ItsGeekToMe.co

Q: You said you’ll answer questions about any technology?  Well, I have one for you.  What can you tell us about Elon’s Star Link?  Is it a satellite phone?  Is it Internet?  What is it, and what can it do?  How much does it cost?

 – Robert R.
Holt, Florida

A:  Oh my goodness, Robert!  One?  By my count, your submission contains at least 5 distinct questions (or 6 if I count the rhetorical one that you opened with).  But the “one” topic is apparently Starlink.  I will do my best to answer what you asked, plus maybe a few questions you forgot.

At its core, Starlink is a satellite internet constellation. It’s important not to conflate this with the old, slow, laggy satellite internet your rural cousins complained about a decade ago.  Starlink is fundamentally different.

Traditional satellite internet comes from huge satellites parked in geostationary orbit, which means from the perspective of an observer on the ground, the satellite appears to not move.  Achieving a geostationary orbit requires a satellite to be roughly 22,000 miles above Earth. Radio signals have to travel that massive distance and back.  Add on the time it takes to decode, process and route the data and you wind up with a latency (the delay you feel when clicking a link or playing a game) that most people find unacceptable.

Starlink, on the other hand, uses a “low-Earth orbit” (LEO) constellation. As of early 2026, there are over 9,400 satellites whizzing around just 340 miles above us. With these satellites so much closer, signals reach you almost instantly, providing a fiber-like experience whether you are rural, at sea, in the middle of a desert, or on top of a mountain.

When you ask if it’s a satellite phone you are probably thinking about bulky phones with a big ol’ 6-inch antenna.  That is definitely not Starlink.  For years, Starlink didn’t offer phone service at all. Even to use its internet capabilities you needed a specialized “Dishy” (the receiver) and a Wi-Fi router.  However, Starlink has recently rolled out a capability they call “Direct to Cell.”  In 2024, they began testing basic text messaging via satellite, and in 2026, they are expanding this to support voice, data, and Internet of Things (IoT) directly on your existing 4G/LTE smartphone. So, while Starlink isn’t a “satellite phone” in the traditional sense, it effectively turns your current phone into a satellite phone for emergency connectivity when you’re outside the range of traditional cell towers.

The Starlink network itself has matured well beyond its roots.  With the launch of Gen3 satellites, Starlink is targeting gigabit speeds (1,000 Mbps) for the first time, making it just as fast as many terrestrial cable or fiber connections.  Latency is currently around 20-25 milliseconds in the US; fast enough for such modern internet uses as streaming 4K video, video conferencing, and high-speed online gaming.  Starlink is also available on the go, with the newer Starlink Mini Dish.  It can be used on moving vehicles, including boats (Starlink Maritime) and even airplanes (Starlink Aviation).

Bottom line is the cost.  Starlink has significantly revamped its pricing structures for 2026, making it more accessible with tier-based plans.  The “Residential 100 Mbps” option is the most budget-friendly plan at $50 per month with unlimited data.  The standard tier for most families is the “Residential 200 Mbps” option, which will run you $80 per month.  The Cadillac of Starlink residential plans is their “Residential MAX” plan that costs $120 per month.  It features maximum speeds, comes with a Gen 3 router, and even a free Starlink Mini rental for travel.

Unlike many terrestrial internet service providers, Starlink does not provide their (somewhat exotic) equipment for free – you must purchase the equipment, though prices have dropped.  A standard kit retails for $349, although promotional deals commonly drop this to $175.  The Starlink Mini costs $599, and provides a fully-portable, battery-compatible option.  There are also other, higher-cost options geared toward heavy-duty or business use.

The Geek’s verdict?  Starlink isn’t just a tech billionaire’s vanity project anymore; it is the first truly global, high-speed ISP. If you live in a location where the price of fiber has become affordable, stick with that. But if you live past where the asphalt ends—or if you want your cell phone to work even in a dead zone—Starlink is currently the only game around that actually delivers on its promises.

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