Title: Activating a Starlink Kit
Owner: Network Operations Center (NOC)
Maintained by: Chris Horton, NOC Technician
Approved by: Corey Buchanan, IT Manager
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 10/20/25
Purpose
To provide a standardized procedure for activating Starlink kits, ensuring that all activations are completed accurately, tracked properly, and associated with the correct user accounts and service plans. This minimizes activation errors and maintains accurate service and inventory records.
Scope
This SOP applies to all NOC personnel responsible for processing Starlink activation requests, assigning new kits to customer accounts, and managing activation details within the Starlink portal and internal systems.
Responsibilities
NOC Technicians:
- Process activation requests received via email or ticket.
- Verify kit details, including serial numbers and assigned user accounts.
- Input correct activation data into the Starlink portal.
- Add service lines and confirm successful activation.
- Post activation details to internal communication channels.
- Update plan assignments and user records in the tracking system.
- Document each action and escalate any technical or system issues as needed.
IT Manager:
- Provides oversight of the Starlink activation workflow.
- Monitors recurring issues or discrepancies and adjusts procedures as necessary.
- Approves any changes to the activation or tracking process.
Other Departments:
- None applicable at this time.
Procedure
Step 1: Receive the Activation Request
- Monitor the noc@microcom.tv mailbox for incoming Starlink Activation Request Forms.
- Open each new request and verify that all required information is provided, including:
- Customer name
- Kit serial number
- Service plan type
- Service address or installation location
- Customer contact information
- If any information is missing or unclear, reply to the sender to request clarification before proceeding.
Step 2: Validate the Request
- Confirm that the kit has not already been activated or assigned to another account.
- Verify that the service plan aligns with the customer’s account type and billing profile.
- Check for any outstanding issues or notes in the customer record before activation.
Step 3: Add the Kit to Inventory
(Refer to SOP: “Adding a Starlink Kit to a User Account” for detailed instructions.)
- Navigate to the Starlink Admin Portal and select Add or Unlock Starlinks.
- Enter the kit’s serial number (labeled as Starlink ID, Starlink Serial Number, or Kit Serial Number) in the appropriate field.
- Click Add Starlinks to complete the entry.
- Confirm that the kit now appears in the organization’s inventory list with an active status.
Step 4: Add the Service Line
- Locate the newly added kit in the inventory view within the Starlink Admin Portal.
- Select Add Service Line (or the equivalent option).
- Enter the following details as listed on the Activation Request Form:
- Terminal Name
- Service Plan
- Service Address / Location
- Kit #
- Review all entered data for accuracy, ensuring that the selected service plan and configuration parameters (region, account type, and speed tier) align with the activation request.
- Click Add Service Line to finalize the activation process.
- Confirm that:
- The kit status updates to Active within the portal.
- The service line appears correctly under the customer’s account.
- The assigned service plan reflects accurately in both the portal and internal tracking systems.
- Enable Priority - Data Pool
Step 5: Post Activation Details to Slack
- Navigate to the #starlink-activations Slack channel.
- Post the activation summary using the following format:
FG#: [Insert FG Number] Terminal Name: [Insert Terminal Name] Service Line: [Insert Service Line or ID] Kit#: [Insert Kit Serial Number] Plan: [Insert Service Plan] Activation Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
3.Verify the post for accuracy and confirm visibility in the channel.
Step 6: Assign Kit to the Correct Plan
- Navigate to the Plan Manager section within the Starlink Admin Portal.
- Locate the activated kit and confirm it appears under the correct organization.
- Assign the appropriate service plan based on the details provided in the Activation Request Form.
- Verify that the plan aligns with the customer’s region, account type, and service level agreement.
- For detailed guidance, refer to “How to Use Plan Manager” (linked SOP).
Step 7: Create a User (If Needed)
- If the activation request includes a new customer or contact not yet in the system, create a user record.
- Enter the following details accurately:
- Full Name
- Contact Email
- Service Address / Location
- Assigned Kit Serial Number
- Associate the new user with the activated kit and corresponding service plan.
- For detailed guidance, refer to “How to Create a User” (linked SOP).
Step 8: Final Verification
Before closing the activation, verify that all items are complete and accurate:
- The service line is listed and shows an Active status in the Starlink Portal.
- The plan assignment matches the request and has been confirmed in Plan Manager.
- The user record is created and linked correctly (if applicable).
- The Slack post in #starlink-activations is accurate, formatted correctly, and visible to the NOC team.
Escalation Path
If any issue is encountered during the activation process, follow the guidance below before escalating to the IT Manager:
1. “Kit does not exist” error:
- Recheck the serial number for typos or formatting issues.
- Confirm the kit number directly with the requester.
- If still unresolved, verify whether the kit was properly added to inventory (see “Adding a Starlink Kit to a User Account” SOP).
2. “Device (KIT#) is already assigned” error:
- Confirm whether the kit already exists under the organization’s account.
- If it does not appear in your inventory, advise the requester that the customer must transfer ownership through their Starlink portal before activation can proceed.
3. Missing or incomplete information:
- Review the activation form and identify any missing details (e.g., customer name, kit number, or service plan).
- Contact the requester via email for clarification or additional data.
- Pause the activation until all required information has been verified and documented.
4. Persistent or unresolvable issues:
- Escalate the case to the IT Manager with a detailed summary of actions taken and all related screenshots or correspondence attached.
Documentation & Logging
All Starlink activations must be recorded in the Starlink Activation Tracker spreadsheet to ensure accurate records and accountability.
Each entry should include the following details:
- Date of Activation
- Customer Name
- Kit Number / Serial Number
- Service Plan
- Technician Initials
- Slack Confirmation Status (Yes/No or link to post)
Additional Requirements:
- Note any errors, reassignments, or escalations in the task comments for tracking and audit purposes.
- Review all daily activations at end-of-shift to ensure the Tracker entries match.
Revision History
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