Venus and Starlink Satellites. Photo / Mike Lewinski / Creative Commons

Starlink Users Warned: Plug In or Lose Service

Unpatched hardware could be bricked if left disconnected past November 17.

Starlink users across Great Barrier Island are being urged to power up inactive satellite kits before November 17 to receive a critical software update — or risk losing service altogether.

The company has emailed customers warning that terminals which are not plugged in and connected will “no longer function” if they miss the update window.

“An important update is required for your Starlink,” the email reads. “This update is part of ongoing improvements for security, performance and reliability… It is critical you perform this software update before November 17, or your Starlink will no longer function.”

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To complete the process, Starlink says users simply need to have their dish outside, plug it in, and leave it running for 15–30 minutes. A clear view of the sky is not required for the update to install, and there is no charge for the process.

The company notes that inactive or paused accounts can receive the update — meaning bach owners or seasonal residents who have had their units switched off for months should take the time to reconnect them, or get someone else to do it before the deadline.

If the dish is already powered on and connected, the update should apply automatically. Users can monitor progress via the Starlink app under the “Advanced” section, where the Terminal ID is also listed.

The update applies to selected terminals, which Starlink has identified by ID in the email notice.

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SpaceX says the move is part of its continuing programme of “improvements for security, performance and reliability.”

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