Set up my Satellite Home Internet with Telstra Smart Modem 4
Includes setup instructions for the installation of Satellite Home Internet powered by Starlink and your Telstra Smart Modem 4.
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Before you begin
If you have any of the following alarms, you need to contact your device provider and check that it will work on your new internet service.
- Monitored fire alarm
- Medical alert service
- Back-to-base security alarm
- Emergency lift phone.
For the best signal and Wi-Fi strength we recommend placing your modem off the ground, up high in an open area, close to an external window and away from other electrical equipment. You’ll need a power point.
Don't place your modem near large metal objects that may block or interfere with its signal, such as:
- refrigerators
- microwaves
- TVs
- steel-mesh window security screens.
If you want to permanently fix the Starlink Kit with one of our optional accessories, we recommend you use a licensed professional in your area.
If you want to conceal or permanently install any Satellite Internet cabling, you will need to use a licensed professional.
Steps to connect the Starlink Kit
- Starlink antenna (outside)
- Kickstand
- Starlink router (inside)
- Starlink cable (15.2 metre)
- AC / power cable (1.5 metre)
- Power supply unit (1.5 metre)
- Take your Starlink antenna, kickstand and cable outside
- 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.
Setup instructions for Starlink Kit outside
- Ensure the kickstand is attached to the Starlink antenna
- Insert the long end of the Starlink cable into the base of the Starlink antenna so it connects with a click sound
- Take the short end of the Starlink cable into the house.
Choose a place inside to set up your Starlink Kit and Telstra Smart Modem.
You’ll need:
- a nearby power point
- optimal positioning near a window in an open area elevated off the floor.
Take the short end of the Starlink cable inside, the Starlink router, power supply unit and the AC / power cable.
Setup instructions for Starlink Kit inside
- Connect the short end of the Starlink cable into the Starlink router
- Connect the power supply unit into the power port at the back of the Starlink router
- Connect one end of the AC / power cable into the power supply unit and the other end into the power point.
Steps to set up your Telstra Smart Modem
Total of 6 steps. On first use, your modem may automatically update its software. This will take up to 10 minutes to complete.
- Telstra Smart Modem Gen 4
- Power adaptor to plug in your modem
- Wi-Fi details reusable sticker
- Cable with the red and yellow ends to connect your modem to your Starlink router.
Other parts (optional)
- Cable with the grey ends (phone cable) for your home phone connection (optional)
- Ethernet cable to connect your other devices (not supplied).
- Slide the cover in the centre down to reveal the ethernet ports on the Starlink router.
- Use the cable with the red and yellow ends.
- Insert the yellow end into the Starlink router and ensure it is switched on.
- Insert the red end into the red WAN port (tactile W) on the back of the Telstra Smart Modem fourth from the left.
Use the black power adaptor (A) and plug it into the power wall outlet, and the other end of the cable into the Telstra Smart Modem (B) power port (tactile P).
If you have a phone and an eligible voice service, connect the cable with two grey ends from the phone (A) to the green port (tactile V) located on the back second from the right (B).
Switch on the power at the wall outlet (you should see a green light appear on the power adaptor). When the light on the bottom of the modem turns green, you’re good to go.
If you can’t see the lights, you can check the status of your modem by entering http://mymodem or http://192.168.0.1 in your browser and signing in with the username admin and the default Wi-Fi password found on the bottom of your modem or on the Wi-Fi details reusable sticker (not your new Wi-Fi password if you have changed it.)
To learn more, go to What do the lights on my Telstra modem mean?
- Search for the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to on your device and enter the password shown on the Wi-Fi details reusable sticker.
- Repeat this step to connect your other devices via Wi-Fi.
Connect the Ethernet cable (usually with two yellow ends) from your device to a yellow LAN port on the Telstra Smart Modem. There are 4 ports on the back of the modem indicated by tactile dots numbering 1 to 4.
Note: The Ethernet cable is not included in the modem box.
Troubleshooting
Starlink Kit
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.
- Correct positioning of the Starlink Kit shows a flat, clear area without trees obstructing the communication between the antenna and the satellite
- Incorrect positioning of the Starlink Kit shows an area that is surrounded by trees and the antenna has difficulties in connecting to the satellite.
The base included with your Starlink Kit is designed for ground-level installation. If you encounter obstructions or can’t find a clear view from the ground, consider installing it in an elevated location like a roof, pole, or wall.
Roof and wall mounts aren’t included in the standard Starlink Kit, so explore Telstra Satellite accessories to find the best fit for your home or small business setup.
Note: Starlink mounts aren’t certified for areas prone to strong winds or cyclones.
Choosing and installing Starlink mounts
- Standard Wall Mount: Ideal for exterior walls, eaves, or fascia with clear space. To install, use the Wall Mount Install Guide (PDF, 233MB).
- Standard Pivot Mount: Suitable for adjustable mounting on roofs or walls, offering angle flexibility. To install, use the Pivot Mount Install Guide (PDF, 218MB).
- Standard Pipe Adapter: Perfect for attaching the Starlink dish to existing poles or pipes, made from durable, weather-resistant materials. To install, use the Pipe Adapter Install Guide (PDF, 940MB).
Installation tips
- Tools Needed: Drill,screws, anchors, silicone sealant, cable clips.
- Step-by-Step Guide: Follow the instructions with each mount. Use the Starlink app for dish alignment, ensuring secure locking once aligned.
- Download the Starlink app on your mobile and follow the simple steps to find the best spot for your antenna. You don’t need to be logged in to do this.
The Starlink router provides power to the antenna.
The modem light changes colour and indicates:
- Flashing white: when it’s trying to connect. The light will turn solid white when your setup is done 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*.
* After one hour of good internet connection, the Starlink router light will turn off.
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 | Image | 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 |
Modem
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.
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.
The ports on the back of the modem are indicated with tactile features above each port. To help you locate them, they are listed from left to right:
- DSL: D
- USB: U
- Reset button: R
- WAN: W
- LAN x 4 ports: numbered dots from 1 to 4
- Voice: V
- Power: P
Choose the most convenient location for your modem.
Things to consider:
- Which spot provides the best coverage around your home.
- Whether you want to connect devices using an Ethernet cable.
- Whether you have a home office and would like to connect your computers and other devices directly to the Telstra Smart Modem.
To learn more, go to What do the lights on my Telstra modem mean?
To set up your older Telstra Modem (or replacement modem), you can access and download the PDF setup guides by connection type, or watch a setup video if you prefer.
Go to Set up older Telstra modems for setup instructions.
Press and hold the button on the back of the modem, located about halfway down on the left side, for 3 seconds to turn off the modem lights.
Satellite Home Internet connection
Occasionally, the Starlink antenna may require realignment, potentially causing a delay of up to 15 seconds.
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, call us on 13 22 00.
Connection issues may be caused by:
- An incomplete installation or set-up
- Hardware or cable damage
- Your Telstra Smart Modem not being located in the recommended area inside; or
- The Starlink Kit outside having an obstructed or unclear view of the sky.
To help resolve these issues, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- Reboot the Starlink router by unplugging the power cord, count to 60 slowly, then plug it back in. You’ll need to wait 2-3 minutes for the router to reboot and connect to the internet
- Look at the hardware and cables to see if there’s any damage
- Check if the Telstra Smart Modem is located off the ground, up high in a large open area, close to windows and away from other electrical equipment. If it’s not, you may need to relocate it. After moving it, reboot the modem by turning off the power at the power point, count for 60 seconds, then switch the power back on
- Ensure the Starlink antenna outside is secure and doesn’t move in the wind. You can also use the Check for Obstructions tool in the Starlink app.
If you’re still experiencing problems, call us on 13 22 00.
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.
Yes, you will lose your internet connection. When the power comes back on, restart your Starlink router.
You can do this by unplugging the power cord, count to 60 slowly then plug it back in to the power point. You’ll need to wait 2-3 minutes for the router to reboot and connect to the internet.
Better Connected blog
Further reading about how to get the best out of your home internet.
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