SpaceX’s satellite internet service, Starlink, is getting way faster — and it’s not just hype. According to new data from Ookla Speedtest, Starlink’s median download speeds in the U.S. jumped from 53.95 Mbps in Q3 2022 to 104.71 Mbps in Q1 2025. Upload speeds also improved significantly, climbing to 14.84 Mbps, while latency dropped to a respectable 45 ms, making the service feel much snappier.
So what’s driving the boost? Starlink has launched over 6,700 satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO) and continues to add more. The company’s also optimizing how your internet traffic travels, so you’re not bouncing data across the continent just to check your socials. Having more local connection points leads to better speeds.
While only 17.4% of U.S. Starlink users hit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)’s “true broadband” benchmark (100 Mbps down / 20 Mbps up), that’s still better than other satellite options like HughesNet. This small percentage is primarily due to Starlink not meeting the upload speed requirement in most areas, so it’s still a viable broadband option. Download speeds on average exceed 100 Mbps, but vary by state: Maine users are seeing 136.93 Mbps, while Alaska lags behind.
To bring in more users, Starlink is now giving away free equipment (worth about $350, one-year contract required) in about 33 states where it has extra capacity. Monthly plans range from $80 to $120, depending on the speeds you want.
Earlier this month, SpaceX launched the more rugged Starlink Performance Kit, designed to offer high-speed connectivity in the harshest environments. The company recently also completed deployment of its first-generation Starlink Direct to Cell constellation to provide satellite connectivity to mobile phones across the globe.
With rising performance, more satellites in orbit, and growing government support, Starlink is becoming a solid alternative for rural Americans—and maybe even some city dwellers, too. If you’ve been stuck with slow internet, it might finally be time to look up.
