SpaceX’s Starlink satellite Internet provides users with high speeds reaching 175 Mbps even in strong winds, deep snow and freezing temperatures. SpaceX beta users have posted photos and videos on the Starlink Reddit community, proving that the Starlink terminal is capable of handling extreme weather conditions, and in some cases even faster than usual.
The terminal is included in the Starlink kit, which also includes a tripod and Wi-Fi router, and costs $ 499 (not including a $ 99 monthly fee). In an email dated October 26, SpaceX advised that users of the public beta test of the network, now consisting of nearly 900 satellites in low-Earth orbit, should expect download speeds between 50 and 150 Mbps.
Based on what users have reported online over the past week, it seems that even windy weather or heavy rainfall doesn’t seem to have a significant impact on Starlink’s call quality.
One northern US user told Business Insider on Monday that his Starlink internet speed averages 20 Mbps when temperatures drop to -11 ° C. “This morning I have an average download speed of about 175 Mbps, whereas before it was about 150-160 Mbps.”– he noted.
Nearly all users who reported their speed metrics in November on the Starlink Reddit community indicate that they are getting download speeds above 150 Mbps. And the highest rate of 208.63 Mbps was recorded in Seattle.
One of the beta testers posted six thermal images showing that the temperature on the surface of the terminal is in the range of 0 to 4.5 ° C, which means that the snow falling on it is melting.
Another Reddit user posted a video in which he measured the temperature of the Starlink terminal located on the roof. The thermometer showed in the street from -4 to 4 ° C, but the terminal warmed up enough so that snow did not accumulate on it. This snow had no impact on the reception performance of the home network, which was powered by six laptops, six smartphones, three Xbox, two tablets and one PC.
But there are reports that the service is slowing down when heavy snow falls on the terminal. One user, also located in the North of the USA, was faced with the fact that during a snow storm with wind speeds of more than 20 m / s and more than 7.5 cm of snow per hour, the download speed first dropped to about 20-30 Mbps s, and then even up to 3-4 Mbit / s. “Definitely the delays increased, and the speed dropped when the snow was actively falling down, which was accumulating on the plate, and a strong wind blew. But the connection was quickly restored when the weather improved. Now, on average, the network demonstrates about 100 Mbps for downloads and 15 Mbps for downloads. This is a real dream come true for those who live in the wilderness and currently have no options. “ – he noted.
Many have fears that the Starlink terminal will not withstand too strong winds, but one of the inquisitive users, when checking, was able to rip the plate off its hinges using a blower with only a stream of air at a monstrous 80 m / s. According to speed tests carried out by the user before and after the experiment, the download speed remained between 110 and 120 Mbps. The user has confirmed that if the wind blows on the terminal, it will still automatically adjust to stay in line with the satellite.
So far, all reports from testers come from the northern United States, where SpaceX has begun testing its service, as well as southern Canada.