How to Get Starlink in Mexico

Starlink has considerably changed internet service in Mexico, especially in less populated areas, like dreamy beach towns. We recently ordered Starlink for addresses in Huatulco and Puerto Escondido. The modem and antenna arrived within 5 days. We’re completely satisfied with the service and want to pass along our experience and recommendations to you.

Starlink in Mexico

In June 2021, federal telecommunications authorities in Mexico gave Elon Musk’s company, Starlink, permission to operate in Mexico. Starlink is a satellite constellation system that primarily focuses on providing high-speed, low-latency, satellite internet in remote and rural locations in over 40 countries worldwide. SpaceX began launching the satellites in 2019 and as of May 2023, has launched over 4000 satellites in low-Earth orbit and provides internet to over 1.5 million subscribers globally.

Whereas internet service in many areas in Mexico formerly depended on smaller internet service providers who did their best to provide internet through microwaves to areas not served by the phone company, the quality of their service depended wholly on Telmex, Mexico’s only internet service provider. And while the private service providers could have top quality service themselves, they could only provide as good a quality as what Telmex provided them. Otherwise, customers may have been able to have direct service through Telmex and access to fiber optic or even Telcel via a modem.

The Starlink service now offers a quality high-speed internet connection in the Huatulco area, in Salchi, La Mina and Puerto Angel, in Puerto Escondido, in La Barra, Palmarito and Vivo and in Yucatan in Progreso, Chicxulub, Sisal and Chiburna. Starlink provides a stable quality internet connection allowing remote work capabilities in exceptional areas and the possibility to always be connected.

How does satellite internet work?

Orbiting about 550 kilometers above us, the satellites beam internet signals to ground receivers which then broadcast locally or wire directly to your Starlink router.

Technically, when you open a web page, the data request goes from your computer to a satellite internet dish attached to your home or other nearby location.  The dish sends the request to one of the satellites in orbit and the satellite sends the request to the ISP (Internet Service Provider). The process is reversed when the data is sent back: provider to satellite, to the dish, to your router and finally back to your computer.

How fast is Starlink?

Speeds tested in Mexico come in at up to 100 Mbps download and up to 20 Mbps upload. Starlink’s internet speeds are actually steadily increasing as more satellites come online and provide more coverage. Internet speeds have even been reported in some areas from 300 to 600 Mbps.

How much does Starlink cost?

As Starlink has attracted more customers in Mexico and across the world, the cost of service has gone down. Before August 2022, customers in Mexico paid about $115 USD or 2299 pesos. The price was reduced 52% to $55 USD or 1100 pesos per month. The hardware kits for installation were also reduced by 16% from $495 USD or 9896 pesos to $415 USD or 8300 pesos. Shipping of the hardware kit was previously about $70 USD or 1420 pesos and is now free of charge.

Starlink told its customers in an email that “The price reduction factors in your local market conditions and is meant to reflect parity in purchasing power across our customers. No action is needed from you, the price reduction will be automatically reflected on invoices generated after 08/24/2022. Thank you for being an early customer and for your continued support of Starlink!”

How to Sign Up for Starlink

Starlink says that the service is available all over Mexico. You will go to the Starlink website where you will select the residencial option available in Mexico. You will enter your city and select among the options presented. Once you find the correct option, click on the button, Confirm Order.  In the next window, you will have 15 minutes to compete the process. Enter your contact information and the shipping address for your order. You will then click on “Update address” and the costs will appear divided by monthly service, equipment and  shipping and handling. You will then be prompted to enter your payment information and you can include your CURP or RFC to complete your order.

Know that in some areas, Starlink may not be accepting new customers BUT you will have the option to be put on a waitlist. Go ahead and do it. Some people were on the waitlist just for a few days and some for a few months but Starlink does come back to you when they have more space. 

To sum up, your Starlink order will cost 8300 pesos in equipment for the antenna and other components. Shipping and handling are free. As of October 2022, you will pay a monthly fee of 1100 pesos.

If you haven’t found a good internet solution or have been putting off making the move, rest assured that the internet service provided by Starlink will put your mind at ease and keep you connected whenever and wherever you want in Mexico.