STACK #227 September 2023

FEATURE TECH

phones), Starlink’s constellation network means there’s always a satellite somewhere close by, so you don’t experience gaps in coverage. THE WINNER IS YOU

choices. While NBN internet is susceptible to outages from roadworks that disrupt the fibre optic cable, this issue will never befall your Starlink service. You’ll also find that its download and upload speeds can be superior to terrestrial internet services, and the Starlink app walks all over other services’ help centres in terms of simplicity and usability. Then, consider the times

on mobile networks, which are likely to give you the dreaded ’no bars’ when you’re far from civilisation. Just because you’re taking a holiday from your work email, it doesn’t mean you want to take a break from Netflix, Reddit, or Spotify.

Those who most obviously benefit from the wonders of Starlink are net-thirsty rural residents. Internet options for people living even a small way out from major urban centres have typically been hampered by expense, unreliability, or straight-up unavailability (the digital divide is real!).

you’re away from home. You may be itching to post pics from an Instagram-worthy yachting holiday, but lousy reception will quickly put the kibosh on that plan once you’re out at sea. Families or grey nomads taking their camper vans into a national park or along isolated red centre highways will soon be cursing hotspot or dongle connections as they both rely

TERRESTRIAL TIP We mentioned it earlier, but it’s worth repeating: don’t try to tilt your Starlink with your hands! The dish isn’t designed for forceful re-articulation; strong-arming it into submission will not only damage its innards, but is also totally unnecessary – the device has its own innate functionality to find the best angle for optimal internet coverage.

But even if you live in the dead centre of a capital city with relatively good internet service, there are plenty of instances where you’ll

TERRESTRIAL TIP Once you’ve paid the initial cost for the Starlink hardware, you’ll be billed monthly for your internet subscription.

find satellite internet rules over your other

POWER UP! There are videos out there explaining how to set up your Starlink, but don’t forget you may need to set it up when you have no internet and won’t be able to see those videos (hello, rural friends). Here’s a step-by-step guide to start cookin’ with Starlink.

We’re focusing on the Standard Kit (20 100 Mbps download and 5-15 Mbps upload speed), though there’s also a High Performance Kit recommended for businesses or power users (offering 40-220 Mbps download and 8-25Mbps upload) or for those whose setup is likely to be located somewhere that experiences extreme weather

1.8-metre power cable, and a Wi-Fi router. (Additional mounts and other accessories can all be bought on the Starlink site, but none of them are totally necessary to get yourself up and running.) If you haven’t already, download the Starlink app and log in with your customer details.

smartphone up to the sky and moving in a slow circle to get a look at the entire skyscape. A real-time, personalised infographic will pop up to show you how clear your chosen spot is; you can then reposition your Starlink dish as necessary. Once you’ve located your primo spot, click the long cable into the dish and then slide the mast into the base. To power everything up, connect both the long cable and the shorter power cable to the router, and then plug the short cable into your power point. Here’s where the Starlink dish does its thing, manoeuvring into ’star search’ mode by tilting itself to the sky and finding the best possible angle to deliver you the best possible

conditions. Please note the prices of hardware, roaming, and base subscription differs for each kit. Once you register your Starlink account online, you’ll receive a big box filled with everything you need: your Starlink dish (the oblong object you see affixed to the outside of Starlink users’ homes), a four-legged base, 22 metres of cable, a

The first thing the app will help you with is finding the best spot to position your Starlink dish. Set up your dish on its base where you think it will have the clearest view of the sky (buildings and trees are the most common obstacles, which will mess with your connection.)

your hardware! This part can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to 15 minutes, so divert your meddling energy into the Starlink app and use the opportunity to name your network and set a password. Soon enough, your Starlink dish will find its preferred angle, and you’ll be ready to go. Use the app to check your connection

internet. It’s imperative to let it conduct the search

Then follow the app’s instructions with its scanning function, holding your

TERRESTRIAL TIP Much like your NBN router, if your Starlink connection goes spontaneously wonky, a good old-fashioned turn-it-off-and on-again can work a treat.

by itself – manually interfering with this function will mangle

status, user statistics, billing status, and to visit the support centre.

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