How does Starlink internet work? Unlike traditional ground-based broadband, Starlink relies on over 10,000 satellites in low earth orbit. Starlink download speedsFor users on the go or in properties which aren't able to get fibre broadband, Starlink can in some cases offer dramatically higher download speeds than solutions such as copper broadband. For further performance gains, swapping the included, primitive Starlink router for a dedicated gaming router can unlock Quality of Service (QoS) controls, which aren't available on Starlink's default router. Starlink claims download speeds of up to 400 Mbps, and in my case (as of August 2026), our download speeds are closer to the 260 Mbps mark.