Should you buy Elon Musk’s Starlink Internet in the US, Canada, or the EU? Read the pros and cons.

Let’s face it: Internet in rural or remote areas has always kind of sucked. Whether you’re living in the backwoods of Oregon, a cottage in northern Ontario, or a farmhouse somewhere in rural Spain, getting fast and reliable internet has often meant a mix of frustration, buffering, and watching that little spinning circle mock you. Enter Starlink — Elon Musk’s satellite internet project that promises to bring high-speed broadband to the most remote corners of the planet. But should you actually buy it? Is it worth the hype and the monthly cost? Let’s break down the pros and cons if you’re in the US, Canada, or the EU.

What is Starlink, anyway?
Quick refresher: Starlink is a satellite internet service run by SpaceX. Instead of relying on ground-based cell towers or cables, it uses a network of thousands of low-orbit satellites (called a constellation) to beam internet signals directly to a small dish you install at your home. Pretty sci-fi, right?

The biggest selling point? Starlink is designed to work almost anywhere. That’s the magic. If you’re out in the middle of nowhere — no fiber, no 5G, no DSL — Starlink might be your only decent option.

The Pros of Starlink

1. Actually Fast Internet — Even in the Middle of Nowhere

In most places, Starlink delivers download speeds between 50 Mbps and 200 Mbps, with upload speeds around 10 to 20 Mbps. For rural users who are used to satellite internet that crawls along or DSL lines from the early 2000s, this feels like stepping into the future. Streaming, gaming, Zoom calls — it can usually handle all of it.

2. Easy to Set Up

The Starlink kit comes with everything you need: the dish, mounting hardware, cables, and a Wi-Fi router. You just plug it in, point the dish toward the sky, and you’re (usually) good to go. No technician visits, no waiting weeks for an install.

3. Portability and Roaming (with Conditions)

In many countries, you can move your Starlink dish to a new location, like if you’re traveling with an RV or van. There’s even a dedicated “RV” plan for nomads. This is a huge deal for digital nomads or people with vacation properties who want reliable internet without a long-term contract.

4. Getting Better Over Time

Starlink keeps launching more satellites, improving speed, latency, and coverage. In other words, it’s not a finished product — it’s evolving, and it’s already way better than it was a year or two ago.

The Cons of Starlink

1. Pricey Compared to Other Options

In the US and Canada, Starlink residential plans currently run about $120–$140 per month, plus a $599 equipment fee up front. In the EU, it’s a bit more depending on the country and exchange rate. That’s not cheap — especially if you do have access to cable or fiber alternatives that offer better speeds for less.

2. Weather Can Be a Problem

Starlink is way better than older satellite internet when it comes to weather disruptions, but it’s not immune. Heavy rain, snow, or even dense tree cover can affect performance. If your dish isn’t clear of obstructions, you’ll see dropouts.

3. Urban Areas? Not So Great

If you live in a city or suburb with fiber or 5G home internet, Starlink probably isn’t your best bet. It’s more expensive, has higher latency than fiber, and isn’t optimized for high-density areas. In fact, in some places, they’re not even accepting new sign-ups due to capacity issues.

4. Some Growing Pains

Because it’s still new-ish, you might run into weird bugs with the app or dish. Customer support can be slow to respond, and there’s not a ton of hand-holding. You’re kind of on your own — which is fine for tech-savvy users, but not ideal if you’re not comfortable troubleshooting your internet.

How It Plays Out by Region
United States: Starlink’s coverage is solid in rural and remote parts of the US. If you’re in the middle of nowhere and tired of DSL or satellite providers like HughesNet, Starlink is a game-changer. But if you’re in a suburb with access to fiber, it’s probably not worth it.

Canada: Similar story. Starlink shines in remote areas — think northern Ontario, the Rockies, or farmlands in Saskatchewan. For urban folks in Toronto or Vancouver, better and cheaper options exist.

European Union: Starlink is rolling out in many EU countries, with decent coverage already in places like Germany, France, Spain, and Italy. Rural parts of Eastern Europe and mountain regions (Alps, Pyrenees) are prime candidates. But again, city dwellers are better off with local ISPs.

So, Should You Buy It?
Here’s the honest answer: If you’re in a rural area where traditional internet providers aren’t cutting it — yes, Starlink is probably your best option right now. It’s fast, relatively easy to use, and it works where almost nothing else does.

But if you’re in a city or suburb with access to fiber or 5G home internet, Starlink doesn’t make a lot of sense. You’d be paying more for slower speeds and higher latency.

It’s also worth noting that Starlink is still a work in progress. It’s not perfect. But for a lot of people, especially in remote areas, it’s the best option they’ve ever had — and it’s only getting better.

Bottom Line
If you live off the beaten path and are sick of slow, unreliable internet, Starlink is worth a serious look. Just make sure your sky is clear, your wallet’s ready, and your expectations are realistic. Elon’s space Wi-Fi might just be the answer you’ve been waiting for.

Also read: https://thephoneyguy.com/is-mint-mobile-a-good-option-an-honest-look/