Please reread this thread. This is the comment I was replying to:
> SpaceX isn't doing the install work work on these Starlink kits. They just sell you some hardware.
If you're a terrestrial-based internet provider, you need a fleet of installers and they also have to do constant maintenance work
This is not true. SpaceX is absolutely going to be doing most of the installs through independent contractors. The original post implied they just ship you the antenna and the end user can set it up, which is wrong.
Absolutely not correct. Read the terms from what they sent everyone in the beta program:
"You are responsible for installing the Starlink Kit. Do not allow third parties, or those not associated with SpaceX, to access or install the Starlink Kit unless you obtain approval from SpaceX," Starlink says.
"Do not install the Starlink Kit at your home if you do not have the authority to do so. It is your responsibility to ensure compliance with all applicable zoning, ordinances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, lease obligations and landlord/owner approvals related to the installation location."
SpaceX is not doing any of these installs themselves or through contractors. They've been very up front about this and how it's not just going to be for the beta program.
Keep up the FUD though.
It's a phased array antenna -- it's really simple to install. People are already doing this themselves on top of RVs and work trucks. It has motors that are self-adjusting. Their instructions are "1) plug in socket, 2) point at sky."
Wrong. A beta program where they don't want things leaked is very different from the real system. They self-selected a group of people capable of doing this. Do you really think that millions of real customers are capable installing on their own? More importantly, doing this without an issue later that requires calling customer service. It doesn't matter if it's a phased array. It MUST be installed securely in a location where there would be no blocking. This requires a professional. Trust me, I'm very familiar with this industry, and Elon can't work magic. You are taking your own understanding of how the general population is and assuming they're all reddit/HN readers.
Please show me where they've been up front that after the beta it will continue to do this. Also remember that almost everything Elon has said about starlink has turned out to not be accurate or delayed.
> SpaceX isn't doing the install work work on these Starlink kits. They just sell you some hardware. If you're a terrestrial-based internet provider, you need a fleet of installers and they also have to do constant maintenance work
This is not true. SpaceX is absolutely going to be doing most of the installs through independent contractors. The original post implied they just ship you the antenna and the end user can set it up, which is wrong.