Learn more about what is Starlink waitlist is from our detailed guide. We’ll evaluate the compelling reasons behind the waitlist and its implications for subscribers.
In addition, you get to understand how long you expect the waitlist to last and other related critical insights on the topic.
What is Starlink Waitlist？
Waitlist Icon.
Starlink’s massive popularity is the main factor behind placing some of its customers on a waitlist.
Usually, Starlink receives numerous applications that are beyond what their constellation can handle in a particular area.
Hence, it places the preorder clients on a waitlist as they increase the capacity to meet the high customer demands.
It guarantees that preorder customers get instant service once sufficient Starlink satellites are in space to supply the area sufficiently.
Starlink continually launches new satellites into space, meaning the waitlist is worth the wait.
How long is the Waitlist for Starlink?
Starlink Dish.
The waitlist fulfillment depends primarily on two factors:
- User Plan
- Subscriber Location (address).
Starlink User Plan
Subscribers on Starlink RV receive their kits immediately after they make their order, as there’s no waitlist for the plan.
But, if you’re in other plans, such as Starlink residential or business, the wait can be extensive.
Subscriber Location
US States.
Starlink subscribers who placed their order in 2021 received their kit around May and June 2022 as they were on the waitlist.
The waitlist has been particularly applicable for Starlink Residential users ordering kits from southern US states like Kentucky and Louisiana.
It has also applied to those in the midwest zone like Illinois and Michigan.
You’ll rarely have customers from the other US states (outside the highlighted zones above) on the waitlist.
Hence, they can receive their kits about two weeks from the order date. It can, however, take up to eight weeks; still, it is a decent wait time compared to subscribers on the waitlist.
Starlink communicates when the date of kit delivery nears for users on the waitlist.
Things to Remember When Pre-ordering Starlink
PinPoint Logo.
Below are the key bits you must get right when preordering Starlink:
- You must correctly indicate your service address. Most importantly, ensure you input the correct plus code of your location.
- Check out Starlink’s availability map to know when Starlink will be available for delivery. We insist you input the appropriate plus code, as this is when you’ll obtain the correct kit availability.
- Avoid changing your address after the preorder. While there’s no harm to it, you could choose a zone on the waitlist, pushing you further behind the waiting queue. Remember, tweaking your location by a few miles can significantly increase the kit delivery wait time.
- Watch out for Starlink’s email to prep you for the kit delivery. It is usually sent a week earlier to allow you time to pay for the gear. You must pay within a week after receiving the email; otherwise, Starlink will cancel your order.
How to Skip the Starlink Waitlist？
Internet Disconnection Icon.
Does the Starlink waitlist seem like ages when all you wanted was an internet service that would provide instant internet?
There are several ways to bypass the Starlink waitlist. The options below also allow access to the internet as you wait for the waiting period to lapse.
Order Starlink RV
Classical RV Van.
You don’t necessarily need to be a camping enthusiast to order Starlink RV.
Anyone can be eligible for the service, and the most significant upside is that it doesn’t have a waitlist. The kit is delivered a few weeks after the order and is ready for immediate use.
Also, you can always pause Starlink RV anytime you want to do it.
It is incredibly important as it allows you to stop the service once your Starlink residential kit waitlist time lapses.
In addition, it grants you flexibility during use, as you can always start/stop the service as you wish.
Nonetheless, you’ll have a slower connection during peak use hours.
Buy a Starlink Dish from a Third Party User
Buy Starlink from a Third Party.
Say that a Starlink subscriber is looking to sell their used Starlink kit, probably because they’re moving to another service.
You can buy the equipment from such an individual and start using it immediately.
Is this legal? Yes, Starlink has no problem with subscribers selling their kits.
Moreover, it is a great way to bypass the waitlist. It’s also a common practice, so you should have no qualms about doing it.
Provide a Different Service Address
Service Address.
It should be a last resort as it may not always work. Say that you live a few kilometers from an area where Starlink is off the waitlist.
You can provide the address to that location to ensure your kit comes promptly.
Starlink will deliver the kit to the provided address, and then you can use it in your actual location.
While this method is a crafty way to get around the waitlist problem, it has two downsides:
- First, Starlink will consider you a portability customer simply because you’re not using the service from the order address. It is not a big issue, although it will result in deprioritization during peak hours. Therefore, Starlink’s residential users in your area will bet a better connection than you when there’s congestion.
- Secondly, Starlink considers portability an option for temporarily moving to a new place. Hence, although it currently has no use time limit, Starlink could place one to curtail customers ordering from another location.
Conclusion
Starlink’s waitlist highlights the significant uptake of the service by customers in the US and other parts of the world.
It’s a testimony to Starlink’s popularity thanks to its capacity to provide service even to underserved areas.
The company is continually launching more satellites, meaning the waitlist duration will significantly reduce in the future.
It will be essential to ensure customers can receive the service promptly.