The short answer is – Yes.
Yup, you can stop reading the rest of the post if that is all you needed to know. But trust me, there is more to this. Again, Yes, you can use VoIP with Starlink, but there are some important considerations:
Pros of Using VoIP with Starlink:
✅ High Speeds – Starlink offers fast internet speeds, often exceeding 100 Mbps, which is more than enough for VoIP calls.
✅ Wide Coverage – Starlink is ideal for rural or remote areas where traditional broadband options are limited.
✅ Low Latency (Compared to Traditional Satellite) – While Starlink’s latency (~25-50ms) is better than older satellite internet providers, it’s still higher than fiber or cable.
Challenges and Potential Issues:
⚠ Latency & Jitter – Even though Starlink has lower latency than traditional satellite internet, it can still cause occasional delays or voice quality issues.
⚠ Network Stability – Starlink’s connection can drop briefly when switching between satellites, which may lead to VoIP call drops or lag.
⚠ Prioritization of Traffic – Starlink does not prioritize VoIP traffic, so if your network is congested (e.g., streaming videos or downloading large files), call quality may suffer.
Tips to Improve VoIP on Starlink:
✔ Use a Wired Connection – Connect your VoIP device directly to the router via Ethernet instead of relying on Wi-Fi.
✔ Enable QoS (Quality of Service) – If your router supports QoS settings, prioritize VoIP traffic.
✔ Use a VoIP Service That Supports Adaptive Jitter Buffers – Some VoIP providers optimize for fluctuating latency.
✔ Consider a Backup Connection – If VoIP is critical for your business, having a secondary internet connection (like LTE) can provide reliability.
Bottom Line:
VoIP can work with Starlink, but the quality may vary depending on network congestion, latency, and your specific setup. If you rely heavily on VoIP for business, optimizing your network settings or using a backup internet connection may be a good idea.
Here’s how you can set up VoIP with Starlink
Setting up VoIP with Starlink requires configuring your network to optimize call quality while addressing potential latency, jitter, and dropped connections. Below is a step-by-step technical guide to setting up VoIP on a Starlink connection.
1. Gather Your Equipment
Before starting, ensure you have:
✅ Starlink Kit (dish, router, and cables)
✅ VoIP Phone or ATA (Analog Telephone Adapter)
✅ Ethernet Adapter (if using Starlink’s Gen 2/3 router)
✅ Optional: Third-Party Router with QoS Support
2. Install and Activate Starlink Internet (we assume you’ve already done this)
- Set Up Starlink – Install the dish and power on the system. Ensure it has a clear view of the sky.
- Verify Connection – Run a speed test (
fast.comorspeedtest.net) to check speeds and latency. - Test Stability – Use tools like
ping 8.8.8.8 -t(Windows) orping 8.8.8.8(Mac/Linux) to monitor packet loss and jitter.
3. Configure Your VoIP Setup
A. Using a VoIP Phone or Softphone
- VoIP Desk Phone – Plug directly into your router via Ethernet.
Wifi VoIP Phones are not yet supported at the time as of March 2025. You would need to use the mobile or desktop softphone app. - Softphone – Install VoIP software on your PC or mobile (e.g., 3CX, Link, Zoiper, Linphone, or Bria).
B. Using an Analog Phone with VoIP (ATA Setup)
- Plug the ATA into the Starlink Router via Ethernet.
- Connect Your Analog Phone to the ATA via an RJ-11 cable.
- Enter VoIP Provider Details – Log into the ATA web interface and input:
- SIP server address
- Username & password
- Outbound proxy (if needed)
4. Optimize Your Starlink Network for VoIP
A. Enable Quality of Service (QoS)
QoS prioritizes VoIP traffic over other internet activities.
- If using Starlink’s default router – QoS is not available. Consider adding a third-party router.
- If using a third-party router (highly recommended)– Log into the router’s settings and:
- Enable QoS.
- Prioritize VoIP devices (by MAC or IP address).
- Set VoIP traffic as “high priority” or reserve bandwidth.
B. Adjust Network Settings for VoIP Stability
- Disable SIP ALG – SIP ALG can interfere with VoIP. Disable it in your router settings.
- Enable UDP Timeout > 60 sec – Some VoIP services require longer timeouts.
- Use Google or Cloudflare DNS – Change router settings to:
- Google:
8.8.8.8and8.8.4.4 - Cloudflare:
1.1.1.1and1.0.0.1
- Google:
C. Use a VPN (Optional for Stability)
A VPN can stabilize VoIP traffic by reducing packet loss in some cases. However, it may add latency, so test before committing.
5. Test and Monitor VoIP Call Quality
✅ Call Quality Testing: Make test calls and listen for audio delays, jitter, or dropped calls.
✅ Ping & Packet Loss Tests: Run ping and traceroute to test stability.
✅ Enable VoIP Logs & Monitoring: If your VoIP provider has call logs, monitor for dropped packets or jitter warnings.
6. Backup Internet for Reliability (Optional but Recommended)
To prevent call drops due to Starlink’s occasional signal interruptions, consider a secondary connection:
- LTE/5G Backup Internet – Use a failover router to switch automatically when Starlink disconnects.
- Dual WAN Router – Load-balance VoIP traffic across two connections.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Calls dropping frequently | Use a backup connection or a VoIP provider with jitter buffering. |
| Poor audio quality (jitter) | Enable QoS, disable SIP ALG, and increase UDP timeout. |
| One-way audio | Check firewall settings, disable SIP ALG, and ensure the correct SIP ports are open. |
| VoIP not registering | Ensure correct SIP credentials, restart devices, and check router settings. |
Final Thoughts
Starlink can work well for VoIP, but optimizing your setup is crucial. Using a wired connection, third-party router with QoS, and a backup internet option can significantly improve reliability.
Would you like recommendations on third-party routers that work well with VoIP? 🚀
