Tag: Starlink

July 16, 2025
Starlink Leads in Satellite Internet Speed and Latency Rankings
Key Takeaways
1. Starlink averages over 150 Mbps download speeds, significantly outperforming competitors like HughesNet and Viasat, which have lower median speeds.
2. The Roaming tier offers mobile download speeds up to 100 Mbps, though competitors are improving their speeds with new satellites.
3. Starlink has a lower latency average of 45 ms, while HughesNet and Viasat have much higher latencies around 683 ms.
4. Starlink leads in upload speeds with a median of 14.84 Mbps, far exceeding Viasat’s 4.46 Mbps and similar figures from HughesNet.
5. The launch of V3 satellites and new Performance dish kits is expected to further enhance Starlink’s performance and capacity.
Starlink’s download speeds show quite a range, but users can be confident that they consistently outperform their competitors on average.
Performance Comparison
Recent speed tests reveal that Starlink surpasses other satellite Internet services, even though those rivals have made notable improvements recently, albeit not by a large amount. The Starlink Residential tier boasts average speeds exceeding 150 Mbps throughout the United States, while its median download speed, from Q1 measurements, stands at around 105 Mbps. This is still more than twice the median speeds of Starlink’s main competitors, like HughesNet and Viasat, during the same timeframe.
Roaming Offerings
The Roaming tier, which comes with the Starlink Mini dish currently on sale for a third off on Amazon, provides download speeds of up to 100 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps. This is still quite impressive for a mobile dish that can be used anywhere. However, HughesNet and Viasat have managed to deliver significantly higher median download speeds for 75% of their users, narrowing the gap with Starlink due to the launch of new satellites. Their subscriber numbers, however, are much lower and are quickly declining with the rise of Starlink.
Latency Issues
Ookla identifies latency, or ping, as the weakest point for Starlink’s primary competitors in satellite Internet. With Starlink’s constellation positioned in a lower Earth orbit, the median ping for its Internet connections is 45 ms and continuing to decrease. In contrast, Hughes satellites, which are in a medium orbit, had a ping of 683 ms in Q1, which is comparable to Viasat’s latency.
Upload Speeds
Starlink also leads in upload speeds within the satellite Internet sector, recording a median upload speed of 14.84 Mbps in Q1. This is significantly higher than Viasat’s 4.46 Mbps and similar results from HughesNet.
In conclusion, Starlink stands out as the top satellite Internet provider in the US. The upcoming launch of V3 satellites, promising ten times the capacity, is set to further widen the performance gap. The new Performance dish kit is already rated for gigabit speeds.
Source:
Link

Tags: HughesNet, Starlink, Viasat
July 12, 2025
Ukraine Carrier First in Europe to Launch Starlink Cell Service
Key Takeaways
1. Kyivstar is the first major carrier outside the US to implement Starlink’s cellular service for standard handsets, aiming for a launch by the end of the year.
2. The initial Starlink service will focus on text messaging and chat applications, with plans for satellite internet and voice services by early 2026.
3. Current testing includes compatibility tests for SIM cards and messaging trials in Ukraine, with an anticipated launch of SMS and OTT messaging by Q4 2025.
4. Pricing for the Starlink service in Ukraine is yet to be determined, although T-Mobile’s service in the US starts at $10/month.
5. Starlink’s mobile service may initially be slower and less functional than traditional services, but future V3 satellites launching in 2026 are expected to enhance speed and capacity.
The top mobile cellular technology provider in Ukraine, Kiyvstar, is set to be the first significant carrier outside the US to implement Starlink’s cellular service for standard handsets.
They have reached an agreement with SpaceX to introduce a mobile Starlink service by year’s end. Similar to T-Mobile in the US, this service will initially focus on text messaging and chat applications like Signal or WhatsApp, with plans to roll out satellite internet and voice services for phones in Ukraine by early 2026.
Testing Phase Underway
Initial compatibility tests for the carrier’s SIM cards with Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellite system have already occurred in the US, and messaging trials are currently taking place in Ukraine.
According to Kyivstar’s parent company, “The anticipated launch of D2C services featuring SMS and over-the-top (OTT) messaging is set for Q4 2025 and aims to significantly improve Kyivstar’s ability to deliver crucial connectivity for Ukraine, particularly in areas affected by infrastructure damage and in rural locales, as well as during emergencies.”
Pricing Details
In the US, the T-Satellite with Starlink service is priced at $10/month starting July 23, available on both older devices and newer ones like the iPhone 16 Pro. However, it remains unclear how much this service will cost for users in Ukraine.
Kiyvstar is now the first European carrier to become a customer of Starlink’s direct cell phone service, aiming “to ensure constant communication for our clients, no matter the situation.” The service provides an alternative for connectivity in areas impacted by natural or human-made disasters, as it operates without the need for traditional cell tower infrastructure by transmitting signals directly from space.
Functionality and Speed
However, it’s important to note that Starlink’s mobile service is expected to be slower and less functional compared to terrestrial services, at least initially. In the US, T-Mobile plans to start with text messaging in July, and will then expand to data through certified apps like X or WhatsApp by October.
SpaceX has plans to begin launching its V3 satellites, which will provide ten times the capacity of the current satellites, in 2026. This means the direct-to-cell network should become faster and offer more bandwidth in the future, too.
Source:
Link
Tags: Kyivstar, Starlink, T-Mobile
July 7, 2025
Starlink Boosts In-Flight Wi-Fi Speeds for Airlines
Key Takeaways
1. Hawaiian and Qatar Airways lead in in-flight Wi-Fi speed using SpaceX’s Starlink service.
2. Many airlines struggle with in-flight Internet due to a lack of strong satellite networks.
3. Spirit Airlines follows closely, using Boeing’s Hughes satellite system for Wi-Fi.
4. Most airlines use Panasonic’s in-flight Wi-Fi, while Lufthansa relies on a ground network, affecting performance.
5. Starlink excels in upload speeds and latency, prompting more airlines to adopt it for improved service.
Airlines such as Hawaiian and Qatar Airways that have signed up for SpaceX’s Starlink Aviation service provide the quickest in-flight Wi-Fi, as recent speed tests have shown.
Current In-Flight Wi-Fi Situation
At present, many airlines, including those recognized for outstanding customer service or punctuality, struggle with their in-flight Internet offerings. This is largely because they have various Wi-Fi providers, lacking a strong low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network like that of SpaceX’s Starlink.
Top Performers in Wi-Fi Speed
The median download speeds for airline Internet highlight two clear frontrunners—Hawaiian and Qatar Airlines—both utilizing Starlink for their in-flight service. Following them is Spirit Airlines, which relies on Boeing’s Hughes, a company that manages over 70 satellites positioned in geostationary or medium Earth orbit.
Wi-Fi Services Utilized by Airlines
Most airlines listed utilize Panasonic’s in-flight Wi-Fi, which serves as an aggregator and provides decent performance. Lufthansa is an outlier due to many of its passengers relying on the surface-to-air LTE ground network from Deutsche Telekom, which significantly impacts its data performance.
Meanwhile, both Qatar and Hawaiian airlines do use other providers besides SpaceX. However, it is their Starlink Aviation subscription that boosts their median download speeds to the forefront of in-flight Internet rankings.
Uploads and Latency Performance
Uploads and ping rates are also critical when measuring in-flight Wi-Fi quality, and airlines equipped with Starlink excel in these areas. A recent study, however, indicated that airline Internet ranks low on passengers’ priority lists, which might have made some cautious about investing in improved in-flight Wi-Fi.
Nonetheless, more airlines are opting for Starlink, and SpaceX is making significant advancements with V3 satellites that are expected to launch in 2026, promising to increase capacity by tenfold. Thus, it might not be long before in-flight Internet experiences see a remarkable improvement compared to what they are now.
Source:
Link

Tags: Hawaiian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Starlink
July 5, 2025
T-Mobile Offers Starlink Satellite Internet for iPhone 13 and More
Key Takeaways
1. T-Mobile will launch its satellite communication service, T-Satellite, in partnership with Starlink on July 23, expanding access to older mobile phones.
2. The FCC approved a waiver allowing almost all mobile phones, regardless of age, to register for the T-Satellite service, enhancing emergency communication capabilities.
3. The waiver was justified as it supports the public interest by allowing consumers and first responders to access vital services in emergencies or remote areas.
4. Older phone models face challenges in obtaining necessary certifications for satellite messaging, as manufacturers are reluctant to invest time and resources for devices over four years old.
5. The FCC has encouraged manufacturers to certify older devices for the service while granting waivers to T-Mobile and SpaceX to facilitate satellite connectivity without additional licensing requirements.
T-Mobile is set to introduce its satellite communication service, T-Satellite, in partnership with Starlink on July 23. They’ve received approval for a waiver that allows users with older phones to register for the service.
Expanded Access for Users
Initially, T-Mobile Starlink’s beta service was limited to newer devices that were authorized within the last four years. Eligible models included iPhone 14 through iPhone 16, Samsung Galaxy S21, and Google Pixel 9 and later versions. Interestingly, even basic models like the Galaxy A14 were permitted, but older devices like the iPhone 13 were excluded.
Recently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given T-Mobile the go-ahead for its exemption request. This means that T-Satellite will now be available for almost all mobile phones, regardless of their age.
Justification for the Waiver
The FCC determined that there was a valid reason to approve the waiver request, agreeing with T-Mobile and SpaceX that strict adherence to the rules could hinder the Commission’s objective. This objective is to ensure that consumers and first responders can access vital services, like emergency alerts and limited texting, during emergencies or in remote locations without traditional service. T-Mobile and SpaceX pointed out that enforcing the rules would prevent subscribers and first responders from using SCS due to the failure of certain device manufacturers to seek waivers for their equipment. Granting access serves the public interest by enabling T-Mobile customers to communicate where they otherwise could not, despite the Commission’s efforts to authorize new services.
The rationale behind T-Mobile’s exemption request stemmed from the FCC’s rules requiring each phone to be certified for its Supplemental Coverage from Space (SCS) service, which includes Starlink satellite messaging and data.
Challenges for Older Devices
It’s worth noting that phone manufacturers have little motivation to tackle the extensive paperwork and testing for devices older than four years, just for T-Mobile to offer satellite messaging. This situation also applies to Verizon and AT&T phones, which can use T-Satellite for the same $10 per month fee.
Initially, the service will provide text and voice messaging, but starting October 1, it will also enable satellite Internet access for specific optimized Android and iOS applications, like chat, social media, or weather services.
The FCC acknowledges this issue and has granted the waiver for T-Mobile’s Starlink service, stating that neither the carrier nor users should be blamed for the necessary software updates from manufacturers.
Manufacturer Responsibilities
The FCC recognizes that T-Mobile and SpaceX are not primarily responsible for updating device certifications for the phones on their networks. They urge T-Mobile and SpaceX to remind their suppliers about the importance of getting handsets authorized after June 29, 2024, into compliance. They expect manufacturers to take the necessary actions, yet considering the limited number of consumer devices involved and users’ inability to update certifications independently, the benefits to the public are deemed to outweigh potential drawbacks in this case. Therefore, the waiver for sections 2.805(a), 25.125(c), and 25.125(d)(3) of the rules is granted. Additionally, the FCC has waived section 25.115(q)(1) to allow T-Mobile users to connect with SpaceX satellites without needing extra earth station licenses, aligning with the rule’s purpose.
The FCC continues to “encourage” manufacturers of older Galaxy and iPhone models to certify them for the SCS option, although the associated paperwork can now be submitted voluntarily.
Tags: iPhone 14, Starlink, T-Mobile
July 3, 2025
Starlink-Enabled Sea Drone Tested by Cartels with Two Dishes
Key Takeaways
1. A sea drone capable of carrying 1.5 tons of cocaine was seized by the Colombian Navy, marking its first use in Latin America.
2. These narco submarines are semi-submersible, with only air vents and antennas above water; smaller unmanned versions have been found in the Mediterranean.
3. The seized drone utilized a Starlink satellite communication system, featuring antennas and cameras for live video transmission.
4. Cartels may be testing the Starlink system, as the captured drone was empty and found near Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
5. The discovery signals an advancement in drug trafficking methods, with Starlink enhancing the logistical capabilities of cartels.
A sea drone, which can carry as much as 1.5 tons of cocaine, was seized by the Colombian Navy while navigating the Caribbean coast for the first time, utilizing Starlink for guidance.
Narco Subs and Their Design
These drones, referred to as narco submarines, are actually semi-submersible craft with only the air vents and communication antennas above the surface, while smaller unmanned versions have mainly been seized in the Mediterranean region.
Impressive Technology Used
The Colombian authorities were taken aback by the size of the first narco sea drone found in Latin America, as well as its use of a Starlink satellite communication system, which features two antennas and cameras capable of sending live video from the engine compartment or the drone’s environment.
Navy Admiral Juan Ricardo Rozo stated, “this shows an advancement in the logistical abilities of drug trafficking, which is trying to go beyond traditional methods through creativity and very adaptable techniques.”
Testing New Systems
It appears that the cartels might be conducting test operations to assess how well the Starlink guidance system works, since the drone was empty and was captured close to Colombia’s Caribbean coastline.
The Starlink Maritime plan for satellite internet access on open waters starts at just $250 each month, and the Performance dish equipment is currently reduced from $1,499 to $999. Although this is significantly more than the Starlink Mini kit, which is on sale for $314 at Amazon, the cartels likely don’t prioritize cost.
Capabilities in Coastal Waters
Additionally, the Mini dish remains functional in coastal regions within the Starlink roaming coverage area, offering speeds up to 100 mph.
Ultimately, the discovery of the first Starlink-guided narco sea drone, even though it was empty and just undergoing a test run, indicates that trafficking techniques are becoming more advanced, with Starlink being just another asset in this illegal trade.
Source:
Link

Tags: Colombian Navy, narco drone, Starlink
July 3, 2025
Starlink Satellites at Risk from Solar Activity Cycles
Key Takeaways
1. Starlink satellites may be affected by the Sun’s 11-year magnetic activity cycle, leading to potential communication disruptions.
2. Increased solar activity, including sunspots and solar flares, releases particles that can disrupt satellite operations.
3. Coronal mass ejections raise Earth’s upper atmosphere temperature, increasing air resistance and forcing satellites to adjust their orbits.
4. The number of Starlink satellite re-entries has significantly increased, with 316 recorded in 2024 compared to only a couple in 2019.
5. Research aims to improve satellite durability and reduce re-entries, as falling debris poses risks to people and property.
When you look up at the night sky, you can notice many satellites moving in their own paths. Occasionally, you’ll spot a string of Starlink satellites, which looks like a long white line gliding through the darkness. A recent study suggests that these orbiting objects may be influenced by the Sun’s cycles, which could lead to serious issues.
NASA’s Findings
NASA researchers explained this occurrence in the journal Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences. Over the last five years, the Sun has been slowly reaching its maximum magnetic activity. This coincides with the increasing number of Starlink satellites being launched into orbit.
It’s crucial to recognize that the Sun goes through cycles that typically last around 11 years. During these cycles, its magnetic poles flip. When the Sun becomes more active, many sunspots and solar flares can be seen on its surface. These events release significant amounts of particles and energy that have the potential to disrupt communication with satellites.
Impact on Earth’s Atmosphere
Moreover, there’s another aspect to think about, which relates to the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Coronal mass ejections raise the temperature in this region, leading to increased air resistance for satellites. This forces them to constantly adjust their paths to prevent falling out of orbit. A study analyzing 583 Starlink satellites during their re-entries from 2020 to 2024 highlights that this heightened activity speeds up the descent of these satellites.
Starlink started launching its fleet of satellites in 2019. In the first year, there were only a couple of re-entries, with just two in 2020. However, the numbers grew significantly, reaching 78 re-entries in 2021, 99 in 2022, and 88 in 2023. By 2024, there were 316 recorded re-entries, marking the entire solar cycle 24.
Future Implications
This research aims to enhance the durability of these satellites and reduce their re-entries into the atmosphere. This is especially vital since they can pose risks to people; for instance, in 2024, a piece of debris from a Starlink satellite landed on a farm in Canada.
Source:
Link
Tags: Satellites, solar activity, Starlink
July 1, 2025
Starlink Launches $15/month Residential Lite Internet for NY Users
Key Takeaways
1. Starlink has introduced a $15/month Residential Lite plan for eligible low-income residents in New York, complying with the New York Affordable Broadband Act.
2. The standard Starlink Residential plan costs $120/month, offering unlimited data and speeds up to 400 Mbps, while the Lite plan provides deprioritized data at speeds as low as 40 Mbps.
3. Low-income residents can access the Residential Lite plan with speeds of 25 Mbps for just $15/month, but must meet eligibility requirements.
4. To sign up, low-income households must register with matching address documents on the Starlink support website, using the “New York Affordable Broadband Act” as the ticket subject.
5. Starlink initially tried to avoid compliance with the law but has committed to providing affordable internet options for eligible residents recognizing potential growth in the state.
The recently introduced Starlink Residential Lite plan from SpaceX is now available at a significantly reduced price for some residents of New York state, being five times less than the usual cost.
New Pricing for Eligible Residents
To adhere to the New York Affordable Broadband Act, which was implemented recently, Starlink has rolled out a new $15/month Residential Lite plan for qualifying individuals in the state. In comparison, the standard Residential plan from Starlink is priced at $120/month and offers unlimited data with speeds reaching up to 400 Mbps, depending on the coverage area provided by the SpaceX satellite network. The $80 Residential Lite plan, however, offers deprioritized data with speeds as low as 40 Mbps.
Affordable Options for Low-Income Subscribers
For low-income residents in New York who are okay with even slower speeds, the Residential Lite plan now allows them to access 25 Mbps for only $15/month. It’s important to emphasize that this $15/month Starlink price is exclusively available to those residents who meet the eligibility requirements set by the New York Affordable Broadband Act.
Signing Up for the Service
Starlink requires low-income households interested in the Residential Lite plan to register using an address that matches their supporting documents. They must submit these documents for approval by creating a ticket on the www.support.starlink.com website with “New York Affordable Broadband Act” as the ticket subject line.
Sadly, this also means that low-income New Yorkers relying on Medicaid or SNAP must purchase their own $350 Starlink Standard Kit, which is currently discounted on Amazon, as this is the only method to sign up for the Residential Plan service.
Company Compliance and Growth
Starlink attempted to evade the requirements of the New York Affordable Broadband Act by arguing that its subscriber numbers in the state were below the thresholds specified in the law. However, recognizing its potential for significant growth, Starlink has committed to providing at least 25 Mbps Internet speed for $15/month to eligible low-income residents in New York.
Source:
Link
Tags: New York Affordable Broadband Act, Residential Lite plan, Starlink
July 1, 2025
Starlink Imposes $1000 Surcharge for Sign-Up in 3 US States
Key Takeaways
1. Starlink has increased the demand surcharge for new Residential customers in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho to $1000 in major cities like Seattle and Portland.
2. This surcharge has risen three times in 30 days, starting from $100 over a year ago, and is now combined with the Standard Kit price for a total upfront cost of $1,349.
3. The surcharge is specific to congested areas and does not apply in less competitive regions, where the Standard Kit may still be available for $349 or even for free with a 12-month commitment.
4. Residents in crowded areas may want to wait for SpaceX to improve network capacity before signing up for Starlink to avoid high costs.
5. For immediate access, customers can choose the Roam plan with the Standard dish, but they will experience reduced data speeds during peak times.
If you’re a resident of Washington, Oregon, or Idaho and considering getting Starlink service, you might want to think about postponing your signup. Starlink has stealthily increased the “demand surcharge,” which is a one-time cost for new Residential customers in heavily populated regions, to a staggering $1000.
New Pricing for Major Cities
Residents in Seattle, Redmond, Portland, and Sandpoint are now encountering this new $1000 fee when they attempt to enroll in the Residential plan, as reported by PCMag. This marks the third significant increase in the surcharge within just 30 days, starting from when the fee was first set at $100 over a year ago. In early June, it rose from $250 to $500, and then a few weeks later, it increased again to $750 for new sign-ups. However, it seems this was not enough to discourage new customers, prompting SpaceX to add yet another $250 last week, resulting in the total reaching an incredible $1000. Alongside the Standard Kit’s price of $349, newcomers are now looking at an upfront cost of $1,349 just to access the service.
Surcharge Specifics and Market Insights
SpaceX clarifies that the demand surcharge is only for those who are purchasing or activating a new Residential service plan in these congested zones. Washington stands out as one of the most crowded markets for Starlink, with Seattle showing some of the lowest average download speeds, which range from 54Mbps to 223Mbps. The silver lining is that this high surcharge is confined to certain areas in the Northwest. In other parts of Washington, where Starlink appears to have less competition, new customers only have to pay the standard $349 for the dish. Moreover, in some regions of Oregon and Idaho, SpaceX is still offering the Standard Kit for free if you agree to a 12-month commitment to the Residential plan.
Waiting It Out or Alternative Options
If you’re living in one of these congested areas, it might be wise to hold off until SpaceX can enhance its network capacity and eliminate the surcharge. However, if you need Starlink right away, you still have the option to purchase the Standard dish and activate the Roam plan instead. Just keep in mind that Roam users experience deprioritized data, meaning download speeds, especially during peak times, won’t be as fast as what you would expect from the Residential tier.
Source:
Link
Tags: demand surcharge, SpaceX, Starlink
June 25, 2025
T-Mobile Announces Starlink Data Service Launch for X and WhatsApp
Key Takeaways
1. T-Mobile will launch its Starlink satellite voice and text messaging service on July 23, with Starlink Internet available in October.
2. The T-Satellite feature requires no special gear and is compatible with T-Mobile and select devices from other carriers, including Verizon and AT&T.
3. Initially, users can send texts, image messages, and short audio clips from areas lacking cellular service.
4. Starting October 1, T-Mobile Starlink subscribers will have access to optimized apps for iOS and Android, including popular messaging and social media platforms.
5. The service will cost $10 per month, with a free trial available in beta; T-Mobile will offer it for free to customers on the Experience Beyond unlimited 5G data plan.
T-Mobile is set to launch its Starlink satellite voice and text messaging service on July 23, with Starlink Internet rolling out in October.
T-Satellite Details
This new T-Satellite feature doesn’t need any special gear and is available for T-Mobile phone models from 2021 onwards, like the iPhone 15 Pro Max. It’s also compatible with devices from other carriers, including Verizon and AT&T.
Initially, the T-Satellite with Starlink will allow users to send texts and image messages. Additionally, customers can send short audio clips from over 500,000 square miles that currently lack Verizon, T-Mobile, or AT&T cellular service.
Availability of Apps
Beginning October 1, subscribers to T-Mobile Starlink will have access to optimized apps for iOS and Android. These apps will function even in areas without cell phone towers and will include popular messaging and social media platforms like WhatsApp and X.
To provide the best user experience for satellite connectivity, T-Mobile is collaborating with a select group of widely-used app providers in areas most important for those traveling to remote locations. We expect to see satellite-enabled applications from AccuWeather, AllTrails, Apple, Google, WhatsApp, and X, among others, in the near future.
Pricing and Free Trials
On July 23, the T-Mobile Starlink data and messaging service for remote areas will be priced at $10 per month, even for users on Verizon and AT&T. The Starlink satellite connectivity is currently in a beta trial, allowing anyone to test it without any cost, with over 1.8 million users already participating.
T-Mobile will continue to offer Starlink for free to customers on the Experience Beyond unlimited 5G data plan, while they also work on making it available for phones older than four years.
Source:
Link
Tags: iPhone 15 Pro Max, Starlink, T-Mobile
June 23, 2025
Starlink Increases Congestion Fee to $750 in Select States
Key Takeaways
1. New demand surcharge for Starlink in the U.S. can be up to $750 based on location.
2. The fee is implemented in regions with high dish installations to prevent slow download speeds.
3. The surcharge has increased from $100 to $250, and now to $750 in areas like Washington and Oregon.
4. Total cost for a Starlink Residential connection is now at its highest, reaching $1,100 ($750 surcharge + $350 dish).
5. SpaceX plans to launch Starship 3 in 2026 to improve download speeds, while the congestion fee helps manage current demand.
Those interested in signing up for Starlink satellite Internet in the United States should get ready to shell out up to $750 in a “demand surcharge,” which varies based on their location.
New Congestion Fee Explained
This fee is new and applies in specific regions where an overload of dish installations could harm download speeds for all users. The surcharge reflects the company’s effort to manage network demand effectively.
In major cities like Seattle, Redmond, and Spokane in Washington, as well as around Portland in Oregon, new Starlink dish purchasers are facing this $750 demand surcharge for their initial connection. This is part of an effort to ensure that the service remains reliable despite high demand.
Historical Context of the Surcharge
Last year, Starlink rolled out this demand surcharge for areas with high traffic. Initially, the fee was just $100 for each new connection. It later increased to $250, making the standard Starlink kit more costly than the roaming version for a period before SpaceX reduced the price of the Mini dish.
Recently, after celebrating its six millionth customer, Starlink raised the surcharge to $450 and now to an astonishing $750 in certain parts of Washington and Oregon. This move aims to alleviate the overwhelming pressure on the network in crowded locations, thus preventing the need to throttle service for all users.
Current Pricing and Future Plans
“Because of high demand in your area, there is an extra one-time fee to access Starlink services,” states SpaceX. With the $750 surcharge added to the $350 cost for a dish, the total price for a Starlink Residential connection is now at its all-time high in the US.
While SpaceX is gearing up to launch the Starship 3 rocket, which will deploy the advanced Starlink V3 satellites to enhance download speeds by ten times in 2026, the congestion fee remains a practical approach to manage high demand until then.
Source:
Link
Tags: demand surcharge, SpaceX, Starlink