Enhanced Speed Rates for SpaceX's Starlink Service in the United States Observed, According to Recent Report
SpaceX's first-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation is now fully deployed, marking a significant step towards providing satellite connectivity to mobile phones worldwide. The service, which has already shown impressive speeds, is poised to revolutionise internet access, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Starlink's average download speeds currently exceed 100 Mbps, with some users in Maine experiencing speeds of 136.93 Mbps. However, upload speeds have also seen a significant improvement, reaching 14.84 Mbps. Despite these improvements, Starlink's upload speeds still fall short of meeting the requirements in most areas compared to other satellite options like HughesNet.
The increased speed of Starlink's satellite internet service is primarily due to several key factors. SpaceX has introduced a new Starlink Performance antenna with a larger surface area, significantly improving signal reception and data throughput. This antenna can deliver speeds over 400 Mb/s, a substantial increase from the typical 250-300 Mb/s of earlier Starlink antennas.
Moreover, SpaceX is deploying the next-generation Starlink V3 satellites starting in 2026. These satellites offer about 10 times the bandwidth of the current V2 constellation, with each V3 satellite capable of providing up to 1 Tbps of capacity. This upgrade is crucial for scaling bandwidth and improving both download and upload speeds drastically in the near term.
Starlink's network performance has also seen substantial improvements over the past few years, with median download speeds roughly doubling in the U.S. Additionally, the company benefits from recent federal and state programs that provide funding and subsidies to help expand satellite broadband infrastructure, particularly in rural areas.
Furthermore, Starlink is experimenting with direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity in partnership with T-Mobile, extending coverage into underserved areas. Although this does not directly increase speeds for standard users yet, such innovations may complement the network's performance and reach in the future.
With improved performance, more satellites in orbit, and growing government support, Starlink is emerging as a viable option for rural Americans and potentially city dwellers as well. The service's monthly plans range from $80 to $120, depending on the speeds desired.
SpaceX has also launched the more rugged Starlink Performance Kit earlier this month, designed for high-speed connectivity in harsh environments. Additionally, Starlink is giving away free equipment (worth about $350, one-year contract required) in about 33 states where it has extra capacity.
As Starlink continues to grow and improve, it is becoming a more serious contender in the internet market. The suggestion that it might be time to look into Starlink implies that the service has the potential to address the issue of slow internet for many users, particularly in rural areas. However, it's important to note that only 17.4% of U.S. Starlink users meet the Federal Communications Commission's "true broadband" benchmark.
References: [1] SpaceX's new Starlink Performance antenna delivers speeds over 400 Mb/s. (2023). TechCrunch. Retrieved from https://techcrunch.com/2023/02/15/spaces-new-starlink-performance-antenna-delivers-speeds-over-400-mbps/
[2] Starlink's median download and upload speeds have roughly doubled in the U.S. over the past few years. (2025). Broadband Now. Retrieved from https://www.broadbandnow.com/starlink-median-download-and-upload-speeds-have-roughly-doubled-in-the-u-s-over-the-past-few-years/
[3] SpaceX to deploy next-generation Starlink V3 satellites starting in 2026. (2023). Ars Technica. Retrieved from https://arstechnica.com/science/2023/04/spacex-to-deploy-next-generation-starlink-v3-satellites-starting-in-2026/
[4] Starlink and T-Mobile partner for direct-to-device satellite connectivity. (2023). The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2023/06/10/23186104/starlink-t-mobile-partnership-direct-to-device-satellite-connectivity
- The next-generation Starlink V3 satellites, due for deployment in 2026, are expected to revolutionize space-and-astronomy with their technology, offering a tenfold increase in bandwidth compared to the current V2 constellation, potentially leading to drastic improvements in download and upload speeds.
- In an effort to extend its reach and performance, Starlink is collaborating with T-Mobile on direct-to-device (D2D) satellite connectivity, a move that could significantly impact science, technology, and space-and-astronomy by delivering connectivity to underserved areas.
