For being the best satellite internet provider, it is natural to see so much demand for Starlink, increasing the pre-order number, which puts customers on the dreaded waitlist.
Some people have waited months or even years to get their hands on the Starlink equipment, whereas others had to wait just a few weeks.
But as more and more Starlink satellites are going up, the waitlist time is decreasing rapidly.
So, what is the current situation?
In this article, I’ve explained exactly how long you have to wait to get Starlink internet and what you have to do if you don’t want to be on the waitlist and start using Starlink immediately.
Let’s begin!
How Long is the Waitlist for Starlink?
Starlink currently provides internet access to over 500,000 customers. And the number of pre-orders Starlink had received when it first started taking pre-orders for the public beta in early 2021 was over 500,000.
So, it seems like Starlink is just able to supply internet to the pre-orders only.
From this, you can guess how many more people are still on the waitlist and how long you might have to wait.
But Starlink is quickly reducing the waitlist time.
Starlink has over 3,000 mass-produced small satellites in LEO as of September 2022. As more and more satellites are launched, coverage will grow, and those on the waiting list won’t have to wait much longer.
Starlink plans for global coverage with satellite personal communications service after 2023.
But how long do you actually have to wait for Starlink right now?
It depends on your location.
If you live in an area where Starlink service is available, you could have your Starlink internet up and running in just a few weeks. The official Starlink website says that somewhere between 2 and 8 weeks, you’ll get your equipment in the mail.
But if you live in an area where Starlink is still not available, you might have to wait much longer.
In the following section, I’ve described how to find out whether Starlink is available in your area or not.
Related content you should read about can you cancel Starlink internet anytime?
How to Check Starlink Availability to Determine Waiting Time
To know how long you have to wait for Starlink, you must first find out if it is available in your area. You can do that using the map on Starlink’s website and put your address in the service address box and see what the website says.
Here are the steps to check the availability of Starlink in your area:
1. Check Starlink Coverage Map
The Starlink website has a map that shows which areas are available for orders and which areas are available for pre-order. It helps you to picture how much of the World Starlink is providing its service.
You can also put your address on the map, which will take you directly to your area. And from the color of your area, you can determine if Starlink is available.
Here’s how to determine Starlink availability:
- Open the Starlink Coverage Map.
- Put your area name in the SERVICE ADDRESS box and click SEARCH.
The map will take you to your area. You can use the mouse wheel to zoom in and out. If your area is light Blue, you can order and expect to receive the Starlink gear in 2 to 8 weeks.
But if your location shows a darker shade of Blue, an estimated additional date will appear when you hover over it. In that case, you’ll need to pre-order, putting you on a waitlist, and you’ll have to wait much longer, sometimes more than a year.
Also related to this guide about does Starlink internet have data caps or limits?
2. Check Starlink Availability
For a more accurate waiting time estimation, you can go to Starlink’s website, place an order at your location and determine how long you have to wait by what kind of order is available for you.
Here’s how to check the Starlink order type in your location:
- Open the Starlink Website.
- Put your address in the SERVICE ADDRESS box, click ORDER NOW and check what it says.
If you see the message that Service for this order is only guaranteed at this location, you can order the service immediately. You will have to pay $599 for the Starlink hardware kit. You might also need to pay for shipping and tax.
But if you get the message that Starlink is currently at capacity in your area, service is available. Still, you join the waitlist and wait to get Starlink assuming you decide to pre-order and pay $99 for the deposit.
When you pre-order, Starlink will let you know the estimated time when you will receive the service. For example, you might see the message saying your order may not be fulfilled until 2023 or later.
But if you don’t want to be on the waitlist and start using Starlink right away, I’ve explained how to do that in the next section.
But before that, go through our epic guide on Starlink for gaming-is it good or bad?
How to Skip the Starlink Waitlist
In case you don’t want to be on the Starlink service waitlist for months or even years, you can bypass it by using the Starlink RV service or transferring a used Starlink dish.
Here are the methods to skip the Starlink service waitlist:
1. Use Starlink RV
Starlink RV service has no waitlist, and this service works at any location that has active Starlink coverage.
Here’s how to determine Starlink availability:
- Open the Starlink Coverage Map.
- Put your area name in the SERVICE ADDRESS box and click SEARCH.
The map will take you to your location. If your area shows light Blue, you can order the Starlink RV and start using it.
But the problem with Starlink RV is that its service priority is very low. In the peak hours, such as in the evenings, Residential users in your area will get more bandwidth priority, and your internet speed will drop so low that it won’t be usable.
You might also get more interruptions during video calls or online gaming sessions.
The price is higher as well. You have to pay $135 per month, which is $25 more than the regular residential Starlink service.
2. Buy a Used Starlink Dish
Another way to skip the waitlist is to buy second-hand Satrlink equipment, and the seller can send a request to Starlink to transfer the account to your address.
Starlink allows the ability to change ownership of a Starlink dish. They will create a new account for the new owner. But the problem is that if Starlink service is not yet available in your location, this method won’t work.
Check out the easiest way to know about Starlink Vs. HughesNet.
FAQs
What does waitlist mean on Starlink?
Waitlist on Starlink means that Starlink service is available in that area, but they are not taking any more orders right now due to issues regarding capacity.
Is there a waitlist for Starlink RV?
No, currently, there is no waitlist for Starlink RV. You can order and get the Starlink equipment right away.
How do I get on the list for Starlink?
To get on the list for Starlink, open Starlink’s website, enter your email and address to find your service area, get the estimated time for Starlink service to your location, pay a $99 deposit, and you’ll be on the Starlink waitlist.
Final Thoughts
How long you have to wait before you get to use Starlink internet depends on your location. Some customers received their Starlink kit in a few weeks, whereas others had to wait months.
Here, I’ve explained the process to help you determine precisely how long you’ll be on the Starlink waitlist if you pre-order.
I’ve also provided two methods that will let you skip the waitlist time entirely so that you can start using Starlink immediately.
Let me know if you have further questions regarding Starlink or other services. See you in the comment section.
