Set up Satellite Home Internet

Includes set-up instructions for the installation of Satellite Home Internet powered by Starlink and your Telstra Smart Modem. 

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    Before you begin

    During the set-up of your home internet connection, you will temporarily lose access to the internet and your existing services that rely on an internet connection – including your telephones and medical, fire and security alarms. It's important you have an alternative form of communication handy during set-up, such as a charged mobile phone.

    Important

    If you have any of these alarms (monitored fire alarm, medical alert service, back-to-base security alarm or emergency lift phone) you need to contact your medical or security provider directly and check that it will work on your new Satellite Internet service.

    Parts you need

    Telstra Smart Modem box

    The following parts are in your Telstra Smart Modem box:

    1. Telstra Smart Modem 3 
    2. Power adaptor (pre-connected to modem) 
    3. Wi-Fi fridge magnet
    4. Ethernet cable.

    Starlink Kit

    The following parts are in your Starlink Kit:

    1. Starlink antenna
    2. Kickstand
    3. Starlink router
    4. Starlink cable (15.2 metre)
    5. AC / power cable (1.5 metre)
    6. Power supply unit (1.5 metre).

    Setting up your Telstra Satellite Internet and Starlink Kit

    To set up your new Telstra Satellite Internet kit and Telstra Smart Modem, you can download the quick start set-up guide (PDF, 913KB) or follow our step-by-step instructions below. Installation may take up to 30-60 minutes.
     

    Set-up instructions for Telstra Starlink Satellite Internet

    1. Take your Starlink antenna, kickstand and cable outside
    2. Find a place outdoors that’s flat on the ground where your antenna has a clear view of the sky. 

    The Starlink app will also help you to position your Kit outside at your location while using the Check for Obstructions tool within the app. 

    Descriptive text for set-up instructions image - Starlink Kit outside
    1. Ensure the kickstand is attached to the Starlink antenna
    2. Insert the long end of the Starlink cable into the base of the Starlink antenna so it connects with a click sound
    3. Take the short end of the Starlink cable into the house.

    1. Choose a place for your Starlink Kit for inside and Telstra Smart Modem to be set up, you’ll need:
      1. a nearby power point
      2. optimal positioning near a window in an open area elevated off the floor: a strong signal is indicated by the green light on the back of your modem
    2. Gather the Starlink cable for inside, the ethernet adaptor and the power cable.
    Descriptive text for set-up instructions image - Starlink Kit inside
    1. Connect the short end of the Starlink cable into the Starlink router
    2. Connect one end of the ethernet cable into the Starlink router and the other end into the red WAN port of your Telstra Smart Modem
    3. Ensure the power adaptor is connected to the Telstra Smart Modem and plug the other end into the power point
    4. Connect the power supply unit into the power port at the back of the Starlink router
    5. Connect one end of the AC power cable into the power supply unit and the other end into the power point.

    1. On your device, search for the Wi-Fi network name 
    2. Select and enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi fridge magnet that came in the box or look for the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of your modem.
    Important

    When you get a new Telstra Smart Modem, if you change the Wi-Fi name and password to be exactly the same as your previous Wi-Fi network, all devices will automatically connect to the new network.

    To change your Wi-Fi details:

    1. Ensure you’re connected to your home network, open a browser window and enter http://192.168.0.1
    2. Sign in with username admin and the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your new modem (or on the fridge magnet)
    3. Select Wi-Fi, then Save once you have made your changes.
    Important

    If you currently have a Telstra home internet plan, once your Satellite Internet is set up and connected, contact us to cancel your old internet service.

    Contact us

    Frequently asked questions

    Set up

    We strongly recommend placing your Starlink Kit on flat ground and in an area where it has a clear view of the sky with no trees, or no trees with long branches, blocking the view. The Starlink app will also help you to position your Kit outside at your location while using the Check for Obstructions tool within the app. 

    1. Correct positioning of the Starlink Kit shows a flat, clear area without trees obstructing the communication between the antenna and the satellite
    2. Incorrect positioning of the Starlink Kit shows an area that is surrounded by trees and the antenna has difficulties in connecting to the satellite. 

    Occasionally, the Starlink antenna may require realignment, potentially causing a delay of up to 15 seconds.

    Yes, you can bring your own compatible Starlink Kit. Check the table to make sure your Starlink Kit is compatible with Telstra's satellite services.

    Download the quick start set-up guide for your Standard Actuated Starlink Kit (PDF, 280KB)

    Starlink Kit Key Features Compatible with Telstra Satellite Home Internet Starlink Ethernet Adapter needed

    Standard Actuated Starlink Kit

    Terminal with built-in motor for self-orientation. Previously Standard (Rectangular) Starlink Kit.

    Yes

    		 Yes
    Standard Starlink Kit Terminal without built-in motor for self-orientation and kickstand mount. Yes

    No
    High Performance Starlink Kit Terminal designed for higher performance with built-in motor for self-orientation. Yes No
    Flat High Performance Starlink Kit Terminal designed for higher performance, without built-in motor for self-orientation. Yes No

     

    Important

    If you’re bringing your own Standard Actuated Starlink Kit, you will need the Starlink Ethernet Adapter. The Starlink Ethernet Adapter is a must-have for linking your Telstra Smart Modem 3 to the Starlink router, granting access to your Satellite Home Internet for users of the Standard Actuated Starlink Kit. If the ethernet adapter is not included in your kit, you can purchase the Starlink Ethernet Adapter from our Accessories store.

    The Starlink router provides power to the antenna.

    The Telstra Smart Modem connects to the Starlink router and when connected will provide an optimal home Wi-Fi experience.

    Without the Telstra Smart Modem, you won’t have any connection to the internet. 

    We strongly recommend placing your Telstra Smart Modem off the ground, up high in an open area, close to an external window and away from other electrical equipment. 

    Don't place your Telstra Smart Modem near large metal objects that may block or interfere with its signal, such as:

    • refrigerators
    • microwaves
    • TVs
    • steel-mesh window security screens.

    Once you have successfully installed and connected your Telstra Satellite Internet service, you will need to cancel your old internet plan to avoid paying for two services at the same time. To cancel your old internet service, contact us.

    Troubleshooting

    You may only use the Telstra Smart Modem at the home address you provided when you took up the service. If you move your modem outside of your home your service will stop working.

    Telstra Smart Modem 3 is shown next to 4 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings.

    The modem front light changes colour to indicate:

    • White - when it’s powered on, booting up
    • Orange - when it's in the process of connecting to the internet
    • Blue - when your modem is connected to the 4G mobile backup network
    • Green - when your modem is connected to Starlink Internet and ready to go.

    You can also check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem by entering http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in. The username is admin and the default password is Telstra for Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is the same as the Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem.

    A mobile signal strength indicator is shown next to 3 different colours representing the front light indicators and their meanings.

    The mobile signal strength indicator lights on the back of the Telstra Smart Modem:

    • Green – indicates great signal strength
    • Orange – indicates good signal strength
    • Red – indicates weak or limited access

    Or to check the status of your Telstra Smart Modem enter http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and sign in with your username and password or use the default username admin and password is Telstra for the Telstra Smart Modem 1.1 and Gen 2.0. For Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3, the password is on the fridge magnet or is the same as the Wi-Fi password on the bottom of the modem.

    Wi-Fi speed and other reception-related issues can be caused by the placement of your modem. 

    Make sure your modem is elevated and not placed near items like fridges, fish tanks, microwaves, etc. that can interfere with your Wi-Fi.

    Make sure your Starlink Kit is free of obstructions.

    To resolve the issue, you can follow these troubleshooting steps:

    1. Switch off your Telstra Smart Modem and switch back on and then wait a few minutes, you’d be amazed how often this can resolve issues
    2. If after a reset you’re still experiencing problems, message us.

    The light changes colour to indicate:

    • Flashing white - when it’s trying to connect. The light will turn solid white when your setup is complete and the router is connected to the internet
    • No light - there’s no power going to the router
    • Red light - there’s no connection to the internet
    • Violet light - when the router is in Bypass mode.

    Telstra Satellite Internet powered by Starlink is designed to work well in most weather conditions, including rain, snow, and wind. Extreme weather, especially heavy rain, can cause brief service dropouts.

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