Want to try out Starlink? You may have to wait until “late 2022 to early 2023”

Elon Musk recently announced via Twitter that the beta testing for his low-orbit satellite program, Starlink, will be ending in October 2021.

Musk’s company, SpaceX, launched Starlink in a beta phase and, as of May 2022, reported it had subscribers in 36 countries, serving a total of 400,000 customers.

But if you didn’t sign up during the beta testing period, it might be a while before you can try out the new satellite internet service. Until recently, Starlink’s website had been telling customers that they could expect to get coverage in 2021.

But as customers on Starlink’s Reddit page began noticing, the arrival dates were being pushed back a full year to “late 2022 to early 2023.” That said, users who pre-ordered during the beta phase were still seeing an expected delivery date of late 2021. 

Once those delays became apparent, Starlink updated the FAQ section of its website to include a question on when customers can expect to get coverage.  

“Silicon shortages have delayed production which has impacted our ability to fulfill orders,” it says. “Please visit your Account page for the most recent estimate on when you can expect your order to be fulfilled.”

While Musk initially expected a nationwide rollout by the end of October, these silicon shortages have apparently set Starlink back by a full year in many areas. You can still get in line for Starlink now — the company says “orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis in each area” — but you shouldn’t plan on using it for a while.

Starlink signup steps

Where is the Starlink beta sign up and how can you get in line? Their website makes Starlink sign-up quite simple, in fact, starting the signup process is the first thing you’ll see when you visit www.starlink.com. 

You’ll start by typing in your service address and clicking the “Order Now” button. The next page will show you when the service is expected to be available in your area. For example, “Starlink expects to expand service in your area by “late 2022 to early 2023. You will receive a notification once your Starlink is ready to ship.” Below this notice, you’ll see an itemized price list including:

• Hardware costs – $499
• Service – $99/mo
• Shipping & handling – $50
• Estimated Tax – varies

Following this price list, you’ll see a “Deposit Due Today” amount of $99 and a prompt to issue payment. Finally, if you’re selected to be a Starlink beta tester, and there is no guarantee that you will be, you’ll receive notice to pay $499 for the equipment which will usually ship out within two weeks of that notice.

Internet options in your area

If you can’t wait another year for Starlink, you may have other options like DSL, cable or fiber available in your area. Satellite companies HughesNet and Viasat also provide internet options virtually anywhere in the U.S.