Starlink has changed what is possible for business internet, especially where cables do not reach. But it is not right for every situation. Here is when Starlink makes sense for a business, how it compares to other options and how to set it up properly.
What Starlink is
Starlink is low-earth-orbit satellite internet. A small dish on your roof or pole talks to satellites passing overhead, delivering hundreds of megabits per second almost anywhere with a clear view of the sky.
New to satellite? Start with our guide to satellite internet for business in Michigan, including how low-orbit service differs from traditional satellite.
When Starlink makes sense as primary internet
- Remote or rural sites with no fiber, cable or fixed wireless coverage.
- Temporary locations such as construction trailers, pop-up sites and seasonal operations.
- Fast deployment when a site needs internet in days, not months.
When Starlink shines as backup
Starlink shares no cables, poles or cell towers with your main connection, which makes it an excellent independent backup. If construction cuts your fiber or a local outage affects cellular service, Starlink keeps you online. Paired with an SD-WAN router, the switchover is automatic.
Where other options are better
In most of metro Detroit, dedicated fixed wireless or fiber offers higher, symmetrical speeds, lower latency and a written uptime guarantee. Satellite upload speeds are lower than download speeds, and performance can vary with obstructions and weather.
Do it right: a managed install
- Mounting: a secure, weather-rated mount with a clear view of the sky.
- Power: clean power and, for critical sites, battery backup.
- Networking: a business router with firewall, separate networks and failover.
- Monitoring: someone watching the connection 24/7.
Cronus installs and manages Starlink for business as a primary connection for remote sites or as backup alongside 5G SD-WAN. Request a quote.
Starlink in metro Detroit
Detroit businesses most often use Starlink for construction trailers, seasonal or outdoor event sites, rural branch locations outside the metro area, and as a backup for critical sites such as medical offices and restaurants. For a permanent office in the city, it usually works best alongside a dedicated primary connection rather than instead of one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Starlink good enough for a business?
For remote and temporary sites, yes. In most of metro Detroit, fixed wireless or fiber is faster and more consistent, with Starlink as a strong backup.
Can Starlink be a backup connection?
Yes. Because it shares no cables or towers with your main line, it is an excellent independent backup with automatic failover.
Does Cronus install Starlink?
Yes. Cronus installs, mounts, configures and monitors Starlink for businesses.
