After a year of waiting, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved SpaceX’s request to increase Starlink hardware power, paving the way for higher internet speeds and more reliable connectivity for satellite internet users worldwide.
Article Contents:
- Good news for Starlink users
- FCC approval details
- What does increased Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) mean?
- FCC is satisfied with safety tests
- Competition heats up with Amazon’s Project Kuiper
- What does this mean for users in the future?
- Frequently asked questions
Good news for Starlink users
Whether you have been a Starlink customer since the company’s inception or are considering subscribing to the satellite internet service, there has never been a better time to connect to the network via space. Last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved SpaceX’s request to increase the “Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power” (EIRP) for two of its products, which could pave the way for faster and more reliable internet speeds.
FCC approval details
It took a full year for the FCC to give Starlink the green light. This approval allows the manufacturer to increase the EIRP power of the UT3-V1 unit (which may be the standard dish) from 42.1 to 43.4 dBW, and increase the UT3-V2 unit (which may be the Mini model) from 33.2 to 39.2 dBW. The ultimate goal is to provide SpaceX users with faster and more reliable internet speeds.
What does increased Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) mean?
Simply put, EIRP is a measure of the signal strength broadcasted by an antenna in a specific direction. Increasing this power means the dish can send a stronger signal to satellites in space, which in turn leads to a stronger and more stable connection, especially in poor weather conditions or in areas where the signal is weak. This increase will translate directly into improved download and upload speeds for users.
FCC is satisfied with safety tests
As part of SpaceX’s filing with the FCC, the company submitted documents to prove that the EIRP increase will not cause excessive radio interference, and that the enhanced reception will not result in harmful levels of radiation. The commission’s official approval applies to both SpaceX’s stationary and mobile hardware. This means users who install Starlink dishes on RVs, boats, or trains will also benefit from this upgrade.
Competition heats up with Amazon’s Project Kuiper
The FCC’s approval came at a very opportune time for Starlink. Amazon has been developing its own satellite internet service, known as Project Kuiper, to compete with Starlink since 2018. With Amazon planning to launch service in five countries by early 2026, it won’t be long before it joins companies like Viasat as a viable alternative to Starlink. This upgrade gives Starlink a strong boost to maintain its market-leading position.
What does this mean for users in the future?
The EIRP increase translates to stronger signal strength for Starlink customers, for both download and upload speeds. Given that Starlink’s average download speed ranges between 45 and 280 Mbps, with most people achieving speeds exceeding 100 Mbps, we are curious to see how much faster this hardware upgrade will make it. This increase could be the savior that very remote areas needed, and it also means enhanced connectivity when taking the Mini dish on your next camping trip.
It will take some time to see how this upgrade actually affects users, but we won’t be surprised to hear reports of improved internet speed and connectivity, whether at home or on the go. This could boost everything from video calls and file transfers to Netflix streaming, while giving Starlink a unique marketing boost and setting new industry standards.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: Will I need to buy a new dish to take advantage of this upgrade?
A1: Starlink has not yet announced whether this upgrade will be delivered via a software update to existing hardware or if it will be limited to new hardware. However, such changes are frequently made via software.
Q2: When will users start noticing improved speeds?
A2: Starlink will likely roll out these changes gradually across its network. It may take a few weeks or months before all users notice the full impact of the upgrade.
Q3: Will the cost of Starlink service increase because of this upgrade?
A3: The company has not indicated any price changes associated with this approval. The upgrade is aimed at improving the existing service and enhancing Starlink’s competitiveness.
