Starlink can bring a good connection to places that cannot get one any other way, but the result depends heavily on how and where it is installed. Most poor experiences come from a dish placed in a convenient spot rather than the right one. This checklist covers what to settle before installation day.
1. Confirm service and your plan
Check Starlink's official site for availability at your address and the plan that fits you, since availability, plans and prices vary by location and change over time. Settle this first, so you buy the right kit for the right place.
2. Check the sky view
The dish needs a wide, clear view of the sky. Obstructions such as trees, buildings, poles and roof edges can interrupt the signal, even briefly, and cause dropouts.
- Look at the sky from the spot where the dish will sit, not from the ground.
- Consider how trees will look when they are fully grown or leafy.
- Check for tall buildings, masts or hills nearby.
- Use the obstruction check in Starlink's own app before committing to a spot.
3. Choose a safe, stable mounting spot
The best spot has a clear view, can hold the dish firmly in wind and is reachable for later servicing.
- Roof, wall, pole or ground mounts all have different strengths.
- The mount must be solid. A dish that wobbles in the wind will drop out.
- Think about safety when working at height. If in doubt, use a professional.
- Choose somewhere you can reach for cleaning, re-aiming or repairs.
4. Plan the cable route
The cable is a weak point if it is badly routed. Plan it before you start.
- Check that the cable supplied with your kit is long enough for the route you want.
- Avoid sharp bends, tight pinches and places where it will be rubbed or stepped on.
- Weatherproof the entry point into the building so water cannot follow the cable in.
- Secure the cable neatly so it cannot flap or sag.
- Do not cut or extend the cable unless you are sure it is supported and done correctly.
5. Sort out power
Starlink needs reliable power. Decide where the power supply and router will sit, and whether you need protection against surges. If power is unreliable where you are, plan a backup such as an inverter or battery so the connection survives outages.
6. Put the router where people use the internet
Many "slow Starlink" complaints are really weak Wi-Fi in the rooms where people work. A router tucked in a corner at one end of the building cannot cover it all.
- Place the router centrally and at a sensible height, away from metal and thick walls.
- For larger buildings, add extra access points or a mesh system.
- Use cables for devices that need a stable connection, such as desktops and cameras.
If you need full-building coverage, see our office Wi-Fi service and our guide to fixing slow office Wi-Fi.
7. Think about who will use it
A single home and a busy office have different needs. Count the devices, note heavy users and decide whether guests need separate access. Separate staff and guest networks keep your own devices safer.
Common mistakes
- Mounting the dish low, or behind a tree "for now".
- Choosing a spot because it is easy to reach, not because it sees the sky.
- Leaving the cable loose, pinched or open to the weather.
- Judging the internet by Wi-Fi speed in the far corner of the building.
- Forgetting a plan for power cuts.
After installation
Check the signal over several days, at different times. Note any dropouts and see whether they happen at the same time of day. Periodic checks of the mount, cable and dish keep small problems small. Our hardware servicing covers re-alignment, repairs and routine check-ups.
Professional installation
We survey the site, find a mounting spot with a clear view, route and weatherproof the cable, and set up the network so coverage reaches where you need it. See our Starlink installation service, or send us your location to ask about it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install Starlink myself?
Many people do, especially for simple, ground-level setups. A professional is worth considering for roof mounts, long cable runs, larger buildings or if you want the network set up properly from the start.
Why does my Starlink keep dropping?
The most common reason is an obstruction in the dish's view, even a small one. Poor mounting, damaged cables and power problems can also cause it.
Does the dish have to be on the roof?
Not necessarily. It needs a clear view of the sky, which a roof often provides, but a pole or open ground may work well too.
Will one router cover my whole building?
Not always. Thick walls and larger buildings may need extra access points or a mesh system to give every room a good signal.