Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
I was visiting my parents at their Delaware beach home when the internet crashed. In areas like this, with only one provider—Mediacom—outages are a real pain. As a network engineer and software developer, I rely on a stable connection for my work. My parents, meanwhile, were frustrated, unable to stream my mother, a former teacher‘s, favorite show, “Handmaid’s Tale,” on YouTube TV. Fortunately, I had a solution: my Starlink dish. Within minutes, I set it up, reactivated my plan, and restored high-speed internet, saving the day for both work and entertainment.
The Achilles’ Heel of Single Providers
Relying on a single internet provider is risky, especially in areas with limited options like the Delaware beaches. When Mediacom goes down, you’re stuck. This is a common issue for remote workers who need consistent connectivity for cloud-based tasks or for families who enjoy streaming and online communication. User reports on platforms like Reddit highlight Mediacom’s inconsistent performance in Delaware, with complaints about slow speeds and frequent disruptions. For instance, some users report that even Mediacom’s gigabit plan struggles with basic tasks like streaming.
Starlink: Your Reliable Backup Internet Solution
Starlink, developed by SpaceX, offers a game-changing alternative. Unlike traditional satellite internet, Starlink uses low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, positioned about 350 miles above Earth, to deliver lower latency and faster speeds. This makes it ideal as a backup internet solution for areas with unreliable ISPs. As an AWS and Google Cloud-certified engineer who operates my own Autonomous System Number (ASN), I value Starlink’s ability to provide robust connectivity when traditional providers fail.
Setting up Starlink is straightforward. I unpacked the dish, found a clear view of the sky, and connected it using the Starlink app. Reactivating my service plan took moments, and we were back online with high-speed internet. Even for those with moderate technical skills, the process is user-friendly, supported by clear instructions and online resources.
Performance That Delivers
During the outage, Starlink provided a stable connection. Previously, I’ve measured Starlink speeds exceeding 500 Mbps in Delaware, far surpassing the 14 Mbps I got from Mediacom before it went down. According to a 2025 CNET review, Starlink’s Residential plan typically offers 150-250 Mbps download speeds with 25-60 ms latency, suitable for real-time applications like video conferencing and streaming. This performance ensured I could continue my development work, transferring large files seamlessly, while my parents enjoyed uninterrupted HD streaming.
Setting Up Starlink: Easier Than You Think
Starlink’s setup is designed for simplicity. The kit includes everything you need:
- Satellite dish
- Wi-Fi router
- Power supply
- Mounting tripod
- Cables
The Starlink app guides you to the optimal dish placement, ensuring a clear line of sight. Even non-engineers can set it up with ease, thanks to intuitive instructions and community support online. Activating the service is as simple as selecting a plan via the app, making it a practical solution for anyone needing reliable rural internet.
The Cost of Staying Connected
Starlink requires an upfront hardware cost of around $349 and a monthly subscription starting at $120 for the Residential plan, as noted in a 2025 CNET review. While this may seem steep, the cost is justified for those who can’t afford downtime. In fact, I don’t even keep an active subscription on it. I bought the hardware used on eBay and activate it when needed (I tend to do the $40 high priority data plan + 25GB when I need it). For remote workers, avoiding missed deadlines is critical. For families, uninterrupted streaming and communication are invaluable. In areas with limited options, the investment in Starlink can outweigh the frustration of unreliable service.
An Engineer’s Take on Starlink
As a network engineer managing my own ASN, I deal with internet infrastructure daily—peering, routing, and optimizing performance. Starlink’s LEO technology impresses me with its scalability and low latency, making it ideal for real-time applications. In today’s digital world, redundant connectivity is non-negotiable. Whether it’s for cloud-based development, online education, or streaming, an outage can disrupt everything. Starlink provides the reliability needed to stay connected, no matter where you are.
Peace of Mind for Work and Leisure
Starlink gives me confidence to work from anywhere, even in areas with spotty internet. For my parents, it means enjoying their retirement without the hassle of outages interrupting their streaming or video calls with family. In rural areas, where only 63% of residents in persistently poor counties have access to high-speed broadband, solutions like Starlink are critical for bridging the digital divide.
Conclusion: Your Backup Plan
Starlink is more than a novelty—it’s a reliable backup internet solution for anyone who values connectivity. Its easy setup, high performance, and dependability make it a must-have, especially in areas with limited or unreliable ISPs like Mediacom. Whether you’re a remote worker, a tech enthusiast, or someone who just wants to stream without interruption, Starlink delivers. So, what’s your backup plan for internet outages? Consider Starlink to stay connected when it matters most.
