Does Starlink work anywhere? Many users are wondering if Elon Musk’s product has service and WiFi anywhere. We’ll explain it here!
Before you sign up for Starlink Internet service, you need to check if it is available in your area.
Fortunately, it is a very easy process. See the Starlink coverage map for areas available for full orders or pre-orders.
Is Starlink available anywhere? Let us find out!
Currently, Starlink is available in most states in the US. However, the exact time you can start receiving the service depends on several factors. You can get it immediately if your location has availability. If you’re on the waitlist, wait for the expansion of the satellite constellation in your area.
Starlink is rapidly expanding its satellite constellation. There is typically a satellite launch every week.
Let us talk more about the Internet service and its availability.
Can You Use Starlink Anywhere
Yes! You’ll be able to get service literally anywhere on the planet – except in areas very close to the North and South poles.
After years of development, Starlink has over 2000 satellites delivered into orbit.
It now offers service in 32 countries, including Ukraine. But, you have to check if it’s available in your area first.
What You Need to Know About Starlink
Starlink is a 6-year old division within SpaceX that provides high-speed, low-latency broadband Internet across the world.
Starlink has a few components, including the satellite constellation, ground-based hardware, and subscription.
Let us get into more details to help you decide whether to avail of the service or not.
1. Starlink Coverage Area
Starlink is currently available in select parts of the US, Canada, UK, and other areas sitting between 45 and 53 degrees North.
The coverage will grow as more satellites are added to the constellation.
2. Service Availability
The coverage map shows service availability across most of North America and Europe, as well as Australia, South America, and New Zealand.
The rest of the world is expected to enjoy the satellite Internet service in 2023.
3. Portability
A new service tier, called RV, is designed for portability. It does not require it to be available at your home address, so you can use it just about anywhere as long there’s a Starlink signal.
4. Signal Reliability
Since Starlink beams Internet data via radio signals through the vacuum of space, it is able to deliver high-speed satellite Internet to remote areas.
Now that you know everything about Starlink, below is a comprehensive guide to how the satellite Internet works.
Does Starlink Work Anywhere
In the US, Starlink works anywhere except for a select number of locations.
Although, they are expanding their service as they launch more satellites and should be able to cover 100% of the US soon.
The one thing you need to look out for with Starlink is their service availability. Yes, their signal can get just about anywhere, but they might not be able to accommodate new customers right away.
For some places, you’re going to need to get on a waitlist until they open up their subscriptions.
How to Check Starlink Availability in My Area
As you know, Starlink works just about anywhere in the US. However, it doesn’t mean that it’s available whenever you want to use the service.
Starlink has got you covered, though, since you can check their availability in your area.
Starlink has a coverage map of its service area. You can check it out as it’s on their website. If we look at the US, they have pretty much covered every square inch of the country.
The only thing you need to look out for is their capacity. Unfortunately, Starlink is unable to accommodate everyone who wants to avail of their service.
Here’s how to check if Starlink is available in your area:
- Go to the Starlink website.
- Enter the address you want to check, then click Search.
- Check if the service is available or if you need to go on a waitlist.
- Click the Order Now button to proceed.
Note: There are only a few areas in the US that don’t have the service available at all.
How to Order Starlink
At this point, you’ll know if your location has available slots for you or if you need to be on the waitlist.
In either case, you’ll need to continue your order to lock in your slot.
Starlink’s service really depends on its satellite constellation.
The more satellites they send up, the more customers they can accommodate and provide high-speed internet services.
Whether you’re part of the lucky few that live in an area that can get service right away or someone who needs to register on the waitlist, you’re going to need to register.
Everything is on their website, making the sign-up process easier.
Here’s how to order your Starlink service:
- Check Starlink’s availability in your area from the steps above.
- If you need to get on a waitlist, pay the $99 deposit to get on the list.
- If not, fill in the form and pay $599 for the equipment.
- Wait for the equipment to arrive.
- Set it up and start using Starlink.
Note: The $99 deposit will be deducted from your total bill when you’re eligible to get your equipment.
Using My Starlink at a Different Location
There are a few types of Starlink services you can get. There are regular account types that are for homes and businesses without access to wired internet.
Then, there’s a different one that’s built for portability and allows you to move your service around.
Looking back at the Starlink coverage map, you’ll notice that most of the US has satellite coverage.
This means that you can use Starlink as long as you’re within those areas, even if they’re marked as expanding. It’s certainly possible to use your Starlink at a different location.
Here’s how to move your Starlink:
- Open the Starlink app on your phone.
- Tap on Support at the bottom of your screen.
- Select Stow.
- Tap on the Stow button.
Note: Moving your Starlink satellite without stowing can cause it not to get any service when you power it on again.
What is Starlink RV and How Portable Is It
If you want to move your Starlink dish and account to a different location, you need to get a different account type.
It’s called Starlink RV, and it allows you to move your service to any location on the same continent.
It’s an excellent service for those who like to travel around the US on their van or RV.
Starlink’s residential service doesn’t really allow you to move your dish and account away from your saved address.
Starlink RV changes all that as long as you put your dish into Stow Mode whenever you’re traveling.
Here’s what you should know about Starlink RV:
- Low-latency connection perfect for gaming in remote areas.
- Pause service at any time.
- Starlink RV equipment is easy to set up.
- There’s an additional cost of $25 per month for mobility.
Note: At this time, Starlink does not support using their service while you’re moving as it’s still prone to connectivity issues.
Starlink on a Boat
Since Starlink is a satellite internet service, they definitely support using it on a boat.
Whether you’re on a small sailboat or a superyacht, their service gives you access to high-speed internet while you’re on the water.
They do use a different system here with more rugged dishes that can withstand a lot of motion associated with maritime vessels.
Coverage is a bit limited at this time and mostly focused on coastal waters.
However, plans are in the works to expand it so you can get coverage even when you’re in the middle of the ocean.
Here’s what you need to know about Starlink Maritime:
- For merchant’s vessels, oil rigs, and yachts.
- High-latency internet with speeds up to 350 Mbps.
- Can withstand cold, heat, wind, and rain.
- Works best near the coast.
Note: Hardware for Starlink Maritime can cost up to $10,000, with service at around $5,000 per month.
Now you know if you can use Starlink anywhere in the US or around the world. Starlink’s internet service should be available if you’re in the US and most of Europe.
You can contact Starlink’s customer support if you want to know more about their coverage area and mobility options.
Read Next: Does Starlink Support IPv6?
Bottom Line
Does Starlink work anywhere? For the most part, yes! If you’re in North America and Europe, you’re most likely in a location that has internet coverage.
It’s really just a matter of availability since they don’t have the capacity just yet. However, as they launch more satellites, they’ll surely start opening up slots.
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.