In this article, I will detail how much the new router costs, what new features it comes with, and how to set it up.

How Much Does the Gen 3 Router Cost?

The Gen 3 router costs US$199 apiece right now. Pricing is only available for the United States since that’s where it’s currently being tested.

Starlink, in its invite email (pictured above), urges beta users to provide feedback on their general “experience, including setup, performance, or any other recommendations” they got.

Furthermore, customers can order a total of three routers per account, which is likely targeted at business customers utilizing multiple antennas.

With that said, I find it somewhat disappointing that Starlink would ask users to pay close to $200 for a test product instead of directly working with a selected few.

New Features

First and foremost, the router stands out thanks to its horizontal foundation – a stark difference from its vertical predecessors.

However, don’t get distracted by its appearance. The Gen 3 router offers a variety of new features, which I’m going to break down below.  

Wi-Fi 6

The new router comes enabled with Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. Meanwhile, the previous Gen 2 router relied on Wi-Fi 5.

Wi-Fi 6 offers a few key improvements compared to its predecessor, including:

• Faster speeds: Wi-Fi 6 is faster than Wi-Fi 5, both for a single device and for multiple devices connected to one router.
• Better safety protocols: Wi-Fi 6 has better safety protocols and backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4 devices.
• Support for more devices: Wi-Fi 6 can support more devices and spatial streams than Wi-Fi 5.
• Higher maximum data rate: Wi-Fi 6 has a higher maximum data rate and supports MU-MIMO (multi-user, multiple-input, multiple-output) technology1.

As a result, the new router can also support up to 225 devices. For reference, the previous generation ‘only’ supported 128 connections.

Two Ethernet Ports

Another huge change, in this case in the router’s design, is the two Ethernet ports that are located on the back of it.

Those ports are protected by a removable (R145) cover. However, the two ports have likely prompted Starlink to rethink its design as well.

The Gen 3 router, compared to the previous two versions, is set up horizontally. It also weighs substantially more than its predecessor (2.7 kg / 6 lbs vs. 1 kg / 2.2 lbs).

Interestingly, the Gen 1 router featured Ethernet ports, too. For the second generation, Starlink decided to remove the ports altogether in favor of its Ethernet adapter.

That said, the new router is also compatible with the first-gen Circular dish as well as the second-gen Standard and High Performance antennas.  

Misc

Apart from utilizing newer Wi-Fi technology standards and re-introducing the ethernet ports, Starlink’s new router also comes with tri-band radio.

This means that the Gen 3 router, compared to its predecessor, which relied on Dual Band – 3 x 3 MIMO technology, can operate on three frequency bands.

Typically, this includes one 2.4 GHz band and two 5 GHz bands. By having an extra 5 GHz band, it can accommodate more devices at a faster frequency without getting congested.

The Gen 3 router also comes with an IP56 rating (vs. IP54 for the predecessor), providing a higher level of protection, specifically regarding water resistance, as it can withstand strong jets of water, whereas IP54 is rated for protection against only splashing water.

Lastly, both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 routers come with WPA2 security, thus utilizing some of the most advanced encryption standards.

Though WPA3 represents the latest standard in Wi-Fi security and is generally more secure than WPA2, its adoption is still growing. We may receive it in a later Gen 4 or higher version.

Lastly, the process to factory reset the router is also new. In the previous version, you needed to use the Starlink app and perform a power cycle loop.

While you can still follow the same procedure, there’s now also a small reset button located in between the two ethernet ports (pictured above).

This reset button is consequently activated by using a paper clip that you use to push it (after removing the cover).

Installation

The installation of the router is dependent on what hardware kit (Gen 1 vs. Gen 2 vs. Gen 2 HP) you are using.

Most will likely either own the circular Gen 1 antenna or the rectangular Gen 2 dish, which I’ll focus on in the sections below.

Installation Gen 1 Kit

Start by making sure your Starlink dish is set up and connected to the internet prior to setting up your Gen 3 Router.

Then go ahead and unplug your router’s power supply while simultaneously connecting your Gen 3 router to a power outlet using the provided cable.

Afterward, you connect the antenna with the ethernet adapter (included in the shipment), and the Gen 3 router, together with the provided Gen 3 ethernet cable, plugs into the adapter as well (pictured above).

You should now find a new connection in your Wi-Fi settings called STARLINK. Simply click on it to initiate a connection.

The Gen 3 router light should blink solid white (just like its predecessor) if everything functions properly.  Once again, you can use the Starlink app to play with your router’s settings.

Installation Gen 2

Interestingly, with the Gen 2 kit, the new router can be either used as a mesh node or as the main router.

If you choose to use the Gen 3 router as a mesh node, then all you have to do is to plug it into a power outlet (preferably in a room that isn’t well connected) and wait for 1 to 2 minutes.

Then, you will see a message popping up in the Starlink app, asking you to PAIR the new mesh node (pictured below).

Simply wait another few minutes until the Gen 3 router is connected. The light on the Gen 3 router should be solid white, which you can check in the NETWORK tab under the homepage in the Starlink app.

Alternatively, you can also use the Gen 3 router as your base router, for which you will need the Starlink-branded ethernet adapter (picture below).

The setup and procedure is fairly similar to the circular dish, except that you have to bypass the Gen 2 router.

Once everything is plugged in, bypass the Gen 2 Starlink router by clicking on SETTINGS –> Router –> slide right to bypass.

Again, go into your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, select the STARLINK connection, and you should be good to go.

Wrapping Up

At present, everything that is known has been provided by Starlink. Unfortunately, I’ll have to wait to get my hands on the router since I’m located in Germany.

Until then, I will update this page with feedback from beta testers in the United States who’ll hopefully be satisfied with the product.

In this article, I’ll detail why you’d need Starlink’s Ethernet Adapter, how much it costs, where it can be bought, how to install it, and what I think of it.

Why Would You Need An Ethernet Adapter?

The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is engineered to facilitate a wired Internet connection by directly linking a device to the Starlink router.

Alternatively, you can also use the adapter to bypass the Starlink router and set up a connection with a third-party router.

An Ethernet adapter that enables a wired connection to a device can offer several advantages over a traditional Wi-Fi connection:

1. Stability: Wired connections are typically more reliable and less subject to interference than Wi-Fi.
2. Speed: Ethernet often provides faster data transfer, particularly useful for large data activities like streaming or gaming.
3. Security: Wired data transmission is generally more secure, reducing the risk of data interception.
4. Latency: Wired connections usually have lower latency, essential for time-sensitive activities like online gaming or video calls.

The last point, namely reducing latency, is particularly important given that Starlink already suffers from comparatively higher latency versus fiber.

However, keep in mind that Starlink’s latency is substantially better compared to GEO satellite internet services like HughesNet or ViaSat.

Nonetheless, minimizing every bit of ping is crucial in activities such as online gaming and video conferencing where a smoother, lag-free experience can significantly enhance the experience.

Starlink claims that the Ethernet Adapter can support speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Unfortunately, most Starlink users, even when using more performant third-party routers while living in areas with excess capacity, will rarely surpass 500 Mbps.

How Much Does The Ethernet Adapter Cost?

The price of the Starlink Ethernet adapter varies depending on where you live. This is how much Starlink charges in the following countries:

• United States: USD 25
• Australia: AUD 60
• Canada: CAD 45
• Germany/France/Spain: EUR 40
• Japan: YEN 10,400 (~ USD 74.2)

The adapter is manufactured in China (see picture below) but likely shipped in bulk to the United States.

From there, it is sent out to consumers in either of Starlink’s 50+ markets – either directly or via local distribution centers. As a result, prices in the US tend to be the lowest for Starlink accessories.

Lastly, those who order a High Performance Starlink antenna, which costs USD 2,500, will receive the Ethernet Adapter as part of their delivery.

Where To Buy The Starlink Ethernet Adapter

You can purchase the Ethernet Adapter within Starlink’s online shop, which you can access via a browser or the mobile app.  

When on your browser, navigate to your account portal and log in with your username and password. Then, click on the SHOP link at the top of your screen.

Simply scroll down until you find the Ethernet Adapter and click on the listing. You should now be met with the Adapter’s product page looking something like this:

Again, keep in mind that the price will vary depending on the country of your registered service address. I’m based in Germany, hence why I paid EUR 40 for the adapter.

Click on ADD TO CART and then CHECKOUT NOW. Lastly, select PLACE ORDER to complete the order process.

Starlink should have your payment information and address saved, so you can lean back and wait until the adapter arrives. Shipment time in most markets should be less than 7 days.

Lastly, you can track the status of your shipment back in the account portal under the YOUR ORDERS section (pictured above).

With the app, click on the human icon located on the top right. You’ll land on your account page from where you select SHOP.

Again, navigate towards the Ethernet Adapter listing, add it to your card, and complete the checkout process.

How To Set Up The Starlink Ethernet Adapter

In the following section, I’ll highlight how to connect the Starlink Ethernet Adapter to the Starlink Router as well as your laptop/PC.

With that said, the process to connect to a third-party router should be fairly similar – except for the fact that you first need to bypass the original router.

Moreover, the tutorial is only applicable to those with a Gen2 dish, which is rectangular and not circular (like the one pictured below). That’s because the Gen1 router boasted an ethernet port.

So, without further ado, let’s get started. First, unpack the Ethernet Adapter. You’ll be presented with the adapter as well as an instruction card depicting how to connect all pieces involved.

Next, disconnect your Starlink kit from electricity by unplugging the router’s power cable (located on the right bottom side).

Furthermore, remove the 50 ft cable adapter that’s connected to your antenna. In its place, insert the Ethernet Adapter. Make sure it clicks, which signifies that it’s fully inserted.

Now, insert the 50 ft cable into the other end of the Ethernet Adapter and insert the power cable back into the router, which will boot up your antenna again.

You can now insert an ethernet cable of your choice into the adapter as well as the hardware of your choice (laptop, TV, gaming console, PC, etc.).

Et voilà, you should now be wirelessly connected to the internet.

My Verdict

First and foremost, I think that Starlink’s Ethernet Adapter does what it’s supposed to. Starlink’s products often have an Apple feel to them in that they’re beautifully designed and easy to use.

Speed-wise, I’ve seen a slight uptick in download performance of about 10 percent. Latency has obviously improved as well.

Being located in Germany, where speed issues aren’t really that prevalent, using the Ethernet Adapter has mostly been beneficial in reducing my ping when gaming.

With that said, I do question the motive behind removing the ethernet port from the Gen1 hardware set.

While most people likely don’t connect to the internet via an ethernet cable, it did not take up that much space, to begin with. It does feel like that SpaceX simply wanted to find another way to monetize its loyal user base.

Nonetheless, Starlink’s Ethernet Adapter is overall a great product that does what it’s supposed to without any noticeable issues. 

I’d recommend it to anyone wanting to maximize their performance and uptime, especially if you’re located in an area with limited capacity.

In this article, I will walk you through what hardware is included in your Starlink order and what there is to know about each piece of equipment.

What’s Included In The Starlink Hardware Kit?

I want to preface this section by highlighting that I’m going to talk about the Standard kit, which is what you’ll receive when you subscribe to Starlink’s Residential plan.

Starlink also offers a High Performance and Flat High Performance antenna, which is suitable for those thinking to subscribe to either the Business or Mobility tiers.

With that said, here’s what you can expect when ordering the Standard kit:

• Antenna – commonly referred to as dishy
• A base to mount the antenna on
• A Wi-Fi router to connect to the internet
• An AC power cable for energy
• A 50 ft cable to connect the router to dishy

All of those items are shipped in a paper box, which weighs a total of 8.5 kg (18.7 lbs). Let’s now take a closer look at each of the hardware pieces in the following sections.

Antenna/Dishy

The main attraction of your order is certainly the electronic phased-array antenna, which subscribers also call dish or dishy.

The dishy moniker was first assigned to the rounded V1 antenna, which originated from the term ‘Boaty McBoatface’ – a $287 million polar research ship whose name the British public voted on.

It boasts a length of 513 mm (20.2 in), width of 303 mm (11.9 in), and height of 380 mm (15 in) when attached to the base. Furthermore, dishy weighs 4.2 kg (9.2 lbs).

Your dishy, once powered up, will align itself into a horizontal position with a field of view of 100°. This enables the antenna to capture as many satellites as possible, thus allowing it to establish a connection at all times.

Additionally, it is made to withstand some of the world’s most extreme weather conditions, operating at temperatures of -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F).

For example, it is used by various research teams located in Antarctica. Dishy even offers a snow-melting functionality and is able to remove up to 40 mm (1.5 in) of snow every hour.

Related: how much each Starlink antenna consumes in power

Lastly, the Standard antenna consumes between 50W to 75W while drawing up to 2 amps. Consequently, the High Performance options draw even more electricity.

Base

The base included in your order is being used to mount the phased-array antenna, allowing it to rest firmly on the ground.

It comes in at measurements of 563 mm x 328 mm (or 22.2 in x 12.9 in) and has a height of 122 mm (4.8 in).

Each leg of the base also includes a hole, allowing users to fixate the mounting base to the ground or any other surface.

The mast of the dish smoothly integrates into the entrance of the base, securing itself via a tab that’s loaded with a spring.

The mounting base that comes with the Starlink dish mast is best used on a flat surface, as it requires an alignment within 5 degrees of vertical, making it unsuitable for sloped rooftops.

Wi-Fi Router

Next in line is Starlink’s Wi-Fi router. The router, when initially setting up Starlink, will be displayed as ‘STARLINK’ or ‘STINKY’.

The Wi-Fi router boasts a height of 254 mm (10 in), width of 180 mm (7.08 in), and length of 65 mm (2.5 in). Furthermore, the router weighs about 1 kg (2.2 lbs).

It utilizes the IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac standards and has an environmental rating of IP54, thus being mostly made for indoor usage. Starlink’s router can operate at temperatures of -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F).

The router’s signal range can be as high as 185 m² (2,000 ft²), depending on placement and surrounding objects that could cause interference. Up to 128 devices can be connected to the router at all times.

Cables

Power and the internet connection itself are provided thanks to the two cables that are part of the hardware kit.

The AC power cable, which is plugged into the right-hand bottom of the router (see picture), is 1.8 m (6 ft) long.

Meanwhile, the 50 ft (~ 15.24 meters) cable is inserted on the opposite side of the router as well as the bottom of the antenna pole (pictured below).

Make sure that the cable is fully plugged into the antenna, which is the case once you hear a clicking sound.

Should you face trouble inserting the cable, then use a paper clip to do so. I highlighted that method in a separate article that I invite you to check out here.

Starlink also sells 75 ft (~ 22.86 m) and 150 ft (~ 45.72 m) cables should you be in need of a lengthier solution. Those cables can be purchased within the official Starlink shop.

Wrapping Up

To conclude, the Starlink Standard Kit encompasses an intuitive suite of hardware, including a self-orienting antenna, a robust base, a Wi-Fi router, and all the necessary cables, designed to provide reliable, high-speed internet connectivity no matter where you are.

With this kit, you are not simply gaining internet access, but unlocking a solution designed to withstand a multitude of environmental conditions and meet diverse connectivity needs.

In this article, I will detail Starlink’s warranty specifications, how to claim it, what types of damages cannot be claimed, and how durable Starlink’s hardware generally is.

Does Starlink Have A Warranty?

Yes, Starlink offers a limited warranty on all the hardware that it sells. The length of the warranty is dependent on the dishy model as well as where and how it was purchased.

Here’s how long the warranty of each kit model lasts:

In case you wonder: the European Union (EU) requires all hardware manufacturers to offer a limited warranty of 24 months minimum. Meanwhile, the United States and the rest of the world do away with 12 months.

Consequently, you can only take advantage of the warranty within those timeframes if the reported damage was not caused by you.

In most cases, malfunctioning hardware should be evident quite literally right out of the box, namely during the setup process (e.g., dishy not being powered or receiving any sort of signal).

Starlink often resells used hardware, especially kits that have been sent back before the 30-day trial expired. As such, potential damages were not necessarily spotted by Starlink’s quality assurance team.

How To Claim Warranty

If you want to claim a warranty, simply reach out to Starlink’s customer support team, which I detailed in a separate article here.

Make sure to provide a detailed description of the issue alongside any photos that might support your case.

Furthermore, keep in mind that Starlink’s customer service currently runs at capacity, so answers and a resolution of the case may take time (sometimes you may need to wait a few days to receive a reply).

In almost all cases, Starlink will send you a new piece of hardware as a replacement as it’s cheaper for the company to do so (versus sending a repair technician).

The replaced hardware has a minimum warranty length of 3 months or the remainder of the original warranty period.

For example, if you have 9 months left on your limited warranty, then the replacement will be valid for the same timeframe.

Lastly, Starlink also bears the costs of shipment and handling, which means you don’t have to pay anything to receive a replacement.

In some cases, Starlink will ask you to send back the malfunctioning hardware, depending on the type of damage you reported.

Again, Starlink should provide you with a shipping label that would allow you to send it back free of charge.

What’s Excluded From Starlink’s Limited Warranty?

Starlink cannot be held accountable for any damages to the hardware kit after delivery as well as for kit or service malfunctions or subpar performance due to:

• Not adhering to instructions, such as blocking the Kit’s view of the sky or covering the antenna with a radome
• Manually adjusting the antenna’s direction
• Using the Kit and Services in motion when not authorized or specified for that purpose
• Unsuitable installation settings or using the Kit with unapproved devices or software
• Issues with the customer’s electrical power or network equipment
• Interference from other emitting devices or excessive concurrent network connections
• Repairs, modifications (like painting or other aesthetic alterations), or disassembly by anyone other than Starlink or an authorized partner
• Natural disasters or acts of God, such as fires, floods, winds, lightning, earthquakes, or extreme weather conditions
• Food or liquid spills by the customer or others
• Scheduled or emergency network maintenance by Starlink
• Improper use, mistreatment, accidents, vandalism, modifications, or negligence
• Normal wear and tear, or cosmetic flaws, dents, or marks that do not affect the Kit’s performance
• Failure to secure or maintain necessary permissions, approvals, or permits
• Circumstances beyond Starlink’s reasonable control

You should thus ensure that your hardware is set up in a way that minimizes external influences. Hardware damages are often caused by extreme weather conditions or wild animals, so firmly mounting your dishy and cable is advised.

Can You Return Starlink If It Doesn’t Work?

You can return both working and malfunctioning hardware within 30 days of receiving the kit without specifying any reason.

In fact, Starlink’s flexible cancellation policy and 30-day trial period is one of its biggest advantages compared to traditional geostationary options like ViaSat.

After those 30 days, you won’t be able to return functioning hardware. As I’ve written above, malfunctioning hardware will only be replaced without any refund.

Your only viable option is to transfer ownership of your Starlink account and sell the hardware to someone else. However, you likely won’t recoup the initial purchase price.

How Durable Is Starlink’s Hardware?

Starlink’s hardware is made to withstand all kinds of situations. Point in case: many users on forums like Reddit report that they still use the first version of the hardware kit (rounded dishy) without any problems.

Temperature-wise, the dishy can handle between -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F). Dishy should also be able to handle rain, snow, and hail as it is water-resistant.

Related: everything that you'll find in the Starlink hardware kit

With the latter (hail), it is generally recommended to either stow the dishy (which you can do in the app under ‘Settings’) or place it under a roof for the time being.

And for those that aim to use Starlink in more extreme conditions, it is advised to purchase the high-performance dish, which costs $2,500.

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, Starlink’s limited warranty offers customers some peace of mind when it comes to hardware malfunctions.

As long as the damage isn’t caused by user negligence or external factors, you can expect a replacement within the warranty period.

While it’s important to be aware of the exclusions and follow proper installation and usage guidelines, Starlink’s hardware is generally durable and able to withstand various weather conditions.

If you encounter any issues, just reach out to Starlink’s customer support and be patient as they work to resolve your case.

Meanwhile, being cognizant of your power consumption has always been a topic of importance for those on the road and people living in less accessible locations.

In this article, we will detail how much power each of the dishes Starlink has released draws as well as highlight strategies on how to mitigate consumption.

Standard Dish (First Gen)

The first-gen dish, which came in a rounded form and isn’t sold anymore, draws between 60 to 110 watts of power on average.

However, some users on Reddit mentioned that power consumption could be as high as 160 watts during cold weather conditions.

Meanwhile, idle usage normally draws around 30 to 45 watts on average. It uses up to 5 amps while running off of the standard 100-240V AC power at 50-60Hz.

Standard Actuated Dish (Second Gen)

Starlink states on its website that the second-gen rectangular dishy, introduced in November 2021, uses anywhere between 50 to 75 watts.

That figure also entails its associated products, namely the cables, router, and power plug, on top of the dishy.

Furthermore, Starlink utilizes the standard 100-240V AC power at 50-60Hz while it draws up to 2 amps. Power supply via DC is currently not available.

Power consumption drops to around 20 to 30 watts when your Starlink rests idle and is not actively being used.

Standard Dish (Third Gen)

Back in November 2023, Starlink revealed its newest antenna Standard antenna, which has been rolled out alongside the new router.

Its power consumption is on par with the rounded first gen option, consuming 75 to 100 watts on average.

Similarly, it comes with an AC power cable and a power supply (that is plugged into the router). The setup uses 100-240V at 50 – 60Hz.

(Flat) High Performance Dish

The regular and flat High Performance dishes both use 110 to 150 watts on average. Again, the figure entails all of the items delivered in the kit.

When unused, the power consumption of both dishes hovers around 40 to 50 watts. Furthermore, the High Performance dish also uses 100-240V AC power at 50-60Hz.

Lastly, the High Performance version draws up to 4.5 amps, more than twice as high as the Standard dishy.

Contributing Factors to Starlink’s Power Consumption

Each electronic device, whether it’s your phone, laptop, or in this case Starlink, consumes varying levels of power depending on how the hardware is being used.

For example, the performance of your Starlink dish can be negatively affected by poor weather conditions such as extensive rains or snowing (as satellite radio frequencies have to pass through the water molecules in the air).

More precisely, rain likely requires the dishy to raise its signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which is a measure of how good a given signal is compared to how much noise there is in it.

Reddit user godch01 essentially confirmed that sentiment and tested the dishy’s power consumption during a heavy rain pouring.

As you can see from the above picture, power usage rises from below 50 watts to around 75 watts. Interestingly, the image also shows another reason that may affect consumption.

The 175 watts spike shown around 06:45 am was a result of plugging in the device and turning on the system. Booting up any hardware device will normally cause a short spike in power consumption (just think about the sound your laptop or PC makes when you start it).

But back to the weather for now. Apart from the rain, snow may also be a contributing factor. Starlink offers a built-in heating function, which can be accessed within your settings.

The feature is turned on by default and helps to melt down any snow that has amassed itself on the dishy, which obviously leads to an uptick in consumption.

Another aspect to consider is the obstructions Starlink’s hardware could possibly face. If your signal drops, then the dishy has to reconnect to the satellite and ground stations once again.

Related: how to fix the No Signal error

Lastly, data consumption itself also requires more power. That’s the reason why consumption drops by 20 to 50 percent when you’re not using up any bandwidth.

How to Minimize Your Power Consumption

There are a variety of ways in which you can minimize the power consumption of your Starlink hardware.

In late January, Starlink introduced a new feature called Sleep Schedule, which essentially allows you to put your dishy into sleep mode. I mostly put mine to sleep at nighttime.

Users on Facebook and Reddit reported that power consumption during sleep mode drops to about 25 watts.

Before the feature was introduced, the most commonly used method, especially for those traveling, was simply to unplug the hardware during times of inactivity.

If you’re technical and experimental enough, then you can also purchase a DC PoE (Power Over Ethernet) injector for your dishy like this one here.  

Converting from AC to DC should allow you to cut your power consumption in half. However, you will be stripped of your warranty if you modify the hardware according to Starlink’s Terms of Service.

I would personally and strongly advise against doing that, simply because voltages at the above-mentioned levels can be lethal.

With that being said, leaving your dishy in sleep mode during nighttime and simply being cognizant of your usage should already help in reducing power consumption enough.

In fact, the U.N. estimates that roughly a third of the world’s population has never accessed the internet in their entire lives.

Ground-based infrastructure, such as wires and cables, has traditionally made coverage expansion a very costly undergoing. This is exactly where Starlink, which utilizes a constellation of thousands of satellites in earth’s low orbit, comes into play.

One of Starlink’s biggest draws was the promise of functioning internet connections anywhere in the world. But is that really the case?

In short, Starlink can be used almost everywhere in the United States as well as in more than 50 other countries across the globe.

However, the more unsatisfying answer is that it still depends on where you are based and how you intend to access Starlink.

With that being said, let’s take a closer look at where it is available and how it can be accessed.

Does Starlink Work Anywhere? How To Check If It’s Available In Your Country

In the hopefully not-so-distant future, you will be able to log onto the internet using Starlink from anywhere in the world.

In fact, Starlink’s theoretical worldwide coverage signifies one of its biggest advantages. However, until then, there’s still some waiting to be done.

To check if Starlink is available in your area, simply navigate to its Coverage Map, which details where the service is already live, pending regulatory approval, and so forth.

Simply type in your address in the search bar below and the site will immediately tell you if Starlink is available in your area or not.

We at Starlink Insider also keep an updated list of all the countries that Starlink is currently available in as well as the price consumers pay for the monthly subscription and hardware.

Generally speaking, the coverage area of Starlink is dependent on two main factors, namely the number of deployed satellites and regulatory approvals by each individual country.

Related: everything you need to know about Starlink

Starlink currently covers the majority of the northern hemisphere excluding Russia and China, which are likely not going to approve the service due to the national security threats it poses.

The southern parts of the world, namely countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, are projected to come live sometime in 2023. In recent times, Starlink became available in Panama and Mozambique, among others.

Customers in countries that Starlink is set to launch in normally will have to place their names on a waitlist.

Receiving the hardware may, depending on where you live and other factors such as potential supply chain issues, take multiple months or even over a year.

Can You Take Starlink Wherever You Want?

Again, the answer to that question is that it depends. More precisely, it is based on the plan that you have chosen.

Starlink currently offers two distinct plans for consumers, namely Residential and RV (now called Roam). The Residential plan, which costs $90 or $120 per month in the United States, allows you to only use Starlink at your registered address.

While there is some leeway in terms of changing the location of your dish (more on that later), you can’t just move it from one state to another, for example.

“Your Starlink is assigned to a single cell,” Starlink writes in its FAQ section. “If you move your Starlink outside of its assigned cell, a satellite will not be scheduled to serve your Starlink and you will not receive internet. This is constrained by geometry and is not arbitrary geofencing.”

However, there is at least some flexibility. Both Residential and Roam customers can bring their hardware outside of the country they’re registered in for a total of 2 months according to Starlink support.

There are a few reasons why Starlink limits the mobility of its dishes. For once, the service could face a congestion problem if an overwhelming number of people try to access it. Think, for example, of popular camping sites that normally lack cell coverage.

In the past, there’s been some indication that download and upload speeds were negatively affected by network congestion. Starlink simply wants to preserve the quality of its service, especially for customers that are tied to a specific location.

The other potential issue is the exploitation of different price plans. Starlink, as you can see in our above-mentioned price list, is charging substantially less for both the monthly subscription and hardware across Europe and many other regions.

They obviously want to avoid customers purchasing the device in a low-cost jurisdiction and then bringing it back to the United States or other pricier areas.

Starlink, for people that do want to get access to reliable internet while being on the go, offers the RV plan. Starlink for RV was first unveiled back in May 2022 and costs an additional $25 per month for a total of $150 (for U.S. customers).

Furthermore, Starlink now also offers a global roaming service as part of the rebrand to Roam. For $200 a month, users can take their hardware with them wherever there’s active service coverage.

The plan can not only be used by people traveling in RVs but also by residential users that go on camping trips or have seasonal homes, for instance.

In-motion usage (i.e., the van driving) is also possible as long as the customer is using a Flat High Performance dish. A Wedge mount is included in the package to allow for the secure installation of the dish.

By the way, using the Flat High Performance dish while being on the move without the Wedge mount, or using any other Starlink model will void the limited warranty of your Starlink.

Unfortunately, RV customers will receive lower priority over those with registered residential addresses during peak usage times. This may be a problem depending on where they are located at the time of accessing the device.

Can I Use My Starlink at a Different Address?

Yes, you can use your Starlink at a different address. Customers can change their service address or subscribe to Starlink’s Roam plan.

In order to change your service address, do the following:

1. Sign into your account
2. Choose ‘Manage’ under ‘Your Starlinks’ for the Starlink plan you would like to change the service address for
3. Click on the ‘pencil icon’ next to ‘Service Address’
4. Enter your new address
5. Click on ‘Save’

The change should be instantaneous, granted that Starlink is available at your newly selected address. Keep in mind that customers who change their service address are not able to use their previous one anymore.

Starlink Roam, on the other side, enables customers to move their hardware to another location within their country of registration.

However, Roam users will also be deprioritized when it comes to speed, as determined by Starlink’s Fair Use Policy.

Customers can also add a second address to their existing accounts by clicking on the + sign in the ‘Your Starlinks’ section, which can be accessed here.

However, each new location requires you to purchase another Starlink hardware set as well as pay for the monthly subscription. Personal accounts are limited to 100 locations.

How Far Can You Move Starlink Devices?

There’s no definitive answer as to how far you can move your Starlink devices from the registered service address. As I’ve written above, Starlink does utilize geofencing technology to restrict access.

Some users have reported that you can potentially move the device up to 35 miles (~ 56 kilometers) away from the registered address. Others said that geofencing kicks in at a distance of 10 miles (~ 16 kilometers).

The distance that one could get away with is dependent on where the user is located in the beam bandwidth and the satellite’s location. People who are directly below a satellite tend to have some greater leeway in terms of how they can move around the satellite.

In any case, you won’t lose the ability to access Starlink for good if you’re outside the service area. The system simply stops working until it’s moved back to the designated area.  

Wrapping Up

There’s already a multitude of options that customers can take advantage of to use their Starlink device almost anywhere they want to.

In fact, we haven’t even covered existing options such as maritime or the potential usage of Starlink on moving objects such as airplanes or buses, which are both in the works.

Customers that want that kind of flexibility do need to be aware that speed may be an issue, though. They also have to pay a premium for the luxury of moving their devices around.