If your internet suddenly went quiet on Tuesday, it’s likely you’re using Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX. This is a rare event, but when it happens, it affects people worldwide. As of May 2023, Starlink boasts over 1.5 million users.
What is Starlink?
Starlink is an advanced satellite internet system that covers more than 60 countries. It relies on a fleet of over 5,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit to deliver internet access globally. Announced in 2015, it took off in 2019 and is now the world’s largest satellite network, set to generate a staggering $30 billion by 2025. Users enjoy download speeds from 25 to 220 Mbps, depending on their location.
The Outage
On September 13, 2023, at 8:30 PM ET, Starlink experienced a widespread network outage. While the exact cause remains a mystery, the official Starlink account assured users they were actively working on a solution. Speculations suggest it may be linked to a global system update. Interestingly, this update wasn’t meant to occur across all zones simultaneously.
Global Impact
The outage affected users worldwide. Nearly 33,000 people swiftly reported the issue. For 58%, Starlink services completely shut down, leaving them unable to connect. Another 41% experienced a loss of internet connection, while only 1% dealt with poor reception. Surprisingly, this was the first major disruption in over a year, indicating that Starlink might have been upgrading its global system for better service in the future.
Restoration of Service
Fortunately, Starlink swiftly resolved the problem. Many users took to social media to share their relief as their connections were restored. By 9:39 PM ET, the company officially announced that the network issue had been fully resolved. In most regions, the outage lasted for about three hours. However, some places like the Caribbean, New Hampshire, and California were back online within just 20 minutes.
Conclusion
For millions around the world, Starlink is a crucial source of internet connectivity. The recent outage, though brief, highlighted how dependent we have become on such technology. The rapid response from Starlink’s team in resolving the issue shows their dedication to keeping the world connected. As technology continues to advance, occasional hiccups like this are bound to happen, but the resilience and swift action demonstrated by Starlink are commendable.
