What is the ideal location for installing my Starlink dish?

Selecting the perfect location for your Starlink dish is crucial in order to optimise its performance and ensure you receive the best possible internet connection. This is especially true in areas where obstructions such as trees or buildings can affect the signal strength - you don't want to cough up a considerable amount of money for a service that doesn't perform as it should.

Hence, before jumping into the installation process, let's take a look at some factors you should consider when selecting the ideal location for your Starlink dish:

Unobstructed view of the sky:

The dish requires an unobstructed view of the sky to function efficiently since it relies on signals from satellites that orbit the Earth in space. Any obstructions (trees, buildings or even hills) may disrupt the signal and reduce your internet speed, resulting in an unsatisfactory experience.

Ideally, roof-mounted installations are recommended to avoid any possible obstructions. However, if you're unable to mount the dish on your roof, the Gen 2 dishes have the capability to be placed on a pole or tripod, to which the dish can be elevated to obtain a clear view of the sky.

Away from electromagnetic interference:

Electromagnetic interference (EMI), which often occurs around power lines or other electronics, can also affect the performance of your Starlink dish. This includes high-voltage power lines, transformers, industrial equipment or even other satellite dishes. EMI can disrupt the signal since it creates additional noise and interference, making it harder for the dish to receive a clear signal.

Therefore, pick a spot that's as far away from any potential sources of EMI to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity. The Starlink app has a built-in feature that allows you to check for any nearby interference, so be sure to use it before deciding on a location for your dish.

Stable ground:

Aside from connectivity issues, a stable ground is also essential to ensure your dish remains in place. The dish needs to be mounted securely to avoid any potential movement caused by strong winds or other environmental factors. If the dish isn't stable, it's more prone to potential damage and may affect the performance of your internet connection.

Accessibility for maintenance:

Lastly, remember that installing a Starlink dish isn't a one-time process. Depending on your location, you may need to adjust its dish's position from time to time as more satellites are launched into orbit or due to changes in weather conditions. You're also expected to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning the dish and making sure there aren't any obstructions around it, so you can continue to receive optimal internet speeds.

Find a location that allows you easy access to the dish for maintenance purposes, on top of meeting all the criteria mentioned above. If it's on the roof, make sure you have a way to safely reach it and find a spot that doesn't require too much effort to access. As for ground installations, place the dish in an area that doesn't have any potential hazards or obstacles that could make it difficult to reach for maintenance and checking.

Schedule Your Starlink Installation Today

For all these reasons and more, the correct installation of your Starlink dish can be a complex task and is best left to professionals. If you're ready to get started with Starlink, or if you're experiencing issues with your current setup with us, our team of experienced technicians offers top-notch Starlink installation services, ensuring optimal placement and performance of your dish.