Getting online in the UAE is hardly a struggle, but there’s now another option arriving from rather higher up. Starlink, the satellite internet service developed by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, is preparing to connect UAE residents through a network of satellites, offering a different approach to getting your home online.
Internet From Above
Unlike conventional broadband, which depends on fixed infrastructure such as fibre networks, Starlink sends its connection between satellites and a dish installed at your property.
This exciting new service has been licensed to operate in the UAE for the next decade, opening the door for residential and business users, as well as connectivity for industries including aviation.
The appeal is fairly simple. Instead of waiting for a physical broadband connection to reach you, Starlink can provide internet through its satellite network and will prove useful in locations where traditional connectivity is less straightforward.
What Will It Cost?
For UAE households, Starlink’s Residential plan costs AED 300 per month. The required equipment costs AED 1,465, with residents who pre-order paying an AED 300 deposit, which is then applied to the hardware.
It’s currently set to offer download speeds of up to 400Mbps, although the performance you actually experience can vary depending on factors including location and the network conditions.
How Can UAE Residents Pre-Order?
Interested residents can visit Starlink’s UAE website and enter their address to check whether service is available in their area. From there, they can select a plan and place their order.
The good news is that there isn’t a complicated installation project waiting at the other end. Starlink’s system is designed around a satellite dish and router that can be installed at home, with the dish requiring a suitable position with a clear view of the sky.
For households already enjoying speedy fibre, Starlink is another choice among the few. But for residents looking for an alternative connection, particularly outside areas well served by conventional infrastructure, satellite internet could soon become a much more familiar sight across the UAE.
For further information, visit Starlink.
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