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06 Numbers and Powers

Starlink Availability & Plans at Your Address

Card No. 06·54023 · Updated · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through checking whether Starlink satellite internet is available at your address and comparing the current service plans. You’ll learn how to use Starlink’s official availability checker, understand what the results mean, and see the plan options that are typically offered. No account or payment is needed to check availability.

What You’ll Need

  • Your exact service address (including any apartment or unit number)
  • A web browser on a computer, phone, or tablet
  • An internet connection (even a slow one works for the checker)
  • Optional: a way to save or screenshot the results for later

Step-by-Step

  1. Open the official Starlink website. Go to starlink.com in your browser. The main page will show a field that says “Enter your address or place a pin.”
  2. Enter your address. Type your full street address, city, state/province, and ZIP/postal code. As you type, a dropdown list of suggested addresses will appear. Select your exact address from that list to avoid errors. If your address isn’t in the dropdown, you can also drop a pin on the map to mark your location.
  3. Click “Order Now” or “Check Availability.” The button text may vary, but it will be clearly visible near the address field. This takes you to a results page.
  4. Read the availability result. Starlink will show one of the following:
    • “Service available at your location” – You can proceed to order.
    • “Waitlist” – The service is not yet available, but you can join a waitlist to be notified when it is.
    • “Service not yet available” – Starlink isn’t offering service in your area yet. You may still be able to join the waitlist.
  5. If available, review the plan options. On the same page or after clicking “Order Now,” you’ll see the available service plans. These typically include:
    • Residential – Standard home internet, unlimited data (subject to fair use).
    • Roam – Portable service for camping, RV, or travel.
    • Business – Higher priority and faster speeds for businesses.
    • Maritime – For boats and ships (often requires separate equipment).
  6. Compare the plans. For each plan, note the monthly price, the one-time hardware cost, and the expected download/upload speeds. Starlink’s plans and pricing vary by region, so the numbers you see are specific to your area.
  7. Check for any service notes. Some locations may have notes like “limited capacity” or “peak hours may be slower.” These are important to understand before ordering.
  8. Save the information. Take a screenshot or note the plan details and availability status. If you need to decide later, you’ll have the facts on hand.

Common Mistakes

  • Using a general area instead of your exact address. Availability can change within a few miles. Always use your full street address, not just the city or ZIP code.
  • Ignoring the difference between “waitlist” and “not available.” A waitlist means you can sign up to be notified; “not available” might mean Starlink has no plans for your area yet.
  • Assuming all plans are the same everywhere. Starlink’s plans, prices, and speeds are location-dependent. What your neighbor sees may not apply to you.
  • Not checking for obstructions. The availability checker doesn’t tell you if trees or buildings will block the signal. Use the Starlink app’s obstruction tool before ordering (see Tips).
  • Skipping the fine print. Look for data caps, fair use policies, and contract terms. While Starlink is generally no-contract, there may be early termination fees for equipment.

Tips

  • Use the Starlink app for a more detailed check. The app has an “Obstructions” tool that uses your phone’s camera to see if trees or buildings will block the sky view. This is crucial because even if service is available, a blocked view will degrade performance.
  • Check for “Best Effort” or “Limited” service. In some congested areas, Starlink offers a lower-cost plan with slower speeds during peak hours. This can be a good option if you need basic internet.
  • Consider the hardware cost. The upfront equipment cost is significant. Make sure you factor that into your decision, not just the monthly fee.
  • Look for promotional offers. Occasionally Starlink runs promotions (e.g., free hardware) for new customers. Check the website or your email if you’ve signed up for updates.
  • Check for a “Service Address” vs. “Shipping Address.” When ordering, the service address is where you’ll use the internet; the shipping address is where the kit is delivered. These can be different if you’re moving.

Troubleshooting

  • The website says “Service not available” but you think it should be. Try a different address format (e.g., add a unit number or use the “plus code” from Google Maps). Also, try moving the pin slightly on the map – availability can be cell-specific.
  • The page won’t load or is slow. Starlink’s site can be heavy. Try refreshing, using a different browser, or clearing your cache.
  • You get an error when entering your address. Double-check the spelling and try the dropdown suggestions. If that fails, use the map pin to drop your location manually.
  • You’re on the waitlist but haven’t heard back. Waitlists can take months or even years. Check your email (including spam) for updates. You can also check the website again – your status may have changed.
  • The plan prices seem different from what you saw online. Prices are region-specific and subject to change. The website shows current prices for your area; if you saw a different price on a third-party site, that information may be outdated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does checking availability require an account or payment?

No. You can check availability and see plans without creating an account or paying anything. You only need to provide your address.

What does the waitlist mean?

If you’re placed on a waitlist, it means Starlink isn’t currently serving your area, but they plan to in the future. You’ll be notified by email when service becomes available. Joining the waitlist is free and doesn’t obligate you to order.

Can I use Starlink if I live in an apartment or condo?

Yes, but you’ll need a clear view of the sky. If you have a balcony or a window with a good view, you can place the dish there. Some landlords may have restrictions, so check with them first.

What speeds can I expect?

Starlink advertises download speeds between 25 and 220 Mbps, uploads between 5 and 40 Mbps, and latency of 20-40 ms. Actual speeds vary based on your location, the plan, and network congestion.

Can I take my Starlink to another address?

Yes, if you have the Roam plan. Residential plans are tied to a fixed service address, but you can request to change it (subject to availability). The equipment is portable, but the service plan determines where you can use it.

Is there a data cap?

Starlink’s standard plans are advertised as “unlimited,” but they have a fair use policy. During congestion, heavy users may experience slower speeds. Some plans (like Roam) have a data priority threshold; after that, speeds may be deprioritized.

Related

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.

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