Parry Sound High Speed Internet

For years, one of the biggest challenges for people working from their cottages in the Muskoka area has been the lack of reliable high-speed internet. But the introduction of Elon Musk's Starlink has been a complete game-changer, providing true high-speed internet in rural areas with speeds previously only dreamed of.

As we recently installed a Starlink system on our farm near Magnetawan, we wanted to share a few tips we learned along the way for those considering this solution.

The installation process is relatively straightforward. You use the Starlink app to find a clear, unobstructed line of sight from the dish to the network of satellites. It's crucial to ensure the area where the dish is mounted is solid as any movement can affect how well the system performs. After mounting the dish, you need to find the best route to take the powered cable (75' or 100' depending on the system) from the dish to the router location in the house. Drill some appropriate holes, route the cable, and plug it in!

While there are several nuances to the installation process, it's generally a hassle-free process.

One of the best things about Starlink is its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions, which is particularly important in rural areas like Muskoka and Parry Sound that can experience heavy snow, high winds, and temperature swings. The dish is powered and has the ability to melt snow, which helps prevent potential service degradation.

The regular Starlink system costs just over $700.00, depending on the options you choose, with a monthly fee of $129. There is no contract, and there are no data caps at this time. If you're interested, you can find the Starlink website here. They also have a premium version that offers download speeds of about 150-500 Mbps and latency of 20-40ms.

Starlink also offers a mobile solution, providing high-speed, low-latency internet on an as-needed basis at any destination where Starlink provides active coverage. The cost is CA$170 per month with a one-time hardware cost of CA$759.

Overall, Starlink has surpassed our expectations and outshone other internet providers we've tried in the past, including satellite, DSL, and cell towers. While there may be the occasional outage, they are short-lived.

If you're struggling with poor internet speeds in rural areas, Starlink could be the solution you've been waiting for. With its reliable and high-speed internet, it's no wonder why it's becoming increasingly popular across Canada.