Is Starlink The Future of the Internet for SMEs?

Posted 26th June 2023

Has your business considered Embracing Starlink? Reliable High-Speed, Low latency Internet for UK SMEs. 

Reliable and high-speed internet access is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses. The advent of Starlink, a satellite internet constellation by the renowned American aerospace company SpaceX, could signal a new era for SMEs in the United Kingdom and beyond. Currently offering coverage in over 54 countries, Starlink is designed to bring high-speed, low-latency internet access to traditionally underserved areas, including rural and remote locations. 

For SMEs, Starlink offers a number of potential benefits, including: 

High-speed internet: 

Starlink can provide download speeds of up to 150 Mbps, which is significantly faster than traditional satellite internet. This speed can be a significant advantage for businesses that need to upload and download large files, such as video editing or graphic design businesses. This speed could dramatically enhance efficiency and productivity. 

Low latency 

Latency is the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another. Starlink has a latency of 20-40 ms, which is comparable to traditional broadband internet. This low latency is vital for businesses that need to make real-time communications, such as video conferencing or online gaming. 

Reliable internet

Starlink is designed to be a reliable internet service, even in inclement weather. This reliability can be a significant advantage for businesses that operate in rural or remote areas, where traditional internet services are often unreliable and internet connectivity tends to be inconsistent. 
 
If you are an SME that is looking for high-speed, low-latency, and reliable internet service, Starlink is a great option to consider. However, it is important to note that Starlink is still in its early stages of development, and there are some potential drawbacks to consider, such as: 

• Limited availability
• Starlink is currently only available in select areas. 
• High upfront costs
• The cost of Starlink hardware and service is higher than traditional broadband internet. 

Potential environmental impacts

Starlink's use of satellites has the potential to impact the environment; the vast number of Starlink satellites is a matter of ongoing discussion. 

Overall, Starlink is a promising new technology that has the potential to revolutionise internet access for SMEs. However, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks before deciding on whether or not to sign up for service. 

Our Experience

We utilised this technology for a client in a very rural location, traditional broadband speeds were around 5MB. We suggested Starlink as a potential solution and got a setup for review. After a proof of concept at the client site and getting speeds up to 140MB and never less than 100MB (its safe to say they wanted to take this service up)
We purchased the accessories to mount the dish high up and linked it into the existing network and a client with around 30x the previous speed.

If this technology interests you or you maybe see a use for you or your business, then give us a call, and we are more than happy to go over with you.