SpaceX Explains Why Starlink Maps Don’t Match FCC Broadband Maps

Did SpaceX submit false data to the FCC about Starlink’s availability? Not quite, the company says. In a letter(Opens in a new window) to the agency, SpaceX is addressing why the FCC’s official broadband maps don’t always match up with the company’s own availability maps on Starlink.com. 

If you look at the FCC’s official broadband maps, you’d assume SpaceX’s Starlink system is available(Opens in a new window) in most places across the US, allowing customers to sign up for a satellite internet service that can reach 100Mbps, or even 350Mbps in download speeds.

But in reality, for many locations across the US, the residential version of Starlink—which is focused on consumers—is at capacity, meaning would-be customers are put on a waitlist. You can see this if you visit the official availability map(Opens in a new window) on Starlink.com, which shows the satellite internet system has waitlisted large swathes of the continental US. 

Many areas across the US are currently on a waitlist for the residential Starlink service.
(Credit: Starlink.com)

The discrepancy has prompted some users to challenge(Opens in a new window) Starlink’s availability in the official FCC broadband maps. But in its letter to the FCC, SpaceX argues it didn’t provide false data to the commission: It was simply trying to comply with the FCC’s request for a mapping system that can’t quite capture the nuances of Starlink’s various service tiers. 

“SpaceX crafted its availability data based on the technical capabilities of the Starlink system and a close reading of the rules governing the program,” the company wrote. “The branding of Starlink’s various services —e.g., Residential, Business, or RV— were not discussed because the rules for the program do not indicate that a service plan’s branding is relevant for purpose of determining availability at a specific location.”  

SpaceX now says some users of the FCC’s Broadband Map “have been confused” when comparing the information to Starlink.com’s availability map. The problem is that the official Starlink.com availability map only covers access for the residential Starlink service tier, which is heavily waitlisted. It doesn’t apply to Starlink business or Starlink RV, two separate service tiers with no waitlist. Customers can order either one today, although they’ll have to pay more.  

To get Starlink immediately, you can opt for Starlink RV, but it costs more and has slower speeds.
(Credit: Starlink.com)

“To address this confusion, SpaceX has been discussing with Commission staff the best way to reflect the availability of its services within the National Broadband Map,” the company wrote. “Commission staff suggested, and SpaceX agreed, that SpaceX should submit data only for its Residential and Business plans and mirror the map and other information on www.starlink.com(Opens in a new window).”

The only issue? The FCC’s portal where SpaceX would make changes to the agency’s broadband map contains “technical constraints” that have stopped SpaceX from doing so, the letter says. The company is working with FCC staff to resolve the problem.

“(But) until then, in accordance with program rules, SpaceX will continue to populate the National Broadband Map with information on the availability of all Starlink plans that can provide service to a residence or small business,” the company added. 

SpaceX goes on to say customers should use the Starlink.com availability map as the best source for learning about access to the satellite internet system. That said, the company is indicating it plans on adjusting speeds for Starlink shown in the FCC broadband maps to better reflect the actual service plans available to customers. 

(Credit: FCC/SpaceX)

Hence, users should expect to see the FCC broadband maps focus more on showing availability for Starlink RV, which offers advertised download speeds at 50Mbps. That’s significantly lower than the residential Starlink service, which can offer download speeds at 100Mbps, although many users in the US are reporting congestion problems. 

The FCC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.