My Honest 3-Month Starlink Review: Why I Ditched My Old Internet in the City

Why I Decided to Switch from My Old Internet Provider

Lucky us! There was already a satellite pole on our rumpus room roof from the previous owner. The technicians mentioned it made the whole installation process much quicker and easier.

Our FTTN NBN, which we used for four years, was getting noticeably slower and more frequent dropouts over time. Even though we aren't heavy users, the drop in speed and stability was frustrating. The reduced speed and unstable internet was making it difficult for my husband to work from home 2-3 days a week.

Starlink Residential Lite Plan: Costs and Promotion Details

We started in December 2025 and got a good deal thanks to a promotion. I wasn't sure if it would be worth it in a city area, but the price wasn't much different from what we were already paying for slow internet, so there was nothing to lose.

• Starlink Residential Lite Plan: $79 per month for 12 months (then $99).

• Old Internet Cost: $95 per month.

• The Promo Deal: Free kit included (satellite dish, modem - Starlink Wi-Fi Router, cables, and even free installation).

Starlink Shared Bandwidth and Future Plan Upgrades

When we signed up, it was the cheapest plan. Since Starlink uses a shared bandwidth system, I was worried my speed and reliability might drop if more people nearby were also using it. However, we haven't noticed any issues yet.

According to my husband, the local Facebook community says there are quite a few Starlink users in our area. If the speed gets too slow later, we are planning to upgrade to an "Upper Plan" (Top Priority), which gives you first access to the data before others.

Step-by-Step Starlink Installation and App Setup

Once the kit arrives, you just plug a few things in and turn it on—it’s that simple. When you order Starlink, they send you a link for a roof installation, where you can pick a date for a technician to contact you.

• The Wait: Our schedule didn't match the technician's, so we set up the dish in the backyard for about two weeks.

• The App: To set it up, you just use the Starlink app and align the square on the screen with the outer frame to make sure it's pointing in the right direction.

If you’re doing a DIY setup or using it temporarily like us, the Starlink app is a lifesaver. You just have to align the inner square with the outer one. My husband says it feels just like playing a video game!

• Wifi coverage: We put the modem in our open kitchen, and it covers the whole house without needing any extra mesh nodes.

We found the perfect home for our Starlink Wi-Fi Router in that kitchen cabinet gap I used to hate because of the dust. It fits perfectly! Best of all, we don't need any additional mesh nodes to get a strong signal throughout the entire house.

Starlink Signal Stability and Obstruction Checks in Australia

Before you start the actual installation (ground or roof), it is highly recommended to use the "Check for Obstructions" tool in the app to find the best spot.

• The Direction: In Australia, Starlink satellites are located towards the South, so you need a clear view of the southern sky.

• My Experience: We have two big trees on the West side, but because the dish points South, they didn't block the signal at all.

• Control: The app also lets you track the satellite's position and run speed tests. It feels great to be in control of my own internet instead of waiting on the phone for help.

Our dish points South, and luckily, our two massive trees are located to the West. Even though they are incredibly tall and even 'fat,' they don't interfere with the signal at all.

You can see it clearly on the 'Obstructions' map in the app: the dish is facing South, and the trees (the obstacles) are safely over to the West. 

Dealing with Extreme Heat and Summer Weather Performance

A lot of people worry about the weather, but we haven't had any major problems over the last three months. It disconnected once for a very short moment on a calm day with no rain or wind, but it didn't really affect our daily life.

I heard the dish has a heating function to melt snow, but here in Australia, extreme sun and heat were my bigger concerns. Having started in the middle of summer, the device never overheated or cut out even on the hottest days.

Starlink vs NBN: Speed and Reliability

Traditional fibre internet uses physical cables, so the Ping is usually low and stable. In contrast, Starlink satellites are always moving, so the Ping changes within a certain range based on the distance. There is also a "Handoff" where one satellite passes the signal to the next, which can cause small spikes.

• No Gaming: Just to be clear, we are not online gamers. This is important because while gamers might notice split-second "Ping spikes," they don't affect our lifestyle at all.

• Peak Time Performance (9:15 PM): Even in the evening when the whole neighbourhood is online, we have no issues watching Netflix or other streaming sites. We recorded 263Mbps download speed with a Ping of around 18ms, and everything stays smooth without any buffering.

Speed test results at 9:15 PM—peak time when everyone in the neighbourhood is home. Still hitting those good numbers!

• Daytime Use (Working from Home): My husband works from home during the day. Since most people are out at work and the local network is much quieter, his connection is even more stable. He hasn't had a single interruption or complaint.

• Expectation: I expect the download and upload speeds to be even better during the day when fewer people are online.

Final thought: Is Starlink Worth It in the City?

Overall, we’ve had a positive experience so far. While every house and location is different, Starlink has been a reliable alternative for us. My husband is happy with the stable connection for his work, and I’m glad we don't have to deal with our old provider anymore. If you're struggling with slow internet even in the city, it might be worth looking into as an option.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.