Satellite internet service uses signals between satellites and user terminal dishes. Because of this, it can be vulnerable to weather in the atmosphere and on the ground. Other kinds of internet like cable also can be interrupted by storms, high winds, and eruptions.
Starlink has increased internet reliability by reducing weather-related interference. Weather resilience includes engineered features on satellite dishes, installation guidance, and planned upgrades.
Installing Starlink Dishes to Increase Reliability in Weather
Starlink provides installation guidance with dish kits so you can get the best reception possible. By considering regional weather across a typical year during installation, you can troubleshoot potential disruptions. Consider:
- Heat. Rooftops get considerably hotter than air temperature. Current Starlink dishes function in heat up to 50 C or 122 F. If a Starlink dish reaches 122 degrees, it automatically cycles off in “thermal shutdown” to cool down. In extreme heat, there may be reduction in performance. Customers in hot climates may consider installation locations away from reflected heat.
- Thunderstorms. Starlink dishes meet grounding requirements, but basic practices like using surge protectors and lightning rods are recommended.
- Wind. If customers use long poles, the dish can sway in high winds. Swaying dishes cause intermittent internet service.
- Cats. Ground-level installation is vulnerable to feline interest. Starlink dishes have a warming element to melt snow from the surface. Some customers have found cats appreciate the warming components. Needless to say, cats on the dish interfere with internet performance.
Starlink Dish Engineering Features Combat Bad Weather
Starlink dishes are designed to function from -22 to 122 F or -30 to 50 C. Dishes have been tested to withstand rain, hail, heat, and snow.
Dishes include elements to melt snow from the surface, clearing obstruction. Snow drifts around the dish may cause interference. Starlink dishes also repel water. Periods of heavy rain in the atmosphere may slow speeds.
In hot climates, Starlink dishes protect their hardware by initiating thermal shutdown if the dish reaches 122 F. This temporarily interrupts service while the dish cools.
Plans to “Ruggedize” Starlink Dishes for Extreme Weather
Starlink submitted requests for FCC approval of a dish model “ruggedized” to withstand extreme conditions. The weather-resilient dish plans include fixed locations as well as mobile locations like RVs or boats. Unlike standard residential dishes, Starlink proposes that high-performance dishes be installed by trained technicians.
