I do not know ?

The starter doesn't do anything once the lamp starts. Its purpose is to complete a circuit when cold that allows the filaments in the lamp to light. Then, after several seconds to open the circuit causing an inductive kick or voltage spike from the inductive ballast that strikes an arc or gas discharge in the tube and the lamp lights. Once the lamp lights, the filaments go off and are not required for normal operation, only starting.

With the lamp operating you can remove the starter as it does nothing once the lamp is on. The starter is now in an open circuit condition.

However, once the lamp is off and cold, it will not restart without the starter to break the circuit again and repeat the process.

Try starting the lamp cold without the starter. It may restart while warm without the starter. Be sure to allow it to totally cool.

Many modern lamps don't use starters and don't use the above process for starting..

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Thanks Bob !