Starlink is preparing a breakthrough: a new antenna with gigabit speed

A new Starlink antenna capable of providing Internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps may appear this year. As PC Magazine reports, there are numerous signs of this: comments from SpaceX representatives and a closed webinar for Starlink distributors. Such a level of Internet connection speed will be a significant leap compared to the current average of 100-200 Mbps.

What is known about the new Starlink antenna?

Preliminary data suggests that users will need new equipment to access gigabit connectivity — currently available terminals do not support the required frequency range. The new antenna may be offered first to business users, and later to the broader market.

To provide gigabit speeds, SpaceX is planning a massive upgrade to its satellite constellation:

• Launch of third-generation V3 satellites using the Starship rocket
• Use of a wider frequency spectrum (L-, S-, Ku-, Ka-, V- and W-bands)
• Lowering satellite orbits to 340–365 km to reduce latency to less than 20ms

The company has already filed a number of requests with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for approval of changes to the second-generation network. In total, SpaceX wants permission to deploy up to 30,000 satellites - significantly more than the current number (about 6,600).

Starlink High Performance price drop hints at new model

Another development worth noting is the price of the existing Starlink High Performance business antenna has dropped from $2,499 to $1,499 . This move, according to PC Magazine, may indicate that the company is preparing to release a new, more powerful version of the business terminal. Industry analysts see this as an attempt to make room for a new line of devices, which will likely support gigabit speeds.

SpaceX's future plans and challenges

SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell previously said that the next generation of Starlink will have smaller beams, higher bandwidth, and lower latency. The claimed speeds of up to 2 Gbps should allow Starlink to approach the speed performance of leading terrestrial technologies, including fiber-optic networks.

However, the release date of the new equipment is not yet known. It will be determined by the success of Starship test launches and obtaining all necessary permits from regulators.