It’s Geek to Me: Jeff Werner explains what Starlink really is

NICEVILLE, Fla. — In this week’s It’s Geek to Me, Jeff Werner explains what Starlink is, how it works, and whether the satellite-based system can realistically replace traditional internet service.

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Question:
Robert R. from Holt, Florida, writes:
You said you’ll answer questions about any technology. Well, I have one for you. What can you tell us about Elon’s Starlink? Is it a satellite phone? Is it Internet? What is it, and what can it do? How much does it cost?

Answer:
Jeff Werner responds:
Oh my goodness, Robert. One? By my count, your submission contains at least five distinct questions, or six if I count the rhetorical one you opened with. But the one topic is apparently Starlink, so I will do my best to answer what you asked, plus maybe a few questions you forgot.

At its core, Starlink is a satellite internet constellation. It is important not to conflate this with the old, slow, laggy satellite internet many rural users complained about a decade ago. Starlink is fundamentally different.

Traditional satellite internet comes from large satellites parked in geostationary orbit, which means from the perspective of an observer on the ground, the satellite appears not to move. Achieving a geostationary orbit requires a satellite to be roughly 22,000 miles above Earth. Radio signals must travel that massive distance and back. Add the time it takes to decode, process, and route the data, and the result is latency that most people find unacceptable.

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Starlink, on the other hand, uses a low-Earth orbit constellation. As of early 2026, there are more than 9,400 satellites operating approximately 340 miles above the Earth. With the satellites much closer, signals reach users far more quickly, providing a fiber-like experience whether someone is rural, at sea, in the desert, or on a mountaintop.

When asking whether Starlink is a satellite phone, many people picture bulky phones with large antennas. That is not Starlink. For many years, the service did not offer phone connectivity at all. Even to use its internet service, customers needed a specialized receiver dish and Wi-Fi router.

Starlink has recently rolled out a capability called Direct to Cell. In 2024, the company began testing basic satellite text messaging. In 2026, the service expanded to support voice, data, and Internet of Things connectivity directly on standard 4G and LTE smartphones. While Starlink is not a traditional satellite phone, it can effectively turn a modern phone into a satellite-connected device when outside cellular coverage.

The Starlink network has continued to mature. With the launch of newer-generation satellites, the company is targeting gigabit speeds under ideal conditions. Current latency in the United States averages between 20 and 25 milliseconds, fast enough for video conferencing, streaming 4K video, and online gaming.

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Starlink is also available for mobile use. Newer equipment supports connectivity on moving vehicles, including boats through Starlink Maritime and aircraft through Starlink Aviation. A smaller Starlink Mini dish is also available for travel.

Cost remains an important consideration. Starlink has updated its pricing structure for 2026 with tier-based residential plans. The Residential 100 Mbps plan costs $50 per month. The Residential 200 Mbps plan, designed for most households, costs $80 per month. A Residential MAX plan is available for $120 per month and includes higher performance along with a Starlink Mini rental for travel.

Unlike most traditional internet providers, Starlink does not include equipment at no charge. Customers must purchase the hardware. A standard kit retails for $349, though promotional pricing can reduce that cost. The Starlink Mini costs $599 and is designed for portable, battery-supported operation.