### Starlink Encounters Capacity Challenges Amid Rising Demand
SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service, once celebrated as a transformative solution for rural and underserved communities, is now experiencing capacity challenges in various regions of the United States and beyond. Despite its swift growth and the launch of thousands of satellites, Starlink’s network is finding it difficult to match the surging demand, especially in urban and densely populated areas.
#### Starlink Waitlist Resurfaces in Major US Cities
The Starlink waitlist, previously removed across the US about a year ago, has made a comeback in several key cities. As per the [Starlink availability map](https://www.starlink.com/map), the service is currently fully booked in urban areas such as Seattle, Spokane, Portland, San Diego, Sacramento, and Austin. Smaller towns and nearby cities within these regions are also facing the limitations of the service’s availability.
Beyond these West Coast and Texas locations, various other areas in the US, including sections of Colorado, Montana, and North Carolina, are also facing capacity issues. This situation extends beyond US borders, with sold-out zones reported in parts of Canada, Mexico, and even across the Atlantic in London and its surrounding areas.
#### Starlink’s Worldwide Reach and Demand
Starlink has gained considerable attention for its capability to deliver high-speed internet to rural and isolated regions where conventional wired broadband services are either absent or unreliable. Nonetheless, the service’s popularity has transcended rural locales, drawing users from more populated urban areas.
Although SpaceX has not published detailed subscriber figures by region, the company’s President, Gwynne Shotwell, recently disclosed that Starlink now caters to nearly 5 million users globally. This rapid expansion has exerted pressure on the network, particularly in regions with high demand.
#### Capacity Constraints and Pricing Adjustments
Starlink’s capacity challenges have been apparent for a while, prompting the company to modify its pricing to reflect the varying levels of congestion across different areas. In regions experiencing network strain, Starlink has implemented a $100 “congestion charge” for new subscribers. In contrast, areas with surplus capacity see the company offering reduced monthly fees.
Despite the continuous deployment of additional satellites—Starlink currently operates over [6,600 satellites](https://planet4589.org/space/con/star/stats.html)—the network’s capacity remains inadequate in certain locales. SpaceX is regularly launching more satellites, but the timeline for alleviating congestion in the most impacted areas remains uncertain.
#### What Will the Wait Be Like?
For individuals in waitlisted regions, placing an order for Starlink is still possible, but the timeline for service availability remains unpredictable. When trying to place an order, users are presented with a notice stating, “Starlink is at capacity in your area. Order now to reserve your Starlink. You will receive a notification once your Starlink is ready to ship.” A $99 deposit is needed to secure a place on the waitlist.
#### Starlink Roam: An Expensive Option
For those looking to avoid the waitlist, Starlink presents a pricier alternative: the Starlink Roam tier. This service is tailored for users requiring internet access while traveling rather than as a fixed home internet solution. Nonetheless, users opting for Starlink Roam in congested regions may still face performance challenges due to network pressure.
Starlink Roam comes with a steeper price—$599 for the hardware and $50 per month for 50GB of data, or $165 per month for unlimited service. In comparison, the standard residential Starlink service retails for $349 for the hardware and $120 per month for unlimited data.
However, users should note that Starlink Roam may not be an ideal solution for everyone. The service is marketed for mobile usage, and Starlink has been known to [block Roam service](https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/11/starlink-enters-national-radio-quiet-zone-but-reportedly-cut-off-access-for-some/) in specific areas, particularly where it is not intended for permanent residential use.
#### The Future of Starlink
As Starlink persists in expanding its satellite constellation and enhancing its network, the company faces the challenge of aligning demand with capacity. While the service has been a critical resource for many in rural and underserved regions, its rising popularity in urban settings has resulted in congestion and waitlists in some of the most densely populated global areas.
SpaceX’s ongoing satellite launches and network enhancements are likely to mitigate some capacity issues, but it remains to be seen how rapidly the company can fulfill the escalating demand. For the time being, users in waitlisted areas will need to exercise patience or consider pricier options like Starlink Roam.
In the interim, Starlink’s capacity to provide high-speed internet to previously unreachable regions remains a noteworthy accomplishment, even as the service grapples with growing challenges.
