SpaceX, under Elon Musk, is building a new Starlink system. It could bring internet speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. That’s a big step up from today’s top speeds of about 200 Mbps. The plan is to give remote and underserved places internet like fiber-optic lines. SpaceX shared some early info about this in a private webinar for Starlink resellers.
Faster internet coming
By February 2025, Starlink has over 6,750 satellites in orbit. Most users get download speeds from 25 to 220 Mbps, often above 100 Mbps, per the company’s website. It’s been a huge help for rural and mobile users. As of September 2024, more than 4 million people subscribe.
The new setup might hit 1 Gbps. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said it could even reach 2 Gbps later. She noted
“smaller beams, more capacity per beam, and lower latency.”
will make this possible. The aim is to match fiber internet, even where cables can’t go.
New dish needed
To get these higher speeds, users will need new equipment. The current dishes, like the $499 Standard or $1,499 Flat High-Performance, won’t work with the new frequency bands. Satellite expert Tim Farrar said the existing dishes aren’t built for these upgrades.
SpaceX hasn’t set a price for the new dish yet. Even without it, current users might see speeds climb to 300-400 Mbps. That’s due to network boosts like extra spectrum and lower satellite heights.
Larger satellites and Starship
The new system uses third-generation (V3) Starlink satellites. They’re much bigger than the V2 Mini satellites Falcon 9 launches now. V3 satellites could weigh up to 2,000 kg each. They’ll have better beam tech for faster data and less delay.
SpaceX needs its Starship rocket working fully to launch these. Starship can haul 50 to 100 satellites per trip, way more than Falcon 9. Each V3 launch might add 60 terabits per second to the network. That’s 20 times what V2 Minis deliver, based on SpaceX’s FCC filings.
On January 16, 2025, a Starship test flight showed progress. The booster was caught by the launch tower’s arms. But the Starship itself failed 8.5 minutes in. Vibrations caused propellant leaks and engine issues. SpaceX added vents and a nitrogen purge system after that.
Regulatory approval and a review of the January failure are holding things up. If tests go well, V3 launches could start by late 2025.
FCC approvals and network changes
SpaceX needs FCC clearance for parts of this plan. In October 2024, it asked to use more radio spectrum, including the E-band (71-74 GHz downlink, 81-84 GHz uplink). It also wants to drop satellite altitudes from 525-535 km to 475-485 km. This would boost bandwidth and cut latency.
The FCC has okayed some updates, like changes to first-generation satellites. But decisions on E-band and altitude shifts are still pending. Big telecoms like AT&T and Verizon have fought SpaceX’s spectrum plans before, worried about interference.
Other FCC actions
- Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Subsidy: In November 2024, the FCC stuck with its call to deny Starlink broadband funds. Brendan Carr, President-elect Trump’s FCC Chairman pick, said it’s unlikely to change since SpaceX didn’t appeal.
- Direct-to-Cell Service: In March 2025, the FCC greenlit SpaceX’s plan with T-Mobile for direct-to-cell coverage. It’ll bring mobile service to remote spots without towers. SpaceX must fix any interference, though.
The FCC might roll out rules to help U.S. satellite growth easier, licensing, updated spectrum laws, and more broadband cash. That could speed up Starlink’s work, but nothing’s set yet.
Who gets it first?
SpaceX might sell the new dish to businesses first. It did that with the Flat High-Performance model for maritime and RV users. In the webinar, SpaceX cut that dish’s price from $2,499 to $1,499, maybe to clear the way for a new high-end version.
For home users, cost could be an issue. The Standard dish goes for $299 to $499 after recent price drops. The new high-speed one will likely cost more. Still, SpaceX’s Texas plant can make 4.6 million dishes a year. Mass production might bring prices down eventually.
What’s ahead?
If this works, Starlink could change satellite internet. It’d deliver gigabit speeds like fiber to rural areas. SpaceX says its goal is to serve
“billions of people who still lack access to adequate broadband,”
per FCC filings. Fast Starlink could draw in businesses, gamers, and other big users.
There are hurdles. FCC approvals, hardware work, and Starship readiness are key. Starlink’s traffic has tripled in some places, leading to waitlists. Scaling up without slowing service is critical.
As of March 25, 2025, the gigabit-ready dish is still in progress. Beta testing might be happening. A full rollout hinges on regulatory nods and solid Starship flights. With 30 Starlink launches in 2024 and more slated for 2025, SpaceX is set to keep pushing satellite internet forward.
We’ve launched an official Tesla Owners Online Forum. Join early and claim your "Founding Fuel" badge.
