Starlink
LEO AvailableHigh-speed, low-latency broadband from LEO
Max Speed
400 Mbps
Latency
20–60ms
From
$50/mo
Satellites
10,139/19,400
About Starlink
"Make high-speed internet available everywhere on Earth, generating revenue to fund SpaceX's multiplanetary ambitions."
SpaceX announced Starlink in 2015 as a plan to deploy thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit, with revenue intended to fund the company's Mars colonization ambitions. After launching two test satellites (Tintin A and B) in February 2018, the first batch of 60 operational satellites launched in May 2019 - marking the start of the world's largest satellite constellation.
The public beta, cheekily dubbed "Better Than Nothing Beta," opened in October 2020 and expanded rapidly. Starlink crossed 100,000 subscribers in 2021, 2 million in 2023, and 10 million by February 2026, with service spanning 115+ countries across six continents. The constellation grew past 10,000 active satellites by early 2026.
Second-generation V2 Mini satellites are launching aboard Falcon 9, with full-size V3 satellites planned for Starship. The T-Mobile direct-to-cell partnership (branded T-Satellite) went commercially live in July 2025 with text and picture messaging, with voice and data to follow. Over 650 direct-to-cell satellites are in orbit.
Specifications
- Download Speed
- 100–400 Mbps
- Upload Speed
- 10–40 Mbps
- Latency
- 20–60ms
- Data Cap
- Unlimited (plan-dependent)
- Orbit Type
- LEO
- Constellation
- 10,139 in orbit / 19,400 planned
- Parent Company
- SpaceX
- Subscribers
- 10M+ (as of Feb 2026)
For context: Netflix 4K needs ~25 Mbps, video calls need ~5 Mbps. Latency under 100ms is good for gaming; under 300ms works for video calls. GEO satellites (600ms+) have noticeable delay on interactive tasks.
Hardware & Installation
- Equipment Cost
- $349
- Note
- One-time cost for standard dish ($349); Starlink Mini $249
- Dish Type
- Phased-array flat antenna
- Installation Required
- Self-install
- Portable
- Yes
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Price | Download | Upload | Data Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential 100 Mbps | $50/mo | 100 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Residential 200 Mbps | $80/mo | 200 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Residential MAX | $120/mo | 400 Mbps | 20 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Roam | $165/mo | 260 Mbps | 10 Mbps | Unlimited |
| Business | $250/mo | 220 Mbps | 25 Mbps | Unlimited |
Timeline
-
SpaceX announces satellite internet constellation plans
-
Tintin A & B test satellites launched
-
First 60 operational Starlink satellites launched
-
Public beta "Better Than Nothing Beta" begins
-
Surpasses 100,000 subscribers
-
Service available in 40+ countries
-
Surpasses 2 million subscribers
-
4.6 million subscribers, service in 75+ countries
-
T-Mobile direct-to-cell (T-Satellite) goes commercially live
-
10 million subscribers across 160+ countries
Customer Sentiment
10,000+ reviews
Starlink reviews are polarized. Satisfied rural customers praise life-changing internet access where none existed before. Common complaints include speed variability during peak hours, price increases, and customer support responsiveness. Performance varies significantly by location and local congestion.
Sentiment verified 2026-03-24. Reviews change - check the platform for latest.
Availability
Starlink operates in 150+ countries globally. We feature 25 countries below with detailed local data.
Available in 150+ countries across 6 continents. ~10,139 satellites in orbit. Direct-to-cell service with T-Mobile commercially live since July 2025. Deutsche Telekom partnership covers 10 EU countries (140M subscribers), service targeting 2028.
🇺🇸 United States
From $50/mo (100 Mbps) to $120/mo (MAX)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
From £35/mo (100 Mbps) to £75/mo (Max)
🇦🇺 Australia
From A$69/mo (100 Mbps) to A$139/mo (Max)
🇩🇪 Germany
From €29/mo (Lite) to €50/mo residential
🇨🇦 Canada
CA$140/mo residential
🇧🇷 Brazil
R$250/mo residential
🇳🇿 New Zealand
NZ$159/mo residential
🇯🇵 Japan
¥6,600/mo residential
🇫🇷 France
From €29/mo (Lite) to €40/mo residential
🇳🇬 Nigeria
₦38,000/mo residential
🇮🇩 Indonesia
Rp750,000/mo residential
🇲🇽 Mexico
MX$1,100/mo residential
🇵🇭 Philippines
₱2,700/mo residential
🇹🇷 Turkey
Pricing via local partner
🇹🇭 Thailand
Pricing via local partner
🇮🇹 Italy
€50/mo residential
🇿🇦 South Africa
R750/mo residential
🇰🇷 South Korea
Pricing via local partner
🇨🇴 Colombia
Pricing via local partner
🇮🇳 India
Rs 8,600/mo residential; hardware Rs 34,000; licensed until July 2030
VN
Licensed Feb 2026; up to 600,000 terminals approved
🇵🇰 Pakistan
Not yet licensed
🇪🇬 Egypt
Not yet licensed
🇵🇱 Poland
€50/mo residential
🇪🇸 Spain
€50/mo residential
🇨🇭 Switzerland
CHF 65/mo residential
AE
UAE regulatory approval March 2026
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- + Lowest latency of any satellite provider (median 25-50ms)
- + No data caps on residential plans
- + Self-install portable dish - no technician needed
- + Largest constellation: 10,000+ active satellites
- + Available in 150+ countries
Limitations
- - Speeds vary by local congestion (100-400 Mbps typical)
- - Upfront equipment cost ($349 standard, $249 Mini)
- - Requires clear sky view - trees and obstructions degrade signal
- - Performance degrades during peak evening hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Starlink satellite internet?
How much does Starlink cost per month?
What latency does Starlink have?
Is Starlink available in my country?
Does Starlink require professional installation?
Sources & Methodology
All data on this page is sourced from official company announcements, regulatory filings, and independent speed-test databases. Speeds shown are advertised ranges - actual performance varies by location, time of day, and network congestion. We do not fabricate specifications: where data is unavailable, we show "TBD."
- [1] Starlink official website - accessed 2026-03-24
- [2] FCC Space Bureau - Starlink Gen2 authorization filings - accessed 2026-03-24
- [3] Ookla Speedtest Intelligence - Starlink Q4 2025 median speeds - accessed 2026-03-24
- [4] SpaceX Starlink mission updates and launch manifests - accessed 2026-03-24
- [5] Jonathan McDowell's satellite tracking database - accessed 2026-03-24