STARLINK

RELIABLE INTERNET IS NOT A LUXURY, IT’S A NECESSITY

At FSET, we believe in innovation empowering people. We achieve this goal by helping others meet their technology needs, and in the case of Pikangikum First Nation, that need was high-speed internet. Determined to provide digital equity, we have worked with SpaceX and lobbied with Canadian Federal Government officials to get permission for Pikangikum to become the first community in the entire country to receive the Starlink.
David Brown and Nicole Brown standing together if front of Starlink boxes

Starlink is an advanced high-speed internet service provided by satellites in low-Earth orbit (LEO), creating artificial constellations capable of transmitting broadband signals to ground level receivers. This wire-free technology not only addresses the limitation of fibre optics for remote Northern communities but also meets the longstanding connectivity needs.

By November 2020, FSET was able to deliver Starlink to the First Nation and within 15 minutes of our technicians landing in the community, Pikangikum had internet speeds its community members previously thought impossible – the average download speed instantly went from 60 Kbps to 130 Mbps, roughly 2,166 per cent faster than it was before. Since enjoying success with Pikangikum, FSET has begun connecting several other First Nation community partners across the North by helping them get the service as well. Read more about our Digital Equity with Starlink here.

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STARLINK KITS
0
GRANTS ASSISTED WITH
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COMMUNITIES SERVED

133

Educational Institutions

73

Community Care

70

Justice & Public Safety

58

Local Government

35

Healthcare Providers

12

Businesses

COMMUNITY STORIES

Learn more about how harnessing the speed and efficiency of Starlink is changing quality of life, impacting area of business, education, healthcare, and lives within communities. These fast, dependable connections allow for social interaction, personal entertainment, professional online learning and life-saving social services. With quick, simple installations from FSET’s installation division, even the most remote communities can have dedicated, fast, reliable and cost-effective connections within weeks!

aerial image over Pikangikum showing community and surrounding area in winter

Pikangikum First Nation

Close up aerial image over Grassy Narrows showing community and surrounding area

Grassy Narrows First Nation

Aerial image over Iskatewizaagegan showing community and surrounding area

ISKATEWIZAAGEGAN #39 Independent First Nation

WHAT IS STARLINK?

Starlink is a satellite-based high-speed internet service owned and operated by SpaceX. Based on low earth orbiting technology, satellites form a constellation that beams internet signals from space to receivers installed at the ground level. Unbounded by traditional ground-based infrastructure, Starlink is ideal for rural communities and remote areas where stable access to wired connections and broadband signals prove to be difficult or impossible.

Starlink is a very fast, high-quality broadband connection that beats out many of its wired competitors. Starlink users can expect to see average download speeds in the range of 50 to 150 Mbps, upload speeds of roughly 15 Mpbs, and latency of approximately 20 to 40ms. As is to be expected with any internet signal and service provider, Starlink users may experience occasional downtime, usually while SpaceX performs necessary server updates or upgrades.

There are currently over 1,600 Starlink satellites in orbit, and that number is anticipated to eventually rise as high as 42,000.

CAN I PURCHASE STARLINK FROM FSET?

FSET is not affiliated with, or an official partner of Starlink. While we do collaborate with SpaceX, our relationship is strictly cooperative to help achieve our mutual goal of connecting the North to high-speed internet.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AS A STARLINK CUSTOMER?

Starlink users will receive a Starlink kit that includes everything needed to connect to high-speed internet, including the receiver dish, Wi-Fi router, power supply cables, and a ground-mounted stand. Every Starlink receiver has built-in heating gear to help prevent the buildup of ice and snow, making the technology ideal for colder northern climates. If for some reason snow or ice does accumulate, you will most likely get a notification on your phone via the Starlink app. As each receiver dish is a cutting-edge piece of equipment, it is recommended that obstructions are removed gently and with care. Usually, this problem can be avoided completely by choosing the right location to install your receiver, most often on the highest edge of the roofline.

As a direct-to-consumer service, Starlink is only intended and licensed for service at the address listed on the user’s account when it was originally registered. If you wish to move and bring your receiver with you, you can check if your new address is serviceable by logging into your Starlink user account, going to My Profile on your customer page, and then checking New Location in the Service Address section. All Starlink orders and payments are made directly between the consumer and SpaceX.

If there is availability in your community, you must visit the Starlink website directly to sign up for service. FSET does NOT sell Starlink kits or subscriptions.

FSET is part of regional initiatives to get the North connected to high-speed internet. There is a common misconception that if your community is receiving Starlink through one of these initiatives, customers can contact or work directly with FSET to get service. Unfortunately, this is not the case. If you are interested in opening a Starlink account through a community-wide program, please direct any questions you might have to your community leaders.

If you have a pre-order with Starlink, please also note that FSET cannot provide any status updates on your order. If you are looking for information on when your dish will arrive, you must check with SpaceX directly by logging into your account on the official Starlink website.

On principle, FSET works with SpaceX on large Starlink deployments, handles Starlink installations, including affixing dishes to buildings, termination of cabling, completion of setup, and the sale of necessary hardware such as mounts for eaves and fascia. If you are interested in any of these services, please contact us via info@fset.ca.

To learn more about funding opportunities in Canada: Selected Universal Broadband Fund Projects, Investing in Canada Plan Project Map

WHERE CAN I FIND SUPPORT FOR STARLINK?

Visit Starlink Customer Support: https://support.starlink.com/

HOW CAN I FIND MY LOCATION FOR STARLINK?

Find your Google Plus Code here.

Find your what3words – the simplest way to talk about your location here.

STARLINK REBATES

Kenora District Services Board Logo

Connecting the Kenora District – Round 2

The Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) has received funding from the Federal Government of Canada to offer a round 2 of ‘Connecting the Kenora District’, which provides high-speed internet within the Kenora District to those with limited or inadequate access to reliable, high-quality internet. The KDSB has partnered with FSET Inc. in Kenora to administer the second round of rebates.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about the KDSB Starlink Rebate here.

Connecting AKRC Communities

Anishinaabeg of Kabapikotawangag Resource Council (AKRC) is offering financial assistance to individuals who have purchased a Starlink kit on their own due to not having access to reliable, high-quality internet at home. A one-time rebate is available to anyone who has purchased a Starlink kit on or after May 20, 2021 and uses that kit in one of the AKRC communities. The AKRC has partnered with FSET Inc. in Kenora to administer the rebates. Applications are open until October 15, 2023.

WHAT IS STARLINK?

Starlink is a high-speed, low latency broadband internet. Starlink is ideally suited for areas of the globe where connectivity has typically been a challenge. Unbounded by traditional ground infrastructure, Starlink can deliver high-speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable or completely unavailable.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM ELIGIBLE?

A one-time rebate is available to anyone who has purchased a Starlink kit on or after May 20, 2021 and uses that kit in one of the AKRC communities: Mishkosiminiziibiing, Wauzhshk Onigum Nation, Onigaming, Northwest Angle #33, Animakee Wa Zhing 37. Please note, if you received a free kit through a different program, you are not eligibile for this program.

HOW DO I APPLY?

To apply, click here to access the online rebate application form.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE TO APPLY?

The deadline to apply for a rebate is October 15, 2023. The rebate program will be provided on a first-come-first-served basis.

DO I NEED TO LIVE ON RESERVE TO RECEIVE THIS REBATE?

This funding is available to dwellings within the five AKRC Member Communities: Mishkosiminiziibiing, Wauzhshk Onigum Nation, Onigaming, Northwest Angle #33, Animakee Wa Zhing 37.

HOW MUCH IS THE REBATE FOR?

Approved applicants will receive an 84% rebate based on kit cost + shipping cost + tax paid as shown on their Starlink invoice.

HOW DO I GET MY REIMBURSEMENT?

If your application is approved, you will be reimbursed via cheque. A cheque will be mailed to the mailing address provided on your application form. Please ensure the mailing address on your application is accurate.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY REBATE?

You should receive an immediate email after you submit the online application confirming it has been received. If you do not receive an email, please check your Junk Mail folder. You should receive another email regarding the status of your application within 4 weeks of applying. If you are approved, it will be up to an additional 8 weeks to receive your rebate.

CAN ANYONE APPLY?

To be eligible, applicants must have purchased and use a Starlink kit in one of the five AKRC Member Communities. Those interested in applying must provide the following in the application form:

  • Proof of kit purchase on or after May 20, 2021
  • Photo of installed Starlink kit
  • Location of installed Starlink kit (Google Plus Code or Street Address)
  • Speed Test results

I PURCHASED MY STARLINK KIT BEFORE MAY 20, 2021, WHY AM I NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

AKRC received funding from the Federal Government of Canada to implement the rebate program. The program can only offer rebates to individuals who have purchased a Starlink kit on or after May 20, 2021.

I OWN A BUSINESS AND PURCHASED A STARLINK KIT FOR MY BUSINESS, AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

No, businesses are ineligible and cannot apply to the rebate program.

I PURCHASED A STARLINK ROAM KIT FOR MY RV, AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

For recipients to be eligible you must have a home in one of the five AKRC Member Communities and have purchased a Starlink kit for this home.

I NEED TO PURCHASE A STARLINK KIT IN ORDER TO BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR THE REBATE. CAN THE AKRC ENSURE THAT I WILL RECEIVE MY KIT IN TIME TO APPLY FOR A REBATE?

AKRC cannot guarantee that everyone who orders a Starlink kit will receive it in time to apply for the rebate. The program will offer rebates until October 15, 2023, or until all funding has been allocated, whichever comes first. Rebates will be provided on a first-come-first served basis.

I/WE PRE-ORDER A STARLINK DISH CAN AKRC SEE WHERE MY NAME IS IN THE QUEUE?

No, any pre-orders are between the consumer and SpaceX.

WILL AKRC BE ABLE TO GET MY PRE-ORDER FASTER?

No, any pre-orders are between the consumer and SpaceX.

I ORDERED MY STARLINK BUT IS HASN’T ARRIVED, CAN AKRC TELL ME ANYTHING?

No, any orders are between the consumer and SpaceX.

I PRE-ORDERED STARLINK, AM I STILL ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

If you have purchased a Starlink kit on or after May 20, 2021, you must wait until you have received your Starlink kit and activated your kit in order to be eligible to apply for a rebate. Proof of full purchase price is required.

DOES AKRC KNOW WHEN THERE WILL BE SERVICE IN MY AREA?

The project team is actively working with the SpaceX team for coverage in our area however at this time we cannot pinpoint coverage dates for a specific home(s).

I HAVE A STARLINK KIT INSTALLED AT MY RESIDENCE AND AT A SECONDARY RESIDENCE, CAN I RECEIVE A REBATE FOR BOTH STARLINK KITS?

Rebates are limited to one (1) per person/household.

WHY IS FSET CONTACTING ME REGARDING MY APPLICATION?

FSET has partnered with AKRC to administer the rebate program. You may receive phone calls or emails from FSET staff regarding your application.

WHO DO I CONTACT FOR HELP OR WITH ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?

If you require further assistance or have additional questions, please call 1-844-441-1017 or email starlink@fset.ca.

To be eligible, applicants must have purchased and use a Starlink kit in one of the five AKRC Member Communities. Those interested in applying must provide proof of kit purchase on or after May 20, 2021.

Starlink Kit Invoice - proof of purchase

Starlink Kit Invoice

If the form will not allow you to enter your street address, you can find your Google Plus Code by following the instructions below:

  • Open your web browser and type in https://plus.codes/map
  • Move around the map and zoom in to find you’re the location where your kit is installed. Tap the location if you’re using a phone or click the location if you’re using a computer.
  • The Google Plus Code will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Google Plus Code

Google Plus Code – Computer Web Browser View

Google Plus Code

Google Plus Code – Phone View

 

To conduct a speed test, follow the instructions below:

  • Ensure your phone or computer is connected to the Wi-Fi from your Starlink unit.
  • Open your web browser and type in: www.fast.com
  • The page will load automatically and first conduct a download test. When it’s complete, click on the “show more info” button to show the upload test results as well. The large number presented at the top is your download speed. The upload speed is listed to the bottom right of the screen. See red boxes in screenshots below.
Speed Test

Enter these two numbers into the rebate application form.