SpaceX is now taking preorders for those who are interested in Starlink internet service. Depending on your address, you might get a message from the company saying that SpaceX is “targeting coverage in your area in mid to late 2021,” with other areas getting a message saying 2022.
A message on the Starlink website says “Starlink is available to a limited number of users per coverage area at this time. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis.” The website update went live on February 8 and allows customers to put down a deposit of $100 to get the service when it launches.
The deposit will be put toward the cost of a Starlink Starter Kit, which costs $499. The kit includes everything you need to get setup, including your Starlink, Wi-Fi router, power supply, cables and mounting tripod. The Starlink app will show you were to install your equipment for the best performance, as the service “requires a clear view of the sky to connect.” Internet service costs $99/month.
What will you get with Starlink service? The company is still beta testing its high speed, low latency broadband internet. During beta testing, users will see data speeds ranging from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s and latency from 20ms to 40ms in most locations. Starlink warns that “there will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all” but says performance can be expected to “improve dramatically” as more satellites are launched and more testing is done.
Starlink recently noted in an FCC filing that it now has over 10,000 users with plans to continue deploying more satellites monthly, creating a standalone voice service that has been successfully tested, and providing emergency services including 911.