AllYouCanTech

Starlink Unveils $100 “Congestion Fee” for New Subscribers in Specific U.S. Areas

# Starlink Unveils $100 Congestion Fee for New Customers in High-Demand Zones

Starlink, the satellite internet provider under SpaceX, has rolled out a new $100 “congestion fee” for customers situated in areas where the network faces heightened demand and restricted capacity. This charge, applicable to new customers acquiring or activating a service plan, aims to manage network congestion and enhance user experience in these densely populated locales.

## Rationale Behind the Congestion Fee

As Starlink’s popularity surges, particularly in rural and underprivileged regions, the network has encountered difficulties in sustaining stable speeds and service quality. The congestion fee is a one-off charge imposed on customers in locales where the satellite network cannot meet demand. Per Starlink’s FAQ, this fee will only be collected in congested areas and will not affect existing customers unless they modify their service address or plan.

The fee is intended to dissuade new sign-ups in already saturated areas, possibly easing some pressure on the network. Starlink has also indicated that this charge is temporary and will be lifted once network capacity improves in the targeted areas.

### Refund Procedure

For customers unhappy with the service, Starlink provides a 30-day return policy. Should a customer opt to return the service within this timeframe, the $100 congestion fee will be reimbursed. This policy offers reassurance for those cautious about enrolling in congested areas yet eager to experience the service.

## Regional Discounts for Areas with Sufficient Capacity

Though the congestion fee may be disappointing for some, there’s positive news for customers in regions where Starlink has ample capacity. Starlink has launched “regional discounts” in select parts of the U.S. and Canada where network availability is plentiful. In these locations, customers may receive a $100 service credit, with some areas in Canada offering up to $200.

Moreover, customers in over-capacity regions of the U.S. can enjoy a reduced monthly service fee of $90, compared to the $120 monthly fee in congested zones. This pricing model underscores Starlink’s efforts to balance network load and provide more economical options where capacity is permitted.

## Starlink Speeds and Network Efficiency

The introduction of the congestion fee comes as Starlink wrestles with inconsistent network performance. As user sign-ups have increased, particularly in densely populated regions, speeds have declined. In 2022, speed test data indicated that median U.S. download speeds for Starlink plummeted by nearly 30 Mbps in the second quarter. This performance decline was among the reasons cited by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) when it denied Starlink $886 million in broadband deployment grants, labeling the proposal as overly risky.

The congestion fee is not the first instance of Starlink adjusting its pricing based on regional network capabilities. In February 2023, the company implemented a pricing structure where customers in low-capacity areas were charged $120 monthly, whereas those in high-capacity areas paid $90 monthly. The new $100 congestion fee is part of an ongoing effort to manage network load and optimize service quality for all users.

## Is This a Suitable Time to Enroll in Starlink?

Even with the introduction of the congestion fee, now may still be an opportune time to register for Starlink, especially for customers in regions with ample network capacity. The company is currently providing a substantial discount on its standard satellite dish, lowering the price from $499 to $299. Coupled with the regional savings credit and the decreased monthly service rate in high-capacity areas, this may present an appealing option for those seeking to transition to satellite broadband.

For customers in congested zones, however, the choice might be more complex. Although the $100 congestion fee is a one-time charge, the possibility of slower speeds due to network congestion could pose a concern. Nevertheless, the 30-day return policy offers some flexibility for those wishing to try the service without long-term commitment.

## Final Thoughts

Starlink’s new $100 congestion fee reflects the soaring demand for satellite internet and the hurdles of managing a rapidly growing network. While the fee may discourage some potential customers in crowded areas, it could also enhance service quality by alleviating network pressure. Simultaneously, customers in regions with more available capacity can take advantage of regional discounts and lower monthly rates, making Starlink an attractive option for those in search of dependable broadband.

As Starlink continues to expand its satellite network and enhance its infrastructure, the company is focused on addressing these capacity challenges and delivering faster, more reliable service to users around the globe. For now, prospective customers should assess their location and the possible implications of network congestion before committing to the service.

“Frostpunk 2 Grows with Wider Horizons and Enhanced Political Nuance While Keeping Its Harsh, Intense Challenge”

# **Frostpunk 2: A Gripping Sequel with Enhanced Strategy and Survival Elements**

**Frostpunk 2**, the eagerly awaited continuation of the original *Frostpunk* (2018), is now available, featuring an array of new elements, obstacles, and deeper strategic gameplay. Crafted by 11 Bit Studios, the game builds upon the survival city-building mechanics established in its predecessor while introducing additional layers of political dynamics, resource administration, and ethical quandaries. If you thought braving the cold was challenging in the first installment, *Frostpunk 2* demands not only endurance against nature but also navigation through the intricate societal and political turmoil of a world on the verge of disaster.

## **A Change in Emphasis: From Structures to Districts**

One significant alteration in *Frostpunk 2* is the way you oversee your city. In the previous game, you were tasked with placing individual structures and routes, carefully arranging the layout of your frigid community. In *Frostpunk 2*, the attention shifts from the fine-tuning of single units to the strategic planning and enhancement of whole districts. This shift in focus empowers you to contemplate more strategically about the enduring expansion of your city, as opposed to becoming ensnared in the details of where to position a single medical facility or coal extraction site.

The visual style remains consistent with the first game, with your city still emanating from a central generator. However, rather than positioning buildings on a grid, you now deploy expansive hexagonal districts that seamlessly connect to each other within your city. This not only streamlines the construction process but also imparts a more natural, sprawling appearance as your city develops. The core challenge persists: ensuring your residents remain warm, nourished, and alive in a world intent on freezing them out.

## **Factions and Governance: An Added Layer of Intricacy**

While the original *Frostpunk* had you making choices that influenced the spirits and sustainability of your populace, *Frostpunk 2* brings forth a more intricate political framework. You are no longer solely overseeing a group of survivors; you are managing factions, each possessing unique beliefs, objectives, and demands. These factions are not mere bystanders—they play active roles in your city’s leadership, and you will need to navigate their diverse interests to retain control.

The game introduces two main factions at the outset: the Progress-driven New Londoners and the Adaptation-oriented Frostlanders. As you advance, additional factions emerge, including the Order-centric Stalwarts and the Faithkeepers, alongside their opposing ideologies, the Pilgrims and Evolvers. Each faction holds its own “Cornerstones” (fundamental principles), and you must engage with them to enact laws, gather resources, and sustain order.

At the core of this political structure lies the Council Hall, where you must garner votes from the 100 council members, distributed across the factions. Most decisions necessitate a simple majority of 51 votes, but more substantial shifts—like those impacting your resources—require 66 votes. If a faction is wavering, you can offer future incentives, such as research initiatives or policy revisions. However, failing to fulfill these promises may lead to enduring repercussions, as factions will remember your betrayals and act against you in subsequent scenarios.

## **A Realm Beyond Survival: What Kind of Community Will You Forge?**

In *Frostpunk 2*, survival is no longer the singular goal. The narrative unfolds 30 years after the original’s events, and although the world remains icy and unforgiving, there is a prospect of hope for more. The query evolves beyond merely surviving the cold; now it centers on the kind of community you aspire to build once you possess sufficient resources to progress beyond survival.

Do you wish to establish a community founded on order and discipline, or one that cherishes faith and fellowship? Will you emphasize technological advancement, or will you concentrate on adapting to the severe conditions? These are the types of inquiries *Frostpunk 2* prompts you to ponder, and

“Customer Discontent Increases as ISP’s Smart TVs Refuse to Turn On”

### Sky Glass and Stream Devices Hit by Major Outage: Faulty Update Suspected

Numerous Sky Glass TV and Stream puck users in the UK were left exasperated when their devices failed to power on Thursday. The problem, affecting subscribers to Sky’s streaming services, remains largely unexplained by the company, although a malfunctioning software update is widely thought to be the culprit.

Sky, a subsidiary of Comcast, ventured into the streaming hardware space in 2021 with its own Glass TVs and Stream pucks. These devices enable users to access Sky’s TV channels online, removing the necessity for a satellite dish. Nonetheless, the recent disruption has caused many customers to doubt the dependability of the hardware and the company’s capability to oversee such technology.

### The Incident: Devices Not Powering On

As of Thursday, several Sky Glass and Stream users reported their devices not activating, resulting in blank screens. Reports indicated the problem persisted for several hours, with some users unable to utilize their devices for almost 11 hours. The issue appeared to peak around 3:10 pm UTC, with 377 cases noted on the outage-tracking site **Downdetector**. However, the true number of affected devices might be significantly greater, as many users voiced their discontent on Sky’s community forums and social media platforms.

A discussion thread on Sky’s community forum addressing the problem has expanded to 141 pages, with users sharing their accounts and troubleshooting advice. Some customers have requested compensation, whether in the form of refunds or credits, as they were unable to access the services for which they pay. Yet, at the time of writing, Sky had not issued any public communication regarding possible refunds or compensatory measures.

### Sky’s Response: Apologies and Technical Assistance

Sky has recognized the issue through its social media platforms and support forums. On Thursday, the company released a message on Twitter stating:

> “Some Sky Glass/Stream customers are currently experiencing technical issues when trying to switch on their devices. Our technical teams are working hard to fix this. We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused.”

Sky also pointed users to a support page outlining steps for device resets. However, numerous customers reported that the recommended solutions did not rectify the problem. One user on Sky’s support forum, PaulRC1963, voiced his dissatisfaction, stating:

> “Yet this isn’t working for everyone though. You’re essentially just telling people to turn it on and off again. Sky is acting very incompetent.”

Despite ongoing troubleshooting efforts, some users continued to face issues as of Friday morning. Sky has not offered a timeline for the complete resolution of the problem.

### The Suspected Cause: A Faulty Update?

While Sky has not confirmed the specific cause of the issue, many believe that a poorly executed software update is responsible. The simultaneous malfunction of hundreds of devices indicates that the problem was likely initiated by a widespread update distributed via the Internet. Sky has opted not to respond to inquiries from the **BBC** regarding the problem’s cause or its resolution timeline.

This outage serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of purchasing hardware from companies unaccustomed to the tech industry. Primarily recognized for its satellite TV services, Sky entered the streaming hardware market in 2021 with its Glass TVs and Stream pucks. These devices were intended to facilitate Sky’s transition from traditional satellite TV to Internet-based streaming, but the recent incident underscores the difficulties the company encounters in managing such technology.

### The Larger Context: Streaming Hardware and Software Updates

Sky’s entry into the streaming hardware space was part of a broader strategy to meet the rising demand for streaming services. The company’s Glass TVs, priced from £600 (approximately $800) for a 43-inch model to £1,199 (about $1,600) for a 65-inch variant, include features like **quantum dots**, **Dolby Vision**, **HDR10**, and **HLG HDR** support. However, customers must subscribe to Sky Entertainment to utilize the devices, and access to streaming applications like Netflix is contingent on this subscription.

The Stream puck, a smaller and more economical device, similarly requires a Sky subscription to operate. While these devices provide a simple method to access Sky’s TV channels and streaming services, the recent outage has raised alarms about their reliability.

This situation starkly illustrates the challenges associated with managing large software updates for smart devices. Unlike traditional set-top boxes, reportedly unaffected by the outage, smart TVs and streaming devices heavily rely on software updates for optimal operation. A poorly executed update can render these devices inoperable, as many Sky customers experienced this week.

### Customer Discontent and Requests for Compensation

The outage has ignited widespread frustration among Sky customers, with some contemplating the cancellation of their subscriptions. One user on Sky’s community forum, **larky+marky**, remarked:

> “What a total lump of

Senate Committee Casts Unanimous Vote to Find CEO of Disputed Health Care Firm in Contempt

**Senate Committee Holds Steward Health Care CEO Ralph de la Torre in Contempt**

In an uncommon and significant development, the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) cast an overwhelming vote on Thursday to hold Ralph de la Torre, the CEO of Steward Health Care System, in both civil and criminal contempt. This resolution follows de la Torre’s refusal to adhere to a subpoena compelling him to testify before lawmakers concerning the downfall of his hospital chain, which resulted in extensive financial distress and patient fatalities.

### Steward Health Care’s Collapse

Steward Health Care, previously a leading hospital network with more than 30 facilities across eight states, has faced severe scrutiny after its financial crisis. The system’s decline, which ultimately led to bankruptcy, has been associated with alarming conditions in its hospitals, where reports of inadequate care have been equated with “third-world medicine.” The Senate committee indicated that these conditions were linked to the deaths of at least 15 patients and jeopardized the lives of over 2,000 more.

The Senate HELP Committee, chaired by Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), has been probing the factors contributing to the collapse. The committee’s investigation has centered on de la Torre’s role, who, despite the financial struggles of the hospital system, reportedly accumulated at least $250 million during its decline. His extravagant lifestyle—including the acquisition of a $40 million yacht, a $15 million luxury fishing vessel, and the utilization of two private jets valued at $95 million—has faced intense backlash from both lawmakers and the general public.

### De la Torre’s Defiance

In July, the Senate HELP Committee issued a subpoena mandating de la Torre to testify regarding the hospital system’s fall and its repercussions on patient care. Initially, de la Torre consented to attend a hearing slated for September 12, 2024. However, merely a week before the hearing, he withdrew, citing legal issues. Through his legal representatives, de la Torre asserted that a federal order related to Steward’s bankruptcy case barred him from discussing the matter, as this could disrupt ongoing reorganization and settlement initiatives.

The Senate committee dismissed this rationale, maintaining that de la Torre’s refusal to testify was unwarranted. Nevertheless, de la Torre failed to attend the hearing, prompting the committee to escalate their response.

### Bipartisan Contempt Vote

On Thursday, the Senate HELP Committee unanimously voted 20-0 to hold de la Torre in both civil and criminal contempt, with only Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) abstaining. This represents the first occasion in recent history that the committee has enacted both civil and criminal contempt resolutions.

Should the full Senate ratify the contempt charges, the civil enforcement would instruct the Senate’s legal counsel to initiate a federal civil lawsuit against de la Torre, compelling him to adhere to the subpoena and give testimony before the committee. The criminal contempt charge would escalate the case to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, who could initiate prosecution against de la Torre for his noncompliance with the subpoena. A conviction could lead to a fine of up to $100,000 and a prison term of up to 12 months.

### De la Torre’s Legal Defense

On the eve of the committee’s vote, an attorney representing de la Torre issued a statement condemning the Senate’s actions. According to the attorney, de la Torre’s testimony would infringe upon his Fifth Amendment rights, which safeguard individuals from self-incrimination. The attorney contended that the committee’s demand for de la Torre’s testimony was unfair and that the CEO had a legal right to decline.

However, Senator Sanders and other committee members were not convinced by this argument. In a statement following the vote, Sanders underscored that de la Torre’s wealth and legal resources did not exempt him from the law. “If you defy a Congressional subpoena, you will be held accountable no matter who you are or how well-connected you may be,” Sanders declared.

### Next Steps

The full Senate’s vote on the contempt charges will decide whether de la Torre faces legal repercussions for his refusal to testify. If the charges are affirmed, it could establish a notable precedent for how Congress addresses corporate executives who disobey subpoenas, particularly in matters concerning public health and safety.

The ramifications of this case are being closely monitored, not only for its legal consequences but also for the broader implication it carries regarding corporate accountability in the healthcare industry. The collapse of Steward Health Care has spurred serious apprehensions about the oversight of healthcare systems, especially when patient care is neglected in favor of profit. The Senate HELP Committee’s investigation seeks to illuminate these concerns and hold those accountable for their actions.

As the case progresses, it remains uncertain whether de la Torre will be ultimately compelled to testify and whether the legal proceedings against him will lead to further consequences. Regardless of the outcome, the Senate’s actions signify an increasing resolve to ensure that corporate leaders are held accountable.