Mistakes We See Every Week
As professional Starlink installers, a significant portion of our work involves fixing installations that were done incorrectly the first time. Whether it was a DIY attempt or a handyman who did not understand satellite internet requirements, the same mistakes come up repeatedly. Here are the most common ones and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Placing the Dish Too Low
This is the most frequent and most damaging mistake. Customers set the dish on the ground using the included kickstand, or mount it on a low fence or deck railing. At ground level, trees, fences, neighboring structures, and even the customer's own roofline create obstructions that degrade performance. The fix is simple: mount the dish at the highest available point, typically the roof peak, where it has the widest possible sky view. Properly elevated installations consistently reach speeds over 600 Mbps.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Seasonal Obstructions
A mounting location that looks clear in January may be heavily obstructed by June when deciduous trees are in full leaf. We see this constantly -- customers install in winter and wonder why performance drops dramatically in summer. Professional installers account for seasonal foliage changes during the initial site assessment.
Mistake 3: Poor Cable Management
Cables draped across yards, run through cracked windows, or taped along exterior walls are ugly, unsafe, and vulnerable to damage from weather, animals, and lawn equipment. Proper installation involves running cables through walls with sealed wall passes, using outdoor-rated conduit, and securing all runs to prevent movement and wear.
Mistake 4: Bad Router Placement
Hiding the Starlink router in a closet, basement, or corner of the house guarantees poor Wi-Fi coverage for the rest of your home. The router should be placed centrally and elevated, ideally in the main living area. For larger homes, a mesh network extension may be necessary to reach every room.
Mistake 5: Improper Mounting Hardware
Using zip ties, duct tape, or inadequate brackets to mount a Starlink dish is a recipe for disaster during the first windstorm. Professional mounts are rated for high winds, sealed against water intrusion, and designed to last for years without maintenance.
Skip the Mistakes Entirely
Every one of these mistakes is preventable with professional installation. Book with Starnet Pros and get it done right the first time. Explore our services, check service areas, or contact us with questions about your installation.