Starlink Equipment & Subscription: What You Need

To get Starlink, you need the Starlink kit (dish, Wi-Fi router, and mounting base) and an active subscription plan. The kit is purchased outright, and the subscription is a monthly fee that varies by plan and region. Below is a full breakdown of the equipment, subscription options, installation requirements, and common questions.

What’s in the Starlink Kit

When you order Starlink, the standard kit includes:

• Starlink dish (a phased-array antenna, often called “Dishy”)
• Wi-Fi router (dual-band, with built-in Wi-Fi 5 or 6 depending on the model)
• Mounting base (a fold-out stand for ground or flat surface placement)
• Power supply and cables (the dish connects to the router via a proprietary cable; the router plugs into AC power)

Some kits also include a wall-mount bracket or a pipe adapter, but these vary by region and package. The dish automatically aligns itself to the satellite constellation—no manual pointing is needed.

Subscription Plans and Costs

Starlink offers several subscription tiers, each with different speeds, data allowances, and prices. As of 2025, the main plans are:

• Residential – for home use, unlimited data (subject to fair use), typical speeds of 100–200 Mbps down and 10–20 Mbps up. Monthly fee varies by country (e.g., $120 in the US, £75 in the UK).
• Roam – for RV, camping, or travel, with the ability to pause service monthly. Speeds are similar to Residential but with lower priority during congestion. Monthly fee is around $150.
• Business – for commercial use, with higher priority, faster speeds (up to 220 Mbps), and a dedicated support line. Monthly fee is around $250.
• Maritime – for boats, with specialized mounting and higher data allowances. Pricing is custom quotes.
• Aviation – for aircraft, with high-performance hardware. Custom pricing.

There is also a Starlink for RVs plan that is now folded into Roam. Some regions offer a “Lite” plan with lower speeds and a lower price, but availability is limited.

Hardware Costs and Options

The kit price is a one-time purchase. In the US, the standard residential kit costs $499 (as of 2025). In other countries, prices vary due to taxes and shipping. For Roam and Business, the hardware is the same but may cost more if you opt for the high-performance dish (which is larger and has better weather resistance).

You can also buy additional accessories:

• Extended cable (up to 150 ft) – $50–100
• Pipe adapter – $15–30
• Roof mount – $50–150
• Pole mount – $30–60
• Ethernet adapter (if you want to connect a wired device) – $25

Installation Requirements

Before ordering, check the Starlink availability map on the official website. You need a clear view of the sky—the dish must have an unobstructed view of the northern sky (in the northern hemisphere) to maintain a stable connection. Trees, buildings, or mountains can cause dropouts.

Installation steps:

1. Place the dish on a stable surface or mount it on a roof or pole.
2. Plug the dish cable into the router.
3. Connect the router to AC power.
4. Download the Starlink app and follow the setup wizard to aim the dish (it auto-adjusts).
5. Wait for the app to show “Online” – this can take 5–15 minutes.

If you live in an area with heavy snow, consider a heated dish (available for Business plans) or a snow shield accessory.

Common Problems and Troubleshooting

Users often encounter these issues:

• Obstructions – The app shows a map of obstructions; if any are present, you may see brief dropouts. Move the dish to a clearer spot.
• Slow speeds – During peak hours, speeds can drop. Check the app for network status; if it’s congested, try off-peak times.
• Dish not aligning – If the dish doesn’t move, ensure it’s not frozen or blocked. Restart the router.
• Wi-Fi issues – The built-in router covers about 1,500 sq ft. For larger homes, use a mesh system (connect via Ethernet adapter).
• Power outages – Starlink doesn’t have a battery; you’ll need a UPS for backup.

Comparing Starlink to Other Internet Options

Starlink is a satellite internet service, so it’s best for rural or remote areas where cable, fiber, or DSL aren’t available. Compared to traditional satellite (like HughesNet or Viasat), Starlink offers much higher speeds and lower latency. However, it’s more expensive than most wired plans, and performance can be affected by weather (heavy rain or snow).

If you have access to fiber or cable, those are typically faster and cheaper. Starlink is a good option for RVers, boaters, and people living off-grid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a contract?

No, Starlink is month-to-month. You can cancel anytime, but the hardware is yours to keep. For Roam, you can pause service and only pay when you use it.

Can I use Starlink while moving?

The Roam plan allows use while in motion, but the standard dish is not designed for high-speed travel. For vehicles, Starlink offers a “Flat High Performance” dish that can be mounted on a car or RV. Speeds while moving may be lower.

What speeds can I expect?

Typical residential speeds are 100–200 Mbps down, 10–20 Mbps up, with latency of 20–40 ms. Actual speeds vary based on location, time of day, and network congestion.

Is Starlink worth it if I have good cable internet?

Probably not. If you have reliable wired internet, it’s usually cheaper and faster. Starlink is best for areas with no other options.

Can I install Starlink myself?

Yes, most users can install it themselves in under an hour. The app guides you through alignment and setup. If you’re not comfortable with a roof mount, you can hire a professional installer (Starlink offers installation services in some areas for an extra fee).

What happens if I move to a different address?

You can update your service address in your account. If the new address is in a different coverage area, you may need to change your plan or pay a portability fee. For Roam, you can use it anywhere in the same continent.

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