31/10/2024
STARLINK CAPACITY AND ROAM EXPLAINED
STARLINK relies on low earth orbit satellites to deliver high speed internet to users across the world. As good as the technology is, there are limitations.
Each satellite in space has a fixed amount of bandwidth that can only support a certain number of users simultaneously while maintaining quality service. When too many users are connected, adding more subscribers would reduce speeds and reliability for everyone on the network. Such a case is seen in very high density cities, such as Lusaka, Harare, Nairobi, Lagos, Accra etc. Having a huge number of users in a small geographical area "overloads" the satellites in the sky, and affects every users speeds. To maintain reliable, high speed internet, STARLINK has to restrict new users in the DARK BLUE area shown on the map below.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR ME ?
- If you have a registered kit in the dark blue area, your kit will run like normal. If you decide to change your location to a place outside the dark area, you will not be able to register it back in the dark blue area.
- If you have an unregistered kit, you are NOT able to register it in the dark blue area, but you are able to register it in the light blue area. Your kit CANNOT be used in the dark blue area. If you register in the light blue area and try use it in the dark blue area, upon powering the dish, you will receive a location error and you will have to use it in the registered location.
- If you have an existing account with a registered kit in the dark blue area, you CANNOT add a new kit to your account in the dark blue area. You can add a kit in the light blue area
- If you are outside the dark blue area and intend to use it there, you can register and use your kit like normal with no issues.
- If you are unsure as to whether you will be able to activate a kit in your location, a good estimate is to map 150km from central Lusaka city to your place. If you are 150km away in any direction, you will likely be able to activate a kit. Still, verify this on starlink.com/map or get in touch with STELLAR SYSTEMS and a rep will guide you.
WHAT ABOUT ROAMING ?
- Previously, there was an option to subscribe to ROAM plan and use it in Lusaka, for a higher monthly fee. This is currently NOT possible as the ROAM plan has been removed in all of Africa. We are unsure as to when or if it will be restored. We are waiting feedback from STARLINK regarding this.
- If you are currently subscribed to the ROAM plan, you CANNOT change it to residential in the dark blue area. The ROAM plan for existing STARLINK users is currently still ACTIVE provided you are using it within your registered country / not exceeding 60 days out of your registered country. We are unsure as to what will happen to existing ROAM subscribers and awaiting feedback from STARLINK regarding this.
- If you have an existing account with a kit registered on the ROAM plan, you CANNOT add another kit onto the ROAM plan.
SO WHATS NEXT ?
- SpaceX is actively launching satellites into space to expand service to more users around the world. With the high demand around the world and not just Lusaka, expect some delays in expansion. There are currently many cities around the world which require expansion and so, SpaceX alone knows how and where to expand. Their criteria depends on how long the required area has been on an expansion waitlist, the number of users etc. The exact timeframe is unknown to anyone but SpaceX engineers. We can only predict this may take months, but SpaceX can be surprising sometimes!
- You are still able to purchase a kit from STELLAR SYSTEMS and monitor the capacity situation at starlink.com/map and immediately activate once service is expanded in the dark blue area. This may be of benefit to you as we expect price increases set by starlink, as seen on starlink.com
- The ROAM plan may or may not return to Africa. Alot of misuse of the ROAM plan has been noted by STARLINK, and this could potentially result in a permanent removal of the ROAM plan in Africa. We can only hope this is not the case and will update you as soon as we get some feedback from STARLINK regarding this.
If you are unaffected by the capacity area (Kabwe, Mumbwa, Mazabuka, Luangwa and beyond), you are able to purchase a kit from STELLAR SYSTEMS and use a RESIDENTIAL/PRIORITY plan as normal
