Join Our Upcoming Event

> News & Updates > Starlink Public Beta in Vilas County

Starlink Public Beta in Vilas County

Starlink Public Beta in Vilas County

Thursday , May 27, 2021

This information was compiled in February 2021 by Jonathan Sharp (VCEDC Broadband Committee member) who has been using Starlink since November 2020 and is based on his experience using it full time while working remotely. As Terms of Use are subject to change, please verify all information directly with Starlink prior to purchasing or use. Your experience may differ.

Very Short Summary

  • Very Fast - up to 160Mbps download, up to 40Mbps upload, with 40ms latency (this is comparable to cable broadband) Average speeds appear to be in the 65Mbps+ down, and 15Mbps+ up.

  • Cost - $499 one time equipment cost + shipping + any optional mounting hardware. $99/month no contract. 30 day full refund; after 30 days, prorated refund up to 12 months on hardware. 

  • Signing Up

    • Pre-orders / Public Beta Sign up - As of February 10th, 2021, Starlink announced select pre-orders with no indications of when orders will be fulfilled as they continue to expand service. Prior to this, you would sign up at starlink.com and may receive an invitation if you were selected to participate in the public beta. Invitations were emailed out in batches with a limited time window to respond as they grow service and coverage. (There have been a number of people within Vilas County who have received invites.)

Starlink Overview & Comparison

Overview

Starlink satellite internet is a new generation of broadband technology from space overcoming performance limitations of traditional satellite. It is true broadband with public beta speeds of around 160Mbps down and up to 40Mbps upload with a 40ms latency. This is comparable to a traditional cable internet connection. Starlink launched their “Better Than Nothing Public Beta” plan in October 2020 with an invite only rollout.

What is the Starlink “Better Than Nothing Public Beta”?

SpaceX has launched over 1,000 satellites (as of February 2021) for coverage of the northern portion of the US, southern portion of Canada, and parts of the UK. During the Public Beta, Starlink has indicated that there will be short periods of outages as there are small gaps in satellite coverage as they scale out the network. Starlink is working on improving the reliability of hardware and systems during the public beta phase. They have indicated a broader rollout to all portions of the US throughout 2021. Starlink has a goal of launching 120 additional satellites/month which then take approximately 3-4 months to reach operational orbit.

View of the Sky

You will need a clear view of the sky as performance can be degraded by trees or obstructions.  (see “Signing up & Getting Started” below for how to check for obstructions with the Starlink app.)

Starlink performance in weather in Northern Wisconsin

Starlink engineers have taken into account the issues of snow build up and cold environments. The Starlink dish includes the ability to melt snow off of the surface of the dish which is flat (as opposed to traditional satellite dishes that have a “bowl”.)

Based on personal experience, performance has been consistent through winter weather so far. There was one outage as snow built up on the dish faster than it could melt it. Service then returned shortly without any action taken. Even with temperatures reaching -40F, the dish has performed without issue.

Public Beta Service Limitations as of January 2021

  1. Service Address - During the Public Beta, satellite usage is limited to the address that you signed up and ordered with. Longer term this restriction will be removed as more satellites are launched and coverage expands.

  2. Short Outages - During the Public Beta there will be periods of short outages (usually 5-15 seconds) due to satellite coverage. This averages a total of 10 minutes or less over 24 hours.

How does Starlink Compare to Traditional Satellite Internet?

  • Data below based on 54521 zip code
  • Links referenced referenced in graph can be accessed below it.

Real World Experience by Jonathan Sharp

Starlink has worked exceptionally well and “it just works”. I signed up expressing interest very early in 2020 (they were just asking for emails at the time.) I received an invite for the Public Beta during the first round of invitations in October 2020. I received my kit, set it up and was online. Early on in November of 2020 I experienced about 20 - 25 minutes of “outages” over a 24 hour period (with each “outage” lasting between 5-20 seconds in duration.) Now in February 2021 we are down to around 3-8 minutes of “outage” per 24 hours and the duration of outages being closer to 5-10 seconds. Performance has consistently been 65Mbps+ and has performed well during all weather conditions so far. (There was only 1 outage affected when snow fell faster than the dish could melt it. Once the snow melted 20 minutes later service was restored without any action by myself.) The Starlink dish is an exceptional piece of hardware and melts all snow as well as reliably stays connected. I have not had to remove any snow or touch the dish since setting it up, nor have I needed to restart the Starlink router or power cycle the hardware. If you can receive a hardwired high speed connection such as cable or fiber, that may still be your best option. Otherwise, Starlink is an exceptional alternative.

Starlink Compared to Traditional Wired Services

DSL - Starlink will give you 160Mbps down vs a max of 100Mbps DSL provides.

Cable - Starlink will be comparable to most traditional 100Mbps+ Cable service. A wired connection may be more reliable than what Starlink can offer. Some cable service does have the ability to reach speeds up to 1Gbps.

Fiber - This is the holy grail of internet connectivity. Usually offering 100Mbps+ connections (both for download & upload.) This would be your best option if available.


Signing up & Getting Started

Coverage Check

Starlink has developed an app creatively named “Starlink” for iPhone or Android. This will give you the option to “Check for Obstructions” which will give you an idea of how much sky is needed for the satellite dish and its ideal placement.


Sign up for Public Beta

Goto starlink.com and enter your email address and the address where you would use the service. Once submitted you’ll then need to wait for an invite (which may or may not come.) (As of February 2021, some people have reported being able to “pre-order” service and reserve a spot.)

Starlink releases invitations in batches and in specific areas as they expand service. A number of invites have been sent to residents of Vilas County so there is some evidence that they will continue expanding here.

Ordering Process

When you’re selected for an invitation to the Public Beta, you will receive an email with a link to place an order. The invitation has an expiration date on it, so when the invite arrives, you’ll want to be timely in your response. During the ordering process you’ll be able to select any optional mounting hardware you need. Once your order has been placed, Starlink will ship out your equipment. You’ll receive email updates as your order progresses.

Installation

Once your kit arrives, installation is usually as simple as plugging everything in. There are numerous options for mounting the dish. During the ordering process you can select your mounting options.

  1. Mount satellite
  2. Drill hole and run cord inside (cord is permanently attached to the dish and is 100ft in length)
  3. Plug in router and power
  4. Connect to WiFi and finish setup using the Starlink app



Additional Reference & Links of Interest

Starlink News






graph.png starlink.png vcedc-blog-1.jpeg speed-test.png vcedc-blog-2.jpeg vcedc-blog-3.jpeg vcedc-blog-4.jpeg vcedc-blog-5.jpeg

See More




VCEDC/Vilas County Town of Phelps Project Selected as one of 10 Rural Communities by WEDC's Thrive Rural Program Offering Grants, Technical Assistance

Wisconsin Public Radio: A new state program will give 10 rural communities across Wisconsin access funding and resources to help meet their economic development goals.

View

VCEDC/Vilas County Town of Phelps Project Selected by WEDC's Thrive Rural Program

Ten rural communities from around the state will get help meeting their biggest economic development needs and planning for their long-term goals.

View

Private Chef Luke Selected as the VCEDC Business of the Year

Private Chef Luke Selected as the VCEDC Business of the Year

View


VCEDC Welcomes Craig Culver

VCEDC Welcomes Craig Culver

View




FCC Broadband Map

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) releases updated broadband Coverage Map.

View

2022 Business of the Year Award

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation names the 2021 Business of The Year

View

Wisconsin Counties Magazine

VCEDC featured in Wisconsin Counties Magazine

View

Congratulations to Charter Spectrum!

Congratulations to Charter Spectrum on the completion of their work to date in the Town of Lincoln and the Town of Washington.

View

Entrepreneurial Education Program

Accelerate Your Business To The Next Level. Do it right in only 8 weeks with the Entrepreneurial Training Program.

View

Vilas County Broadband Survey: We Need Your Help!

Improved broadband is essential for a robust tourism industry and to diversify and grow Vilas County’s economy to attract entrepreneurs, remote workers, and expanding businesses.

View

Vilas County Broadband Expansion 8-5-22

Vilas County Broadband Expansion featured on NBC Newswatch 12

View



Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes Marisue Drumm as Business Outreach Specialist

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes Marisue Drumm as Business Outreach Specialist

View

VCEDC Featured in WXPR Radio

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation featured on WXPR radio

View

Milwaukee Journal Speaks on Northwoods High-Speed Internet

In Kentucky's 'Silicon Holler' and Wisconsin's Northwoods, high-speed internet is creating jobs, and changing lives!

View


You're Invited to the VCEDC Annual Meeting!

You’re Invited! This was no ordinary Annual Meeting! Join us for the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation's 2021 Annual Meeting.

View


Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Releases 2021 Broadband Survey Results

Eagle River, WI., December 1, 2021…. The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) Broadband Workgroup has released the results of its first Broadband survey.

View

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Selected to Participate in Broadband Discussion

VCEDC is selected to participate in the Broadband for Everyone Facebook Live panel discussion

View

Rural Broadband Live Event Nov 9

Broadband for Everyone. What will it take? Rural communities and underserved areas of cities both need affordable, reliable high-speed internet service.

View

Fundraising Campaign Announced to Support Economic Innovation

The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) today announced the kick-off of its Annual Fundraising Campaign.

View

Northwoods Women's Entrepreneur Series - Register Today!

Vilas County Economic Development presents the Northwoods Women Entrepreneur Series! Be inspired and learn real tips to start or grow your business!

View

Grant Updates

Read on to view the latest grant program announcements, application information and more.

View

Northwoods Women's Entrepreneur Series Features ABC’s Shark Tank Entrepreneur Among Speakers

The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation (VCEDC) today announced its Northwoods Women Entrepreneur Series featuring four internationally and nationally-recognized women CEOs including Junea Rocha, Wendy Baumann, Marsha McVicker, and Melissa “Missy” Hughes.

View

VCEDC Broadband Professional Volunteer, Jonathan Sharp Featured in Milwaukee Journal

VCEDC Broadband Professional Volunteer, Jonathan Sharp, featured on the front page of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

View

Board of Directors Meeting 8/13/21

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Friday, August 13, 2021 at 9:00 AM (Central Time)

View

Main Street Bounceback Grants

Businesses and nonprofits considering moving into a vacant Wisconsin commercial space may be eligible for a $10,000 Wisconsin Tomorrow – Main Street Bounceback Grant

View

Random List of Available Free WiFi

A random list of area businesses in Eagle River that we have learned provide free WiFi.

View

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Launches Vilas County Broadband Survey

The Vilas County Economic Development Corp. Broadband Workgroup is in the process of launching a county-wide survey to help develop a detailed map of broadband availability and coverage

View


Interview on Wisconsin Public Radio

VCEDC Board Chairman Jim Tuckwell interviewed on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Morning Show with Kate Archer Kent on May 6, 2021 to discuss the economic impact in the Northwoods from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund.

View

Newswatch 12 Interview

Since the first quarter of 2020, the remote work trend and expectations have changed and many employers weren't prepared to have their workforce function from home.

View

Understanding Broadband

Broadband. This is the most crucial aspect of remote working.

For many jobs, productivity and progress are directly tied to the availability and reliability of broadband.

The ability to access broadband is the most important part of a remote workers “commute.”

View

Taxation of Remote Workers

Taxation of Remote Workers. Learn what you need to know as your prepare your taxes.

View











Some People Are Considering Trading City Life For Rural Wisconsin Due To COVID-19 Pandemic

Remote Work Is Allowing Some To Consider More Rural Lifestyle

View





VCEDC Hosts Virtual Event "Re-Writing the Rural Narrative"

The Lakeland Times Sept 22, 2020 At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation is hosting presenter Ben Winchester for the virtual event, “Re-Writing the Rural Narrative: The ‘Brain-Gain’ of Rural America.”

View

Vilas County Proves Rural Development

Vilas County Proves Rural Development News Watch 12 September 21, 2020

View

As the pandemic grinds on, the Northwoods beckons many seeking solitude, natural social distancing

As the pandemic grinds on, the Northwoods beckons many seeking solitude, natural social distancing

View

With Broadband Comes Growth

With Broadband Comes Growth: Digital Infrastructure Spurs Company in Vilas Co.

View

Re-Writing the Rural Narrative

Vilas County Economic Development Corporation Presents

Nationally-Recognized Rural Sociologist Ben Winchester

“Re-Writing the Rural Narrative” – The Brain Gain of Rural America

View



Brains and Brew Coffee and Conversation a Success!

Inaugural Brains & Brew coffee and conversation on March 11th a success!

View



VCEDC Recognized by Dick Leinenkugal at Greater Northwoods Business Event

So inspired to attend the Greater Northwoods business speaker’s forum on December 18th featuring Dick Leinenkugel, President and Chief Beer Merchant for the Jacob Leinenkugel Brewing Company.

View

Announcing Our New Executive Director

Kathy Schmitz will be replacing Bob Egan who will retire at the end of December after seven years of dedicated leadership and service.

View

Eagle River Site Earns Certified In Wisconsin Designation

Governor Scott Walker announced that a 21-acre parcel of land in Eagle River has been designated as a Certified In Wisconsin® development-ready site, a move aimed at attracting corporate development projects to the city.

View

See All

Want to learn why Vilas County is one of the best places to live, work, and play?

Reach out to the folks at the Vilas County Economic Development Corporation today!

Contact Us

Want to learn why Vilas County is one of the best places to live, work, and play?

We can email you a PDF highlighting many of the wonderful aspects of our area.

Download this 8-page PDF article here: