This is how the Starlink Internet service works in Ecuador

As of April 1, 2023, Starlink is available in Ecuador. This was confirmed by the Ministry of Telecommunications, through a statement.

Starlink is available for Ecuador from April 1.

The satellite Internet service, created by magnate Elon Musk, will allow connection to remote sites and rural areas of the country.

How does Starlink work? The company has assets about 3,558 satellites that are in low Earth orbit, which makes it possible to upload and return the signal almost instantaneously to offer high-speed Internet.

This scheme facilitates the provision of Internet anywhere, ideal for covering remote territories.

The service provides download speeds of between 50 to 200 MB and with a latency of between 20 and 40 milliseconds.

How is Starlink installed at home?

Alejandro Albán lives in Cacahoatán, a small town in Chiapas (southern Mexico). A few months ago he decided to hire Starlink at his home. He did it because no Internet company provided more than 2 MG of speed. This represented a connection problem for him and his family.

The equipment cost 8,400 pesos (USD 465). You received an installation kit that includes an antenna, a WiFi modem, and two cables, one that connects from the antenna to the modem and one from the modem to the power socket. 

“Installation is easy. You have to download the Starlink app on your cell phone. From there you place the antenna in the place you want and scan the sky with the app.

There it will tell you if the position of the antenna is correct or if you should change it. The cables are connected and the app configures everything else”, says Albán.

This user says that the service is very good, although the modem does not have a great range. That is, it works well in certain places in the house, but not in some more remote ones.

On the second floor of his house, for example, he has interference “If you want to have more range, you have to buy additional networks and equipment to expand the connection,” he says.

He says that the app is measuring how many devices are connected and which of them has the best connection. In addition, it points out recommendations such as where the modem should be located or the equipment that you can buy to have more range.

After his experience of use, he highlights faults, for example, when it rains the Internet service usually has certain interferences. “I think it helps a lot for people who live in remote places where fiber optic internet doesn’t reach or is too slow.”

In addition, he likes that you do not have to sign any type of use contract. If the user wants to stop using Starlink, they simply go to the app and cancel the service. Then the monthly cost will no longer be debited from your card.

How to hire the service in Ecuador?

To acquire Starlink you must enter its website. Place the place of residence to see the availability. Once availability is confirmed, you must fill in personal information, place of delivery of the equipment and confirm payment by debit or credit card.

The US company reports that the monthly cost for Ecuador is USD 60. However, interested users must make a single and initial payment for the equipment of USD 355, plus an additional value of USD 22 for shipping.

According to the Ministry of Telecommunications, the company began its operations in the Galapagos. From April 1, its inhabitants and the 250,000 tourists who visit the place will test the operation of Starlink.