Starlink is a high-speed low-latency satellite network operated by SpaceX. The satellite constellation provides continuous fast internet between customer ground units (dishy) and passing satellites in the network.

Thousands of satellites in low-earth orbit travel in a tight ring to form a grid around the globe. Paired with a wide field-of-view phased-array client terminal on the ground, Starlink’s technology provides constant communication for a fast and reliable internet connection for your home or RV.

To learn more, visit https://www.starlink.com/technology

To see a live map of the starlink satellite constellation, visit https://satellitemap.space/

It might seem strange— but why not just call it a dish?
Well, simply put… because technically… it isn’t one.

The device isn’t concave, which is what would make it a dish. Even more so, the Gen2 and Gen3 client access terminals aren’t even round. Rumor has it that internally the team referred to the device as dishy, as in ‘dish like’ and ‘handsome’. Others claim dishy actually comes straight from Elon Musk himself.

Whatever it’s true origin, it spread enough internally to eventually make it into to the original Gen1 installation manual, coining the device’s full name as “Dishy McFlatface”, or simply “Dishy”.

And then the rest, as they say, is history.

Starlink is an internet connection service provided by SpaceX and it requires the customer have a Starlink account and active subscription for Tektra to complete the installation.

We can help walk you through creating an account and signing up for service (30-day trial available) through the Starlink smartphone app if cellular service (however limited) is available in your area. If you have zero cell coverage, we will make alternate arrangements to have your account and service plan established before your installation appointment.

The antenna in the Starlink client terminal (dishy) requires a clear view of the sky to actively track satellites above. Any obstructions in dishy’s ~100 degree field of view straight up and slightly to the north can cause connectivity issues, so it’s best mounted high on the northern side of your house where it won’t be blocked by trees or wayward playground equipment.

starlink-manual-obstructions

Mounting your dishy at the top of a gable or fascia is the most preferred for performance, cable routing, and long-term weatherproofing considerations, but options to mount directly on a roof, pole or tower are available as well.
The Starlink smartphone app has a “Check for Obstructions” feature using in the “Obstructions” section of the app. This feature utilizes your smartphone’s camera to determine if the location you’ve chosen for your dishy is adequately clear of obstructions.

Also consider that the standard (Gen2) Starlink kit comes with a 50ft cord to get your dishy connected to your Starlink modem inside your house. Homes approx. 2,000 sq/ft or less generally get good WiFi coverage with the included Starlink router’s WiFi if you are able to locate the device centrally in the home, but additional devices will likely be necessary to provide reliable WiFi throughout if your home is larger or if you are unable to centrally locate your Starlink router. Longer cables and other equipment not included in the base Starlink kit are available to tailor the install to the environment.

We are a full service technology provider and can provide, install, and configure any brand networking and WiFi equipment to best maximize your Starlink service at your budget.

The Starlink standard kit (Gen2) is designed to be as simple and portable as possible, and while the router provides power and signal to dishy through a single 50ft cable, ethernet ports are not included as standard to enable passthrough mode to a downstream router.

However, with the addition of a Starlink ethernet adapter or other specialty ethernet POE adapter, the system can be configured to allow for the use of your own router/WiFi system or even to remove the Starlink router entirely. Please be sure to let us know during your consultation phone call if you would like to use your own router so we can be sure to quote the additional equipment and configuration required to achieve your goals.

It is certainly an option for you to install a Starlink dishy at every building on your property, but you’ll also need a service plan for each one. At $600 per dishy + $120 per month per dishy for service, that would add up quick!

The better way is to bring Starlink into your primary residence and then share that connection with other buildings at the same address through a local area network (LAN). Tektra will use our experience with wired and wireless networking technologies to ensure you get the best connection possible throughout your entire property, the most cost effective way possible!

Speeds of the Starlink network are dependent on various factors, but users in East Texas report download speeds starting around 100 Mbps and upload speeds around 15 Mbps, although some get much faster (up to 275 Mbps download).

Users in our area also generally see latency of 40ms or better in most situations.

As is the case with most internet services, during peak hours (around 6-9pm) are when you’ll experience the slowest performance. How slow depends on the usage of others in your cell (other starlink users connected to the same satellite as you), but our clients don’t report negative experiences with their internet during these times.

We are excited to bring our years of commercial and residential IT and construction experience to the Starlink market to make installs as efficient, and therefore as cost effective, as possible for our East Texas family, while maintaining high standards for construction and information technology. That means you get the right solution, the first time, without cutting corners.

Our base install rate of $899 includes the base Starlink kit, a basic wall mount, Starlink pipe adapter, and labor to install the dish on your house, professionally penetrate your gable or soffit with the included proprietary Starlink cable, and run it into an office or closet of your choice where router will reside.

We strive and make every effort to fully understand your budget, objectives, and challenges, and to honestly and accurately present you with a free estimate that represents the full scope and cost of the work to be performed.

The following are some examples of items or situations that could effect the price of your install—

• Environments outside the norm that require a manlift or specialized equipment will incur additional installation charges.

• Installation hardware such as wall plates, keystone jacks, patch panels and network racks are not included in the base install kit and will incur additional charges.

• Additional features or equipment such as ethernet ports (gen 2 kit), bring your own router, mesh wifi, switches, cameras, doorbells, or other smart home devices are not included in the base kit and must be discussed during initial consultation and will incur additional charges.