SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell has announced ambitious plans to dramatically increase Starlink internet speeds, potentially reaching a blazing-fast 2 gigabits per second. This would be a significant leap from the current average speeds experienced by users, marking a major milestone for the satellite internet service.

Next-Generation Technology

Shotwell revealed these plans at the Annual Baron Investment Conference, highlighting advancements in Starlink's technology. "The next generation will have smaller beams, more capacity per beam, lower latency," she explained, suggesting significant improvements in the satellite network's capabilities per a report form Cnet.

Speeds 25 Times Faster

While no specific timeframe was given for achieving these speeds, the potential 2-gigabit speeds would be roughly 25 times faster than the current average speeds experienced by Starlink users in the US. Ookla's speed test data from a year ago showed average download speeds of 79 Mbps and upload speeds of 10 Mbps for US users.

Multiple Dishes vs. Improved Satellites

Shotwell acknowledged that while gigabit speeds are technically achievable now with multiple Starlink dishes, the company aims to deliver these speeds with a single dish through improved satellite signals and receiving capabilities.

Rapid Growth and Challenges

Starlink has experienced rapid growth in its user base, doubling from 2 million to 4 million users in the past year. However, its speeds haven't kept pace with this growth, raising concerns about network congestion and the ability to deliver consistent high speeds as more users join.

Starship's Role

The successful test flight of SpaceX's Starship, a spacecraft capable of launching larger and more powerful Starlink satellites, is seen as a key factor in achieving these ambitious speed goals. Shotwell emphasized the importance of Starship in expanding Starlink's satellite constellation and improving its capabilities.

Regulatory Hurdles

Starlink's ability to achieve these speeds also depends on regulatory approvals. The company has requested the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open up new radio bands and allow satellites to orbit closer to Earth, both of which could improve speeds. Recent political changes in the US suggest these requests may be more likely to be approved.

Looking Ahead

While challenges remain, the prospect of 2-gigabit speeds from Starlink is exciting news for users and the satellite internet industry. This advancement could significantly improve internet access in rural and underserved areas, potentially bridging the digital divide. It remains to be seen how quickly Starlink can achieve these speeds and whether existing users will need to upgrade their equipment to access them.