Starlink down in US? Thousands report outages on Elon Musk’s service

Numerous users across the United States are experiencing significant disruptions with SpaceX's Starlink internet service, as reported by outage tracking platform DownDetector. As of the latest updates, approximately 1,000 complaints have been logged, with a staggering 86% of users indicating they are facing network issues, while 14% are reporting complete service blackouts. Starlink, a division of Elon Musk's aerospace company SpaceX, deploys a constellation of satellites orbiting the Earth to deliver high-speed internet. The service aims to provide efficient, low-latency broadband across the globe, particularly benefiting rural and underserved regions where traditional internet services are often lacking. This innovative network is built on a system of around 7,000 low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites, which are expected to expand to a total of 40,000. Positioned approximately 550 kilometers above the Earth's surface, these satellites are designed to support a variety of online activities, including streaming, gaming, and video conferencing. To function effectively, Starlink's satellites must maintain communication with ground stations and user terminals, which necessitate an unobstructed view of the sky. Currently, the Residential Lite plan is priced at about $80 per month, offering unlimited data that may be deprioritized during peak times. Additionally, users need to invest in a Starlink kit, which costs a one-time fee of $349. For frequent travelers, Starlink provides roam plans starting at $50 for 50GB of data, along with a separate charge for a Starlink Mini Kit. However, user feedback on social platforms has been largely critical. One commenter on DownDetector expressed frustration, stating, "Starlink works rather poorly compared to the claims. I can't connect to any of my mobile games on Wi-Fi, and yesterday I could." Another user echoed concerns about the service's reliability, noting, "Starlink is only great when it is working. Then they suddenly restrict your connection, no email, no call. Ticket opened by AI, 3 days no resolution, no email, no contact centre. And they are expanding rapidly. Brace for zero customer service when there is an issue."