Ask for a property survey
A fixed wireless installer checks the route between your property and its mast. Airband’s installation guide, for example, describes a clear line of sight to an outdoor receiver, with a network cable brought indoors to its power supply and router. A ridge or trees can block that route. Starlink needs an open sky view instead of a view towards the local mast.
Compare the installed service
Ask the wireless provider about download and upload speeds, busy-hour performance and any data limits. Include the receiver, fitting and contract length in the price. For Starlink, include the equipment arrangement, mount and any work needed to route the cable indoors.
Support can be a deciding factor
A local wireless operator may provide on-site help, while Starlink account and service support is mainly handled through its own tools. Ask who diagnoses faults, whether call-outs cost extra and who owns the installed equipment.
Satellite and a local wireless network
| Your question | Starlink | Local fixed wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Signal source | Satellites moving across the sky. | A nearby radio mast operated by the local provider. |
| Property check | Use the Starlink app at a possible dish position. Arrange help for locations you cannot assess safely. | Ask for a survey towards the provider’s mast. For example, Airband’s installation requires line of sight to its transmitter. |
| Installation | A dish, mount where needed and a cable indoors. A suitable ground-level setup can be DIY. | An outdoor receiver aligned to the transmitter, with a network cable indoors. Confirm the fitting and power requirements. |
| Performance | Varies with the service tier, demand and obstructions. Check the expected upload as well as the download limit. | Ask for the plan’s download and upload speeds, expected evening performance and any data allowance. There is no single UK fixed-wireless speed. |
| Fault support | Starlink handles service faults. Ask an independent installer separately about aftercare for its mounting and cabling. | Ask who diagnoses faults and whether the price includes visits. Being a local provider does not by itself promise free call-outs. |
Get a survey from the local wireless provider if one serves your area. A dependable connection with local support can be a good rural option, while Starlink may reach a home hidden from that provider’s mast.
Before you choose
- Check whether the survey is chargeable and what happens if reception is unsuitable.
- Confirm who owns the receiver and who maintains the installation.
- Compare the upload speed, data allowance and contract as well as the monthly price.
- Ofcom broadband and mobile checker
- Starlink obstruction tool
- Ofcom: broadband technologies and choosing a provider
- Airband: what fixed wireless installation involves
Send a correction if a source has changed or something needs updating.