What is “Starlink”?

What is “Starlink”, how does it work, and how to purchase it in Lithuania?

For a long time, internet access in remote areas meant slow speeds, high latency (ping), and data limits. Elon Musk’s company “SpaceX” decided to change that with the “Starlink” project. Today, “Starlink” is no longer just an experiment – it consists of thousands of satellites in the sky providing fiber-optic speed internet where cables will never reach. In this article, we will review what it is, what technology lies behind this “dish”, and how to set up this system in Lithuania.

What is “Starlink”?

“Starlink” is a satellite internet constellation. Unlike traditional satellite internet, which uses a few large satellites positioned very high (about 35,000 km above Earth), “Starlink” uses thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) – just 550 km high.

What does this change?

• Low latency (Ping): Since the signal has to travel 60 times shorter distance, “Starlink” latency is similar to 4G/5G or even wired internet (20–40 ms), rather than the old satellite internet (600+ ms). This allows for online gaming and smooth use of Zoom.
• High speed: For most users, the speed ranges from 100 to 300 Mbps, which is more than enough for 4K videos or large file downloads.

How does it work? Technology in simple terms

The entire system consists of three main components:

• Satellites in the sky: They continuously orbit the Earth at high speed. Your antenna does not connect to a single satellite – it “hops” from one to another as they pass overhead.
• User terminal (“Dish”): This is what you install on your roof or lawn. It is not just a simple antenna – it is a phased array antenna. It electronically directs the signal to the satellite without physically rotating (although the dish itself has motors for initial alignment).
• Ground stations and Lasers: Satellites communicate with data centers on the ground. The latest “Starlink” satellites also use lasers to transmit data to each other in space, allowing the internet to work even where there are no nearby ground stations (e.g., in the middle of the ocean).

Who is “Starlink” for?

It is important to understand: if you live in the center of Vilnius and have fiber-optic internet for a low price, “Starlink” is not for you. It is intended for rural residents, cottages, villages, or homesteads where wired internet does not exist, and mobile connectivity is weak or unstable. It is also an ideal solution for travelers in campers and businesses as a backup communication channel.

Pros and Cons

How to purchase “Starlink” in Lithuania?

“Starlink” has officially been operating in Lithuania for several years. The purchasing process is very simple and takes place directly through the manufacturer’s website.

Step 1: Verification

Go to the official website starlink.com. On the homepage, enter your address (or “Google Plus Code” if you live in a homestead without an exact address) and click “Order Now”.

Step 2: Choosing a Plan

• Standard (Residential): Fixed internet for homes. The cheapest monthly plan with the highest priority.
• Roam (Mobile): Designed for travelers. Allows you to take the equipment with you, but the service is more expensive.
• Boats / Aviation: Business plans for boats and airplanes.

Step 3: Equipment and Price

Prices may vary, but the approximate prices for Lithuania in 2025-2026 are as follows: equipment costs about 250–350 EUR (antenna, stand, router), and the standard monthly fee is about 50–60 EUR. Delivery usually costs an additional 20–25 EUR.

Step 4: Delivery and Installation

Once you receive the box, the process takes just a few minutes:

• Place the dish where there is a clear view of the open sky.
• Connect the cables (only two connections).
• Download the “Starlink” app to your phone.
• The app will help scan the sky and configure the WiFi network.