Starlink doesn’t enforce a hard data cap. While Residential data operates at standard priority and may experience slightly slower speeds during peak congestion, Starlink’s Priority plans for business and maritime users offer guaranteed bandwidth. These Priority plans include a specific high-speed data allotment, such as 1 TB or 2 TB, after which speeds are throttled to 1 Mbps download and 0.5 Mbps upload for the remainder of the billing cycle. To avoid these caps, Priority users can opt in to purchase additional blocks of high-speed data to maintain peak performance.

Below are the options for add-on data:

• 50GB Local Priority: $25/mo.
• 500GB Local Priority: $125/mo.
• 50GB Global Priority: $100/mo.
• 500GB Global Priority: $500/mo.

Starlink Satellite Internet Data Cap Equivalences

Starlink Satellite Internet Customer Service

Starlink does things its own way when it comes to customer service, too. You could say Starlink isn’t the biggest phone talker. Starlink is happier to communicate via the customer portal on the website, the Starlink app (which requires an active account to access), or email once your service activates. That’s not to say Starlink won’t call you to help when needed, it’s just not its first method of choice.

The Value of Starlink Satellite Internet

With impressive speeds, unlimited data, and affordable prices, customers are flocking to Starlink’s satellite service. Here’s a list of pros and cons to keep in mind if you’re considering Starlink as your next internet provider:

If you’re looking for a faster, more cost-friendly option in satellite internet service, Starlink is undoubtedly worth your consideration. Starlink’s groundbreaking projected speeds up to 10 Gbps could challenge even wired internet providers once it arrives, and the service is already shaking up the current competition. As Starlink’s network grows, consumer demand will grow alongside it, so it’s best to sign up now and reserve your order for future service before all the spots in your area are taken.