How To Sign Up & Pre-Order Starlink Internet (& What Happens Next)

SpaceX’s Starlink internet beta program is now accepting pre-orders. This is an opportunity for those interested in signing up to the non-traditional internet provider to do so. However, with this being a different type of internet provider, there are some points to be aware of before placing a pre-order, including the startup price and the likely wait time.

SpaceX has been slowly building out its internet service, although it is still some ways away from being fully ready. As a result, it remains in a beta status. In spite of this, users have reported a fairly good and reliable experience so far, and one that’s only likely to continue to improve as the company continues to launch more low-Earth orbit satellites. As part of its long-term goals, SpaceX plans to deliver up to 10Gbps Starlink download speeds in the future.

Actually signing up and pre-ordering Starlink is fairly easy to do by heading over to the Starlink website. All that’s specifically needed to enroll is an email address and the physical home address where the internet will be serving. However, signing up to the beta does also require a $99 deposit to be paid when enrolling. The Starink website does state that this is a refundable deposit, for those that don’t continue on with their order. At preset, only those located in the United States, Canada, and the UK are invited to pre-order Starlink.

What Happens After Ordering Starlink

During the order process, Starlink does provide some additional information which is worth being aware of before signing up and paying the deposit. Firstly, although the deposit is refundable, the website states the order doesn’t guarantee service. Therefore, some users may find out that even after ordering, they won’t get Starlink. The website explains that availability is limited and orders are first-come, first-served. Furthermore, the wait time might also be another issue. Before completing the order, Starlink will advise how long the wait will be. For some, it could take more than six months for an order to be fulfilled. For others, the wait might be even longer, depending on location.

Another caveat to keep in mind is the overall price. Although consumers are only expected to pay $99 when ordering and then $99 per month for the actual internet service, there are some startup costs involved. Most notably, those who order will have to pay a one-time $499 cost for the Starlink kit, which includes the router and the dish. There is also a $50 shipping and handling charge, as well as tax. All of which means those who order will need to pay a total of around $600 before they even connect to the Starlink internet network for the first time.

Source: Starlink

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John Finn
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John Finn is a technology editor and writer for Screen Rant. John has been covering technology since 2014 and focuses on where tech meets the movie and TV industry. A Psychology graduate from England who now lives in the US, John previously worked in the aviation industry as an airline reviewer. You can find John on Twitter @J_Finns or email at john [at] screenrant [dot] com.

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