Taking Starlink to the Park
Ever wondered how effective satellite internet is in the great outdoors? I took the plunge and tested the Starlink satellite internet in a park setting. With a beautiful day as my backdrop, I carried my Starlink official travel case, complete with the dish, stand, cables, and Wi-Fi router, to conduct a thorough speed test.
Unboxing the Travel Case
The Starlink travel case is a marvel of design. Waterproof with well-padded interiors, it’s ideal for transporting the kit. Weighing in at 9.5 kilos, the backpack format of the case is a nod to portability and functionality. Standing at 170 centimeters, I found the size quite manageable.
Setting Up Starlink Outdoors
The setup was surprisingly simple. I placed the satellite on its stand, connected the cables, powered up the Wi-Fi router, and used the AllPower S2000 portable power station which has a battery capacity of 1.5 kWh. Since the Starlink uses around 40 Wh, this setup promised more than a day’s worth of broadband connectivity outdoors, a testament to Starlink’s efficiency.
Connectivity and Speed Test Results
Despite my initial concerns about using Starlink away from my registered service address, the satellite connected seamlessly. The open park space provided an ideal environment for uninterrupted service. My speed tests were impressive, with download speeds nearing 250Mbps and uploads around 11Mbps.
Real-World Usage
During my park day, I engaged in a Zoom meeting and some Netflix streaming. The connection was stable, with no noticeable delays or lags, proving Starlink’s capability for both work and leisure activities. Even streaming 4K content was seamless.
Comparing Speed Test Results
I used both the Starlink app and fast.com for speed tests, yielding results of 171Mbps and 210Mbps, respectively. Though slightly different, both indicated a robust and reliable connection.
Stability and Performance
The connection was stable with only a minor, almost unnoticeable, blip at 9:39 am. The overall performance of Starlink, even in a remote park location, was nothing short of impressive.
Final Thoughts
This experiment with Starlink in the UK’s outdoors has left me truly impressed. The speed and stability it offers, even in less conventional settings, highlight its potential as a game-changer in the world of internet connectivity.
