Starlink increases download speed target from 1Gbps to 10Gbps

Starlink will provide 10Gbps network speeds in the future, a tenfold increase from the company's previous goal of 1Gbps.

Recently, SpaceX reported to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the status of Starlink, which has provided broadband Internet access to residents in rural areas of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The system can currently provide users with a download speed of 100Mbps, and the long-term goal is to upgrade the speed to 10Gbps.

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Starlink satellite network receiving device (Image source: SpaceX)

According to SpaceX's presentation to the FCC, the company is working to launch 120 satellites per month. An upcoming software update is also expected to increase Starlink's throughput. Starlink has requested FCC approval to lower Starlink satellites to an operating altitude of 540 to 570 kilometers above the Earth. According to SpaceX, the lower altitude will make the satellites safer to operate by improving "debris distribution."

If users want to try out Starlink, they can visit the company's website to sign up for the public beta. However, invitations are still limited to users in certain areas of the northern United States. Starlink costs $99 per month, plus a one-time device fee of $499, and the company plans to expand the beta test to the southern United States early this year.