A successful Starlink installation starts before we arrive with ladders, tools, and mounting hardware. It starts with a plan that fits your property, your internet needs, and your budget.

At Lone Pine Technology, we require a site survey before installation because a little planning upfront can prevent costly surprises, unnecessary work, and an installation that does not deliver the service you expected.

What does a site survey help us determine?

The best antenna location: We assess the view of the sky and look for trees, terrain, and other obstructions that could interrupt your connection.
The right mount and equipment: We evaluate mounting options, attachment points, and cable routing so we can arrive with a practical installation plan and appropriate materials.
Your Wi-Fi coverage needs: We review the intended router location and the areas where you want coverage, including whether additional networking equipment may be needed.
An agreed plan and budget: We discuss the options, scope of work, and expected costs before installation day, rather than making major decisions while the installation crew is waiting.
Enough time to do the job properly: We estimate the work involved so we can allot the right amount of time for your installation and schedule other customers' installations accordingly.
Potential roadblocks: We identify access issues, cable-routing challenges, or other conditions that could prevent us from completing the installation as planned.

A recent example: a simpler mount saved time and money

We recently arrived at an installation that had been planned around a ground-mounted pole. After assessing the property, we found that a tall J-mount attached to the home would work instead.

That change saved hours of work and saved the customer several hundred dollars. It is a good example of why the right installation is not necessarily the most complicated or expensive one. Evaluating the property first helps us recommend an appropriate solution rather than committing to an approach that may not be necessary.

A clear view of the sky matters

Starlink needs a suitable view of the sky to provide reliable service. Trees and other obstructions can cause interruptions, even when the equipment is installed correctly.

We have encountered installation jobs where the available locations offered no realistic way to achieve a sufficiently clear view for uninterrupted service. A site survey helps identify those limitations before you commit to an installation.

We cannot guarantee uninterrupted service or eliminate every possible source of interference. What we can do is assess the available options and explain the likely limitations so you can make an informed decision.

Good internet outside does not automatically mean good Wi-Fi inside

The antenna location is only part of the plan. Where the cable enters the building and where the router is placed can affect how well your connection reaches the rooms and spaces you use.

During the survey, we discuss your intended router location and coverage needs. Depending on the size, layout, and construction of the building, additional access points or other networking equipment may be appropriate. Planning for that early helps avoid discovering coverage gaps after the installation is finished.

Planning respects your schedule and your budget

A straightforward wall-mounted installation and a ground-pole installation can require very different amounts of labor and equipment. If we have to develop a new plan onsite with a helper, or the mount we brought will not work, that takes time away from the installation itself and can affect later appointments.

A survey allows us to discuss and agree on the approach and budget in advance, prepare the necessary equipment, and reserve a realistic installation window. If conditions or the requested scope change, we can discuss those changes rather than leaving you with unexpected assumptions.

Avoid an unsuccessful installation trip

If we arrive for an installation and cannot complete the job, a $150 trip charge plus travel applies.

A site survey helps identify potential roadblocks before the installation crew makes that trip. It is about reducing avoidable surprises and making sure everyone understands what is practical before installation day.

The right solution starts with a conversation

Our goal is not to complicate your installation. It is to recommend the right solution, set clear expectations, and respect your time and budget.

Before scheduling your Starlink installation, contact Lone Pine Technology to arrange a site survey and discuss your property's needs.

Why We Require a Site Survey Before Your Starlink Installation