2024 marks a new era for all things internet. For most businesses, the internet is crucial for daily operations, productivity, and immediate connectivity. Any downtime can severely disrupt sales, customer satisfaction, and staff productivity, leading to lost profits and numerous problems.
But what is the answer to providing the best business continuity?
…
SpaceX believes they have it.
Many people think that Starlink is only for the most rural of businesses and that their high-flying city business doesn’t need to consider it. However, this is not the case.
Not long ago, we had to rely on traditional satellites for the internet, with little difference between providers and speeds. Starlink has changed this.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is SpaceX’s latest product, aiming to provide internet to all corners of the globe with fast speeds, low latency coverage and a unique orbit around the earth.
How Does Starlink Achieve Its Fast Speed and Low Latency?
Starlink satellites operate in low Earth orbit (LEO), meaning the latency between requesting data and receiving it is much shorter. This allows for better connectivity for high data rate activities such as video conferences, streaming audio and videos, and downloading large files.
Is Starlink Just for Remote Businesses?
The short answer is no!
While Starlink offers better connectivity to remote businesses by not relying on terrestrial infrastructure, it also provides a competitive edge in the city. Due to Starlink not relying on terrestrial infrastructure like landlines, cellular networks, or Wi-Fi, if one satellite fails, others seamlessly take over, eliminating the need to wait for an engineer to fix your line.
Case Study Example: We (The Emerald Group) use Starlink ourselves for events. We take it to auctions and events that we set up and manage due to its easy portability and fast connectivity in all locations.
Considerations Before You Switch
When comparing Starlink to traditional internet service providers (ISP) in the UK, several factors come into play. Traditional ISPs rely on fibre optic cables or DSL connections, offering stable and high-speed internet but are limited by geographical constraints and infrastructure availability. In contrast, Starlink’s satellite-based approach eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure, providing high-speed internet with low latency even in remote locations.
Before switching your business to Starlink, consider these key factors:
1. Initial Setup Costs: Whilst there are higher upfront costs compared to traditional ISPs, the long-term benefits, especially during traditional internet outages, often outweigh the initial investment.
2. Weather Conditions: Satellite internet can be affected by severe weather, so assess your location’s typical weather patterns.
3. Regulatory and Licensing Issues: Ensure compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements for satellite internet services.
4. Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Review Starlink’s SLA terms to understand uptime guarantees, support response times, and compensation for service interruptions. Compare these with traditional ISPs’ SLAs to ensure you get the support and performance your business needs.
Conclusion
Starlink presents a compelling case as one of the best internet options for UK businesses (especially in remote areas). Its reliability, high-speed connectivity, low latency, and competitive edge in outages and secluded areas make it an attractive choice for ensuring business continuity and enhancing productivity. Whether you’re in a bustling city centre or a remote countryside, Starlink could be the solution to your internet connectivity needs.
We can help purchase, install, check legal requirements, and maintain your Starlink. For more information on Starlink and to see if it’s the right fit for your business, click here or contact us below.
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