The Starlink availability map doesn't match the FCC broadband map.
(Photo : CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 21 second-generation Starlink satellites launches from Space Launch Complex 40 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on February 27, 2023.
Because of this, many users are confused if Starlink internet services are available or unavailable in their areas.
To solve the problem, SpaceX wrote a letter to Federal Communications Commission Secretary Marlene H. Dortch.
"SpaceX crafted its availability data based on the technical capabilities of the Starlink system and a close reading of the rules governing the program," said the aerospace company via its official document.
Starlink Availability Map Don't Match FCC's!
According to PC Mag's latest report, SpaceX said that the incompatibility issue is not caused by false data.
(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule on launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center on November 09, 2021 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket is being prepared for the third attempt to launch the Crew-3 mission to the International Space Station.
Also Read: Next-Gen Starlink Satellite Dishes To Be Tested; Up to 200 Models Allowed by FCC
The space agency said that Starlink's availability map doesn't match FCC's because the regulator's mapping system can't differentiate its internet service tiers.
SpaceX explained that the Starlink map doesn't include its non-residential tiers, such as Starlink RV and Starlink business.
The reason behind this is that non-residential Starlink broadband services don't need to be waitlisted.
Starlink consumers can order them anytime. But, the price will vary depending on your area.
As of writing, the Starlink availability map only shows the areas (light blue) where residential internet service is available.
Aside from this, the Starlink map also highlights waitlisted areas (dark blue) and coming-soon places (navy blue).
SpaceX Solving the Issue
Although there's no direct solution to make the Starlink map and FCC broadband map match each other, SpaceX said that it is cooperating with the communications regulator.
As of press time, SpaceX is discussing the problem with FCC staff to find the best way how to reflect its internet's availability within the National Broadband Map.
FCC suggested that SpaceX should submit its data for Starlink Residential and Business plans, which the aerospace company already provided.
If you want to learn more details about the coordination of SpaceX and FCC to solve the map incompatibility issue, all you need to do is click this link.
In other news, SpaceX banned Ukraine from using its Starlink technology to control its military drones.
We also reported that the new Starlink Global Roaming service finally arrived.
For more news updates about Starlink and other internet providers, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.
Related Article: [STUDY] SpaceX Starlink Negatively Affects NASA Hubble Space Telescope! Will HST Become Useless?
