From satellites in orbit to the dish on your roof — here's how Starlink delivers internet in plain language.
How Starlink delivers internet
Starlink works in three broad stages:
- Satellites in low Earth orbit beam internet data back and forth to a user terminal on the ground.
- Your user terminal (the dish) automatically points at and tracks the satellites visible in the sky above you.
- The Starlink router shares that connection with your devices over Wi-Fi, just like a normal home network.
The satellites in turn communicate with ground stations connected to the wider internet. As satellites move across the sky, your terminal seamlessly hands off from one satellite to another to keep you connected.
Why low Earth orbit matters
Traditional satellite internet uses a handful of satellites parked in geostationary orbit — about 36,000 km away. That huge distance introduces noticeable delay. Starlink's satellites orbit only a few hundred kilometres up, so the signal has far less distance to travel, which means a more responsive connection.
What affects your connection
Several factors influence real-world performance:
- Clear view of the sky — trees, roofs and buildings can block the signal
- Local capacity — how many users are sharing the satellites serving your area
- Your plan — different plans have different priority levels and features
- Weather — heavy rain or snow can briefly affect the signal
- Equipment placement — the better the antenna's view of the sky, the better the connection
Use the obstruction checker in the Starlink app to find the best spot before permanently mounting the antenna.
How to check if it's right for you
Confirm availability and current plans for your exact location on Starlink's official site. See our What is Starlink? guide for a broader overview.
Independent note: This is an independent guide. Starlink service is provided directly by Starlink.
Frequently asked questions
Does Starlink work without a ground station nearby?
Starlink uses a network of ground stations, and satellite-to-satellite links help extend coverage. Availability and performance still depend on your location and the network serving your area.
Will my connection drop when satellites move?
Starlink is designed to hand off between satellites smoothly so users stay connected. Brief interruptions can occur, but the system is engineered to minimise them.
Sources & disclosure
This is an independent informational article and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Starlink or SpaceX. Prices, plans, availability and referral terms can change — always verify current details on Starlink's official website. Some links may be referral links. See our referral disclosure.