That Starlink was going to arrive in Spain throughout this year was an open secret. A few weeks ago SpaceX registered its brand in our borders and now it is possible to sign up to access the beta.
On the Starlink website it is now possible to register to register for the test, which has been active in the United States for some time. By doing so and validating our address, the web returns us the prices, the conditions that we must accept and the data that we have to fill in, and it is better to hurry, because the process must be completed before a timer of 15 minutes runs out. Next we are going to review the conditions.
99 euros per month
On the one hand, Starlink reveals the pricing scheme for the service. The first thing is the hardware, which costs 499 euros, and the shipping, which amounts to 60 euros. This includes a circular antenna with a tripod, the necessary cabling and a router. Then we have the service, which is 99 euros per month. The only thing we would have to pay today is 99 euros, which is “fully refundable” and “does not guarantee the service. In case of regrets, we can return the Starlink kit within 30 days for a full refund. In summary:
- Price of the Starlink kit : 499 euros.
- Shipping costs : 60 euros
- Price of the service : 99 euros per month
The website also gives us a rough idea of when it will be possible to access the service. In my case, it is stated that “Starlink aims to provide coverage in your area in mid to late 2021. Availability is limited.” What does that mean? That the Starlink test is limited by users per zone and will serve those who arrive first first.
What we accept
Finally, when we register we can access the beta contract in Spain (available here in English), the privacy conditions and the frequently asked questions, which clarify some doubts, so let’s go by parts. On the one hand, the contract establishes that it is a residential service and that the kit is exclusive for the address that we put in our order. Come on, it cannot be installed in a company, for example.
Furthermore, the user is responsible for the installation and care of the kit : “it is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all building codes, zoning, ordinances, business district or association standards, covenants, conditions, restrictions, leasing obligations and landlord / landlord approvals and requirements for the installation of the Starlink Kit, to pay any associated fees or other charges, and to obtain any necessary permits and other authorizations for the Services and the installation of the Starlink Kit.”
Something curious that the contract establishes is that the problems that happen on Mars will be fixed on Mars according to the principles of good government established in the Martian settlement. This is completely serious, so we quote literally:
“For Services provided in, on, or in orbit around planet Earth or the Moon, this Agreement and any dispute between us arising out of or related to this Agreement (” Disputes “) shall be governed and construed accordingly with the laws of Spain, and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Spanish courts.The European Commission offers an online dispute resolution platform available at the following address.
For Services provided on Mars, or in transit to Mars via the Starship or other spacecraft, the parties acknowledge that Mars is a free planet and that no terrestrial government has authority or sovereignty over Martian activities. Consequently, the conflicts will be resolved through principles of self-government, established in good faith, at the time of the Martian settlement. “- The black ones are their own.
Finally, the website collects information about the test and what we can expect from the service. For example, it states that we can expect between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps and a latency of between 20 and 40 milliseconds “in most places during the next few months while we improve the Starlink system”, although SpaceX has its back: “there will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all. ”
There is no data consumption limit, so in principle it should not be a problem. However, there is an acceptable use policy that states the following:
” Excessive use of network resources : SpaceX reserves the right to carry out reasonable management of the network to protect it in general, including analysis of traffic patterns to optimize services and prevent the distribution of viruses or other malicious code. SpaceX reserves the right to immediately restrict, suspend or terminate the Services without notice in order to protect the network or minimize congestion caused by unauthorized use.
On the other hand, in the FAQs we are urged to place the kit in an elevated area and / or free of obstacles, see a tree, a fireplace or a lamp post. Any of these obstacles can interfere with the connection and leave us without the internet. “The best guidance we can give is to install your Starlink at the highest possible elevation where it is safe to do so, with a clear view of the sky.”
It is also established that we cannot travel with Starlink or connect from another place. Each Starlink kit is assigned a specific area of the earth that Starlink refers to as a “cell”. If we move the Starlink out of the cell, we will run out of internet.
Regarding the weather conditions, SpaceX says that there are no problems when using the kit in areas with snow, rain or heavy winds, but that you do have to take certain precautions and take some things into account. There are also no issues with lightning as the kit meets NEC grounding requirements and includes the necessary protections:
“Your Starlink will detect and melt snow that falls directly on it, however accumulated snow around your Starlink can block your field of view. We recommend installing Starlink in a location that prevents snow accumulation and other obstructions from blocking the field of view vision. Heavy rain or wind can also affect your satellite Internet connection, causing a slower speed or a rare power outage.”