SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet system has been in high demand, prompting customers to call satellite dealers asking for help installing their Starlink dishes on roofs or at businesses, according to PCMag.
The demand led to the creation of the Starlink Installers Association, a group consisting of contractors from throughout North America. The association’s goal is to become the go-to resource for people who need professional Starlink dish installations.
Arizona satellite dish technician “Geo Tech” led the creation of the association and said the installers he represents are installing about 4,000 to 5,000 dishes per month in the U.S.
Although SpaceX supplies mounts, adapters and instructions for how to install the Starlink dish on roofs, the company does not offer an official installation service. Additionally, not all customers have the necessary equipment or knowledge to install a satellite dish on their roof.
When Starlink first was released, the Starlink Installers Group on Facebook was created to connect professional contractors with customers who need help with Starlink installations. The group also has been getting jobs through Starlink Installations USA, a site Geo Tech runs to connect customers and businesses with installers in their area.
The new association would like to partner with SpaceX regarding the effort but has not received an official response from the company. Many contractors buy accessories from the official Starlink website, sometimes in large quantities, and installers have noticed Starlink cracking down on large purchases, likely to prevent eBay reselling.
Organizers expect the Starlink Installers Association to attract hundreds of independent businesses. The current Starlink Installers Group on Facebook has about 7,000 members, but John Whitford, who runs a satellite dish installation service in California, estimates only about 1,000 to 1,500 are experienced installers.
