Summary:
- SpaceX is developing a new Starlink dish designed to deliver gigabit internet speeds, significantly enhancing the current average download speeds of approximately 200Mbps.
- SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval to operate way more Starlink satellites, which would upgrade the network’s capabilities and support gigabit speeds.
- All that would improve service quality for existing users and expand capacity in areas experiencing high demand, such as Harare, leading to more people being able to sign up.
SpaceX is rolling out next-generation Starlink satellite dishes, including a high-performance model capable of gigabit speeds, according to a recent report by PCMag.
The new dishes are designed to be more efficient, supporting higher bandwidth and better connectivity. SpaceX’s President Gwynne Shotwell says Starlink speeds will reach as high as 2 gigabits.
For the nerds, this will come because next generation satellites willl have smaller beams, more capacity per beam and lower latency.
All the above will likely require users seeking Gigabit speeds to upgrade to new dishes that are in the works. However, it’s not all about faster, fibre-like speeds for existing users.
For users in Harare and other parts of Zimbabwe—where Starlink has been operating at capacity—this upgrade could mean a much-needed expansion in availability. The number of people I personally know who are on the waiting list is staggering.
What’s Changing with Starlink?
SpaceX has filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. for approval of three new Starlink dish models:
- A standard consumer model with improved performance.
- A high-performance dish offering gigabit speeds for power users.
- A compact, portable dish for mobility.
These upgrades show that SpaceX is not only enhancing speed but also optimising satellite bandwidth usage.
The new dishes are likely to support more users per satellite cell, which would mean an improvement in congestion in high-demand areas.
What This Means for Harare
In Zimbabwe, Starlink has faced capacity challenges, leaving many potential customers unable to sign up. The introduction of more advanced satellites could mean:
- Increased network capacity, allowing more Harare residents to connect.
- Faster speeds, especially for businesses and high-demand users.
- Better reliability, as the new technology may reduce network strain.
This comes from a planned upgrade for the Starlink constellation, which will involve using a broader range of radio spectrum.
If SpaceX goes through with these upgrades globally, Harare and other areas that are at capacity could see expanded access.
This right here is why Zimbabwean internet providers should not rest on their laurels thinking this whole Starlink capacity issue will persist indefinitely.
SpaceX has access to billions and barring regulatory challenges, will improve its capacity constraints quicker than you would imagine.
We have seen a response but time will tell if what they are offering will be enough to stop people from getting on the $30 unlimited internet at speeds occasionally above 100Mbps. Oh, and with zero interest access to get the kits on credit.
Looking Ahead
While official confirmation on rollout timeline is still pending, the FCC filings indicate that SpaceX is preparing for a significant network upgrade.
For Harare users waiting to join Starlink or experiencing congestion, all the above could soon mean more available slots and better service.
For now, my dear Zimbos you should watch for updates from Starlink and its local partners—improvements in hardware and satellite efficiency may soon make Starlink internet accessible to many more.
I’ll add this. I don’t want to see Starlink completely take over the market and so my hope is that local players will take this time to grab as many people as they can and get them hooked and loyal.
Humans don’t like change and if they are getting a good deal, comparably priced at similar performance, or cheaper at lower performance, they likely won’t be tempted to sign up for Starlink when capacity opens up.
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