(Credit: Starlink.com)
For the first time, SpaceX is offering to help customers install new Starlink dishes at their homes.
The company plans on charging an additional $199 for the service, according to a Starlink support document, which a Reddit user spotted late on Tuesday.
“These installers have completed Starlink installation training,” SpaceX writes in the support document. “Customers can purchase this service via Starlink.com when purchasing a new Starlink, or by contacting Starlink Customer Support.”
For now, SpaceX is only offering the “expert installs” for residential homes in Ohio. Still, the service is bound to compete with third-party satellite dish installers, who’ve been charging $275 to $575 or more to help consumers install Starlink dishes at their homes or businesses.
(Credit: Starlink.com)The Starlink hardware is easy to set up. But if you want to permanently install the dish on a roof, then it requires more work and tools—something not every consumer may be willing to do. As a result, a whole market has sprung up involving third-party satellite dish installers taking orders to set up custom Starlink installations across North America for a whole variety of building types.
Now SpaceX is trying to address the demand, after offering a similar service to Starlink customers in the UK. But the company won’t be installing the Starlink dishes using its own employees. Instead, SpaceX has hired DSI Systems—a provider of sales support for cellular carriers, ISPs, and satellite providers—to handle the professional Starlink installations.
If a Starlink customer orders an expert install, a staffer at DSI Systems will reach out to schedule an appointment. “Installers will have additional accessories available for specific installation needs, however they do not have Starlink Kits available for purchase,” SpaceX added.
It's unclear what kind of installations DSI Systems can perform. But so far, the news is facing some negative reception from third-party Starlink installers. “I guess they [SpaceX] are not interested in getting quality installations. They want in on the installation revenue. I figured that was going to happen,” one installer said in a Facebook group. "Clients who generally require installation help have problematic installations. This won't change. DSI Techs will be restricted in what their installations can entail."
One installer also added: "I am sure I speak for the group when I say you will not get a quality, experienced technician to install your Starlink for that price point especially when the prime (DSI) will be taking a cut."
However, another installer said: “It was bound to happen. No more random [technicians] charging home owners $1000 bucks for 45 minutes of actual work. The gouging needs to stop.”