Satellite internet: for whom is Starlink worthwhile?
Elon Musk is always in the headlines. Especially recently with his Starlink project, which promises fast internet all over the world. But is a subscription really worth it? Comparis answers these questions and more about Starlink.
08.11.2022
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1. What is Starlink?
Starlink offers internet via satellites. It is the largest satellite network in the world to date. The project is part of Elon Musk’s SpaceX company. Starlink is also available in Switzerland.
Starlink is often criticized because defective and obsolete satellites can break down and burn up in the earth’s atmosphere. It contributes to space debris and causes light pollution.
2. How does Starlink work?
The router connects via satellites in low Earth orbit. They communicate with each other and send the data to Earth by radio. This makes fast internet available anywhere in the world – even on planes.
However, this requires as dense a network of satellites as possible. Starlink has already received permission to send 12,000 satellites into orbit. Around 2,800 satellites are currently in orbit (as of October 2022). A total of 42,000 satellites are planned.
The satellites are largely made of aluminium. They reflect the sun and are easy to spot in the night sky. Using services such as Satellitemap.space or Findstarlink you can find out when the satellites are visible over Switzerland.
3. How can I use Starlink in Switzerland?
Starlink is also available in Switzerland. To do this, you can take out a subscription. The subscription choice is easy: there is only one and that is with unlimited data volume. The manufacturer provides the necessary hardware as a starter kit.
How much does Starlink cost?
Elon Musk’s satellite internet with unlimited data costs 94 francs per month in Switzerland. In addition, there is a one-time fee of 672 francs for the starter kit: 594 francs for the hardware plus 78 francs for shipping and handling fees.
What you should also take into account when calculating costs: the massively higher power consumption of the satellite dish. It consumes about 30 times more energy than a conventional internet router.
How can I cancel my Starlink subscription?
The internet subscription has no contracts and thus no minimum contract period and no notice periods. You can cancel the subscription at any time. In the FAQ for Starlink it says that you can return your Starlink kit within 30 days of shipment for a full refund of the hardware payment.
4. Satellite vs. DSL, cable, and fibre optic: which internet is faster?
Starlink promises a download speed of 50 to 250 Mbps. In comparison: DSL reaches a maximum speed of 250 Mbps and TV cable or fibre optic even up to 1000 Mbps. This means that Starlink is rarely faster than a normal internet subscription.
The latency is often criticized, however. With 40 to 50 milliseconds, Starlink has a significantly higher latency than alternative internet connections. However, compared to other satellite internet providers, Starlink performs better.
The latency, or simply called ping, indicates how long it takes for transmitted data to arrive at the receiving device. Ideally, it should be between 5 and 30 milliseconds. Low latency is particularly important in video calls or online gaming.
5. How stable is an internet connection with Starlink?
Test persons in Switzerland are very satisfied with the Internet stability. There were few interruptions. Even in heavy rain or when it is cloudy, the data transfer rate is still 100 to 150 Mbps. Snow is no problem either: the satellite dish has an integrated heater that melts away layers of snow immediately.
6. Starlink on the rise: should I cancel my normal Internet subscription now?
Starlink is not yet really relevant in Switzerland. The assessment of Comparis expert Jean-Claude Frick: There is 5G reception almost everywhere and local providers are much cheaper with the same or better performance: there are subscriptions with 1000 Mbps download speed for around 50 francs a month.
For whom is Starlink worth using?
In Switzerland, Starlink is currently only worthwhile if you live in a very remote area or do not have fast internet with local providers for other reasons. Use the Comparis Internet Check to find out how fast the internet is in your location.
7. How can I install Starlink?
Installation is relatively straightforward. All you need is the starter kit. The satellite needs a clear view of the sky. The house roof is therefore an ideal location.
Once you have installed the satellite dish, all you have to do is connect it to the power supply. The device then aligns itself and establishes an internet connection within minutes. You can set up internet access in your smartphone with the corresponding app.
Do I need a permit to attach the satellite dish?
Swiss tenancy law only allows the installation of satellite dishes if they are not visible from the outside. So it has to be indoors or on the balcony. Be sure to consult with your landlord.
In some local authorities in Switzerland, you also have to obtain an official permit. This is because the installation of satellite dishes is completely prohibited in some areas. It is best to check with your local authority before purchasing a Starlink subscription.
8. Are there other satellite internet providers?
In Switzerland, Swisscom provides remote households, for example in mountain villages, with internet via satellites. However, this is usually very slow and with a limited volume of data.
Starlink’s biggest competitor is the British company OneWeb, which currently has over 400 satellites in space. Amazon recently received approval for 3200 units for Project Kuiper.
9. Why is Starlink being criticized?
Satellites are already brightening the night sky by ten percent. This complicates the work of astronomers in particular. In addition, obsolete satellites burn up in the earth’s atmosphere. How the substances released in the process affect our ozone layer is still unclear.
For space travel, it is becoming increasingly difficult to fly around speeding small parts. A collision can be devastating. Garbage that does not burn up when it enters the atmosphere ends up on Earth. Large amounts end up in oceans, contributing to water pollution.
10. Starlink in Ukraine: important for the digital infrastructure?
One of the first targets of attack in Ukraine was the US communications satellite KA-SAT 9A – prompting the failure of Ukrainian weapons systems. Just two days later, Elon Musk rushed to the rescue with Starlink and Ukraine has since had reliable internet again. There are now said to be over ten thousand receiving devices throughout the country.
The state and private individuals can maintain communication with the outside world despite destroyed infrastructure. Above all, however, the Ukrainian armed forces benefit from Starlink. Experts even believe that Ukraine would have lost the war long ago without Starlink.
Thanks to the compact satellite dishes, the army remains mobile and has internet access even in combat areas. It can plan bombing raids or fly drones. In addition, the software is very adaptable. The code can be changed quickly and easily, wallowing for quick reactions in cyber warfare.
This article was first published on 08.11.2022
