SpaceX’s Starlink has reintroduced its waitlist across several major US metropolitan areas, marking a significant shift in the company’s residential internet service availability. Now displays “sold out” status in multiple western cities.
The capacity constraints have emerged in tech-savvy regions, with Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, and Austin bearing the brunt of the service limitations. This development comes as a surprise, particularly since capacity issues typically plague rural areas rather than major urban centers.
Starlink’s satellite internet service has experienced remarkable growth, approaching 5 million users globally. Starlink added an impressive 1 million subscribers in just four months, according to President and COO Gwynne Shotwell’s recent statement.
Prospective users in affected areas now face a reservation system instead of immediate service access. When attempting to order residential service, customers receive a notification about capacity limitations and the option to join a waiting list.
The capacity constraints aren’t limited to domestic markets. Similar restrictions have emerged in parts of Canada and Mexico, while several African nations have recently reported Starlink services reaching maximum capacity, Starlink terminals sell out across Africa as demand surges; Nigeria and Kenya Face High Demand.
Previously, Starlink implemented a $30 “congestion” fee in high-demand areas rather than halting hardware sales completely. The current shift to a waitlist system represents a new approach to managing network capacity.
This development raises questions about Starlink’s infrastructure scaling capabilities and long-term strategy for urban market penetration. The service limitations in major cities could indicate a strategic pivot or temporary growing pains as the network expands.
As Starlink navigates these capacity challenges, it seems the satellite internet provider’s stellar growth has created some down-to-earth problems.
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