Finding someone to mount your Starlink dish properly is harder than finding the dish itself. The official installation option through Starlink costs $199. Independent local installers charge $100–$600 depending on your roof, your trees, and how far they have to drive. This guide covers every path, every contact, and the questions that save you from a bad hire.
📍 Find a Starlink Installer Near You
Tap any button to search your area. The best results come from searching your specific city name — map results for satellite installers vary widely. Always call to confirm Starlink Gen 3 experience before scheduling.
Always call ahead — confirm Starlink Gen 3 experience and request a written quote before scheduling.
Official: ontechsmartservices.com/starlink ·
angi.com ·
starlinkinstallersusa.com ·
OnTech: 1-833-668-3241
The questions people have once they realize DIY isn’t happening — answered directly.
Yes — Starlink now partners with OnTech Smart Services, a nationwide managed-tech service provider, to handle professional installation across the U.S. The fee is $199 for Residential 100 Mbps and 200 Mbps plans, and free on the Residential MAX plan. You add it at checkout on starlink.com — if professional installation is available at your address, the option appears in the order flow. After your order, OnTech contacts you to schedule the appointment. They handle mounting, cable routing, and basic setup. Not every address has OnTech coverage yet — the rollout is ongoing — but it appears for most suburban and small-town addresses in the U.S.
Independent local installers — antenna technicians, low-voltage contractors, satellite specialists, and experienced handymen — typically charge $100–$350 for a standard single-story home with a straightforward roof or wall mount and one cable entry. Complex jobs add cost: two-story homes, steep pitches, metal or tile roofs that can’t be drilled, long cable runs through attics, or pole mounts requiring a concrete footing regularly reach $350–$600. Travel fees of $50–$150 are common for rural addresses more than 30–40 miles from the nearest city. Get an itemized written quote before any work begins — vague “flat rate” quotes from strangers on Facebook Marketplace often exclude the mount hardware, the cable entry grommet, and the cable clips.
No. Starlink does not operate a formal residential certification program for independent third-party installers the way some other companies do. The only official installation route is through OnTech during checkout. Independent installers who advertise themselves as “Starlink certified” or “Starlink authorized” are using that language informally — some are excellent, some are not. What matters is verifiable experience with Starlink Gen 3 hardware specifically, proof of liability insurance, and references from recent local jobs. The absence of a certification program is exactly why checking references and insurance matters more for Starlink installs than for some other services.
For most independent installers, yes — you order the Starlink Standard Kit directly from starlink.com first, then arrange separately for someone to install it. Most independent installers don’t carry or supply Starlink hardware; they bring mounting hardware and tools, not the dish. The OnTech service through Starlink’s own checkout is the exception — it’s a bundled service where Starlink handles both the equipment order and the installation scheduling in one flow. Some third-party companies that handle commercial or business installs may supply equipment through a reseller arrangement, but residential customers almost always order from starlink.com directly.
The value of a professional installer is most visible in three situations: roof mounts on two-story or steeply pitched roofs where fall risk is real; roofs made of materials (foam-coated, tile, standing-seam metal) that require non-penetrating mount solutions; and complex cable runs through attics, walls, or long exterior distances where the routing requires skill to do neatly and weatherproof properly. Most people can handle a ground-level pole mount or a simple kickstand placement themselves. The gap grows with roof height, roof material complexity, and how much you care about the cable being invisible inside the house. A properly sealed roof penetration and weatherproofed cable entry point take experience — an improperly done roof mount can void your roof warranty and cause leaks.
A standard single-story roof or wall mount with one cable entry through an exterior wall takes a professional 1.5–3 hours. A pole mount requiring a concrete footing takes 2–4 hours, plus curing time for the concrete (usually 24–48 hours before the dish is mounted on the pole). Two-story roofs, complex cable routing through finished walls or attics, and Ethernet extension work for wired network connections all add time and cost. The OnTech service through Starlink’s checkout typically schedules appointments in the week following your order — call OnTech at 1-833-668-3241 if you need to reschedule or have questions about your upcoming appointment.
For most residential roof and wall mounts, no building permit is required. The FCC Over-the-Air Reception Devices (OTARD) rule generally protects the right to install satellite dishes on property you own or control, with limited exceptions. Permits occasionally come into play for ground-mounted pole installations that require concrete footings below frost depth, or for commercial installations. HOAs may attempt to restrict Starlink dish placement but cannot prohibit it entirely under OTARD rules. Confirming with your local building department takes about ten minutes and eliminates any ambiguity before the installer drills. Your installer should know local requirements — ask specifically whether they’ve done Starlink installs in your county before.
HOAs present a common friction point but not an absolute barrier. The FCC OTARD rule prevents HOAs from prohibiting dish installation entirely, though they can impose reasonable restrictions on placement (not on the front of the roof visible from the street, for example). Apartment and condo situations are more complex — you need a clear sky view from a location you control, which usually means a balcony, a rooftop terrace you have access to, or a ground-level area. An installer who regularly works with HOA and multi-unit properties can often find a compliant mount solution. Never mount a dish on a roof you don’t own without written permission, and document any HOA restrictions and your installation’s compliance with OTARD rules before work begins.
There is no single national directory. Use multiple sources, and always verify insurance and local references before committing.
OnTech is Starlink’s contracted nationwide installation provider. You add professional installation at checkout on starlink.com — if the option appears for your address, OnTech schedules a technician after your order is placed. OnTech handles dish mounting, cable routing, and router setup. The $199 fee for Residential 100 and 200 Mbps plans is competitive with the mid-range of what independent local installers charge, and it comes with the peace of mind of a service directly associated with your Starlink order. If you’re ordering the Residential MAX plan at $130/month, the installation is included at no additional charge — one of the most compelling reasons to choose the MAX tier if you’re planning a professional install anyway. If OnTech doesn’t show as an option at checkout, your address isn’t yet covered and you’ll need a local independent installer.
Angi (formerly Angie’s List, now merged with HomeAdvisor) is the most widely used platform for finding licensed, background-checked, and insured local contractors, including antenna and satellite dish installers. Search for “satellite dish installation” or “antenna installation” in your ZIP code — many results will include technicians who regularly do Starlink installs. Angi provides verified reviews, license checks, and background screening for pros in their network. You can request multiple free quotes from different providers and compare before committing. When contacting any pro from Angi, specifically ask: “Have you installed Starlink Gen 3 dishes?” and “Are you insured for roof work?” — both answers should be immediate and affirmative. Phone access for Angi is available at 1-888-811-2644 for those who prefer not to use the website.
Several directories aggregate independent Starlink installers across the U.S. and allow search by state or city. These installers self-list, so vetting is your responsibility — always verify insurance and request local references. The most established options include starlinkinstallersusa.com (search by ZIP code with a map view), starlinklocal.com (nationwide directory organized by state), and starlinklocalinstallers.com (Florida-based with a national technician network; phone/text contact at 850-715-3246). For direct booking of a multi-state network, American Digital Satellite handles Starlink installations nationwide at 1-800-264-0040. These directories are most useful when OnTech isn’t available at your address and Angi searches turn up limited results — which is common in rural areas where independent satellite technicians operate but don’t actively advertise online.
For ground-level pole mounts or simple wall mounts on single-story homes, a skilled handyman from TaskRabbit or a locally known general handyman service can do the job competently for less than a satellite specialist charges. TaskRabbit allows you to post the task, review Tasker profiles with ratings, and message candidates before booking — search for “satellite dish” or “TV antenna install” and filter by your ZIP. The limitation: TaskRabbit is not appropriate for two-story roof installs on difficult roof materials, attic cable runs through finished walls, or any situation where roofing knowledge and proper flashing technique matter. For those jobs, hire someone with documented roofing or low-voltage experience, not a general handyman. Ask specifically about Starlink Gen 3 before booking — the cable and connectors are different from older satellite systems.
What you’ll actually pay depends on your roof type, access difficulty, and how far the cable needs to travel. Here’s the full range.
| Job Type | OnTech (Official) | Independent Local | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground / Kickstand (DIY test) | Not offered | FREE (self-install) | Easy | Not permanent · no wind resistance |
| Wall / Fascia Mount (1-story) | $199 (100/200 plan) FREE (MAX plan) | $100–$200 | Low | Most rentals · no roof penetration |
| Roof Mount — Composition Shingle | $199 / Free on MAX | $150–$300 | Medium | Most common · standard flashing |
| Roof Mount — 2-Story Home | $199 / Free on MAX | $250–$400 | Medium-High | Ladder extension · safety gear |
| Roof Mount — Metal / Tile Roof | Varies by address | $300–$500 | High | Non-penetrating mounts required |
| Pole Mount (10–15 ft) — Open Yard | Not typical | $200–$400 | Medium | Best for wooded properties |
| Pole Mount w/ Concrete Footing | Not typical | $350–$600 | High | Freeze-thaw climate requirement |
| Cable Run — Attic Through Wall | Included if applicable | Add $75–$150 | Medium | Cleanest look · fully hidden |
| Rural / Remote Address (travel fee) | May not be available | Add $50–$150 | N/A | Over 30–40 mi from city center |
| Ethernet + Network Extension | Not included | Add $100–$300 | Medium | Wired connections, mesh Wi-Fi |
Do this in order. Skipping steps 2 and 3 is where most bad hiring decisions happen.
-
Use the Starlink obstruction checker before any installer arrives Download the free Starlink app (iOS or Android), go to Check for Obstructions, and scan the sky from every candidate mount location on your property. Do this before contacting any installer — it tells you which spots on your roof, yard, or wall will actually give you a clear satellite signal, so you can describe the requirements accurately when you call for quotes. An installer who checks obstruction before quoting you is doing their job properly. One who quotes a roof mount without checking sky view first is not.
-
Check the official OnTech option first at starlink.com checkout Go to starlink.com, begin your order (or go back to an existing order), and look for the professional installation option at checkout. If it appears for your address, the $199 price is competitive and the service is directly tied to your Starlink account. If you’re choosing the Residential MAX plan anyway, installation is included free — and that may be the simplest reason to choose MAX if a pro install is in your budget. If the option doesn’t appear, OnTech doesn’t cover your address yet and you’ll move to a local installer.
-
Get at least two local quotes — written, itemized Contact at least two independent installers and ask each for a written, itemized quote. An honest quote separates labor, hardware (mount, cable clips, entry grommet, cable extension if needed), and any travel fee. A quote that just says “installation — $250” with no line items gives you no way to compare. Ask each installer: “Does this price include all mount hardware, cable routing to my router location, and weatherproofing at the cable entry?” If any of those aren’t included, get the cost for each in writing before agreeing to anything.
-
Verify insurance and ask about Starlink Gen 3 experience Ask every installer two non-negotiable questions. First: “Do you carry liability insurance for roof work, and can you send me the certificate?” A professional installer who does roof work should carry at minimum $1 million in general liability. An uninsured installer on your roof means you could be responsible for any accident. Second: “Have you installed Starlink Gen 3 dishes specifically?” The Gen 3 hardware has a different cable connector and mounting interface than earlier versions — an installer who only knows the old system may struggle with the current product.
-
Ask about the roof penetration and weatherproofing plan If your installer plans to drill through your roof or exterior wall, ask specifically: “How will you seal and weatherproof the cable entry point?” A proper roof penetration uses a weatherproof grommet or custom flashing and UV-resistant outdoor sealant — and always includes a drip loop just below the entry point on the exterior, which prevents water from following the cable inside. A roofer will tell you the same thing: an improperly sealed roof penetration is one of the most common causes of slow water damage, which may not show up until months later. If the installer can’t describe their weatherproofing process in detail, that’s a red flag.
-
Confirm what happens after the dish is mounted A complete Starlink install ends with the dish mounted and aimed, cable routed to the router, router powered on, and the Starlink connection verified as active in the app. Some “installation” services stop at mounting the dish and leave you to figure out the router setup. Ask explicitly: “Will you confirm the connection is live and working before you leave?” Also ask about what a warranty on the installation covers — a reputable installer warrants their mount and cable work for at least 90 days against failure from their own workmanship.
The mount location is the most important decision of the whole installation. A perfectly executed mount in the wrong spot produces a dish that underperforms regardless of who installed it.
Mounting the dish on the roof gives it the highest vantage point on most properties, which means the clearest sky view and fewest obstruction problems. On composition shingle roofs, this is straightforward work: a pivot mount or J-pole screws into the roof structure with appropriate flashing, and the cable enters the house through a weatherproofed penetration. Roof mounts are the most common professional installation and what OnTech typically performs. On foam-coated, tile, or standing-seam metal roofs where drilling through the roof material is not appropriate, a skilled installer will use a non-penetrating ballasted mount or run the cable along a fascia board to a wall entry instead. Cost: $150–$400 with a local installer depending on height and material.
A pole mount places the dish on a standalone steel pole in the clearest area of your yard, rising above surrounding tree canopy that would obstruct a roof-mounted dish. A 10–20 foot galvanized steel pole set in a concrete-filled ground sleeve is the most durable solution for permanent installs — it survives wind, ice, and decades of weather better than any roof mount. This is the most common professional install for rural wooded properties, and a skilled installer will use the Starlink app’s obstruction checker to find the yard location with the clearest sky view before committing to the pole position. In freeze-thaw climates (northern states), the concrete footing must extend below the frost line — typically 3–5 feet — or the pole will heave and shift over winter. Cost: $200–$600 depending on pole height and footing depth.
Mounting the dish on an exterior wall or fascia board (the flat board at the edge of your roofline) avoids roof penetrations entirely, making it appropriate for rental properties, single-story homes where wall height provides adequate sky clearance, and situations where the property owner won’t allow roof drilling. The dish bolts to a wall bracket or J-mount, the cable runs down the exterior wall and enters through a small drilled hole, and the whole job is reversible when you move. The limitation is height — a wall mount is limited to the height of the structure, which may not get the dish above nearby obstructions. Use the app’s obstruction checker from that height before committing. Cost: $100–$250 with a local installer, making it the most affordable professional install option.
Most Starlink installer problems stem from a handful of avoidable situations. These are the warning signs before any work begins.
Any installer who works on a roof should carry general liability insurance of at least $1 million. If they can’t send you a certificate of insurance before the job, do not let them on your roof. If they fall, the liability may land on you as the property owner. This isn’t overly cautious — it’s the standard expectation for any tradesperson doing elevated work. Legitimate roof and antenna installers have this documentation available immediately when asked.
Verbal quotes create disputes. A quote that doesn’t list mount hardware, cable, entry grommet, and labor separately is hiding something. Common practice is to quote labor and then add “plus hardware at cost” — which can add $40–$150 in unexpected expenses on the day of the install. Insist on a written, fully itemized quote before scheduling. If an installer refuses or says “we’ll figure it out on the day,” find someone else.
Starlink does not operate a residential certification or authorization program for independent third-party installers. Anyone using these specific terms to imply official Starlink approval is either confused or being misleading. The only official installation program is OnTech through Starlink’s checkout. An installer who claims certification should be able to name the certifying body and provide documentation — if they can’t, the claim is hollow. This doesn’t mean they aren’t good at their job, but it’s a signal to verify everything else more carefully.
A professional Starlink installer should want to see your property layout and run an obstruction check with the Starlink app before committing to a mount location. A quote that assumes the best mount spot without evaluating your sky view is a quote that may result in a dish that underperforms. Any installer who says “roof mount is always the best — we’ll figure it out when we get there” without first checking your obstruction profile is not approaching the job professionally.
The markers of a competent, trustworthy Starlink installer: they ask for photos or a site visit before quoting, they mention checking sky clearance before choosing a mount location, they provide a written itemized quote, they carry liability insurance and offer to share the certificate, they can name specific Starlink Gen 3 hardware by model, and they describe a specific weatherproofing approach for any roof or wall penetration. Finding all of these in one contractor isn’t rare — it’s the standard you should expect and can reasonably demand.
The simplest path is to order the Residential MAX plan at starlink.com — at $130 per month, it includes free professional installation through OnTech with no extra fees. If the installation option appears at checkout, you’re done: pay for the plan, schedule the appointment OnTech contacts you to arrange, and a technician handles everything including verifying the connection before they leave. If the MAX plan’s monthly cost is more than you want, add the $199 installation to a Residential 200 plan at checkout. If neither works at your address, call Angi at 1-888-811-2644 and describe what you need — they can connect you with a vetted local installer. You do not need to be present on the roof, manage any wiring, or configure any technical settings — a complete professional install includes all of that.
Yes — and rural wooded properties are actually where professional installers earn their value most. A good installer will come to your property, run the Starlink obstruction scanner at multiple candidate locations (roof peak, various yard positions, a nearby clearing), and identify the spot with the clearest sky window. In most wooded rural properties, this ends up being a pole mount in the yard rather than a roof mount, positioned in whatever gap in the canopy provides the clearest sky cone. Don’t assume you can’t get Starlink because of trees — have an installer assess before giving up. Most rural tree obstruction problems are solved by raising the dish 10–15 feet above the roofline on a pole, not by clearing the trees.
Usually yes, with the right approach. The FCC OTARD rule protects your right to install a satellite dish in a space you control — your balcony, your yard area, or the exterior wall of your unit. What you cannot do without written permission is mount hardware on the landlord’s roof structure. In practice, a wall mount or pole mount in your yard area is achievable in most rental situations and doesn’t require roof access. Discuss placement with your landlord before hiring anyone — most landlords have no objection once they understand the scale of the hardware (smaller than a TV satellite dish). A wall or fascia mount by a professional installer can be removed cleanly when you move, with the small wall-entry hole filled and painted.
For business installations — farms, clinics, remote offices, construction sites — the professional installation path through Starlink’s checkout applies to Residential plans but not to Priority/Business plans. For Priority and Business tier equipment, contact American Digital Satellite at 1-800-264-0040 or StarLinkLocal.com’s commercial division (VIP booking at 1-800-882-2046), which specialize in business and commercial Starlink installs. Business installs typically include proper Ethernet infrastructure for wired workstations, redundant routing if required, and weatherproof enclosures for equipment stored outdoors. Business Priority plans come with Starlink’s higher network priority for consistently faster speeds — the installation itself is the same satellite dish hardware but configured for business priority access. Request a site assessment before any quote is accepted.
This guide is for general informational purposes only. Installer pricing, availability, and service areas change frequently — always verify current rates and coverage directly with each installer or service before booking. OnTech coverage for Starlink professional installation is expanding and may not be available at all U.S. addresses; check at starlink.com during checkout for the most current availability at your address. Contact information for third-party services is provided for reference and does not constitute an endorsement. Always verify insurance credentials before allowing any installer on your property. This content is entirely original.