SpaceX continues to launch Starlink satellites. 14 things to know about internet provider

SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 June 12 with 53 Starlink satellites on board, joining thousands of others already in orbit.

The company owned by Elon Musk has come a long way since the first batch of satellites launched in May 2019.

Here's a few answers to questions about Starlink.

What is Starlink?

Starlink is the satellite network developed by private spaceflight company SpaceX to provide low-cost internet around the world.

Starlink uses satellites in a low earth orbit to deliver broadband internet to customers. Its capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more, according to the company's website.

How many customers does Starlink have?

SpaceX announced reaching more than 1.5 million subscribers in May 2023.

How does Starlink work?

Most satellite internet services come from single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at 35,786 kilometers. As a result, the round trip data time between the user and satellite — known as latency — is high, making it nearly impossible to support streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data rate activities.

Starlink is a constellation of thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to Earth, at about 550 kilometers, and cover the entire globe. Because Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, latency is significantly lower — around 25 milliseconds  vs more than 600 milliseconds.

Starlink satellites visible: Those bright lights in Southwest Florida sky on Sunday? That was a Starlink satellite train

How much does Starlink cost?

The equipment cost runs $599 for residential service with a $110 monthly subscription fee, according to Forbes.

Also, you can get a refund on your equipment fee if you cancel within 30 days and return the equipment in good shape and with the original packaging.

There is no cancellation fee.

What kind of speed do you get with Starlink?

Starlink offers unlimited high-speed internet speeds up to 500 megabits per second. There are three internet plans to choose from: Starlink, Starlink RV and Starlink Business. Depending on your download speed, the plans range from 50 to 500 Mbps at $110 to $500 per month, according to Forbes.

How large is the Starlink satellite dish?

The Starlink dish measures slightly over 11 inches long by just under 10 inches long.

Customers who order the service receive a Starlink kit that includes a Starlink dish, WiFi router, cables and base. It is self-orienting and connects in minutes as long as it has a clear view of the sky.

How do you order Starlink service kit?

Enter your address to check availability or whether there is a wait list in your area and to place an order.

Is service available throughout Florida?

The availability map shows service across most of Central and South Florida, but service is not expected to be available in North Florida and much of the Panhandle until sometime later this year.

Is there a wait list if service is not available in your area?

Yes. And if you hover over the map, you can see when service is expected. A $99 deposit for the waitlist applies toward equipment purchase price once service is available, according to Forbes.

Rocket launch schedule: Upcoming Florida launches and landings

What is Starlink Roam?

Starlink Roam can be ordered by anyone, with no waitlist, according to StarlinkHardware.com, an unofficial resource for SpaceX Starlink satellite internet users. The Roam service works anywhere with active Starlink coverage, which includes waitlisted areas.

Starlink Roam costs $150 a month, which is more than the normal Starlink residential service. In addition, Roam users don't have priority on the network so if there is heavy use, Roam users will see their performance degrade before Starlink residential customers.

How does weather affect Starlink service?

Starlink can withstand extreme cold, heat, hail, sleet, heavy rain, gale force winds, and even rocket engines, according the the website.

However, heavy rain and snow can cause internet outages.

How many satellites are in orbit now?

SpaceX currently has more than 4,200 functioning Starlink satellites in space, according to a tabulation by Jonathan McDowell, an expert tracker of spaceflight activity and an astronomer at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

How many Starlink satellites will be placed in orbit?

SpaceX has regulatory approval to launch up to 12,000 more Starlink craft and is seeking permission to add 30,000 more, according to Space.com.

Where is Starlink service available around the world?

Starlink service is available in much of the U.S., Europe and New Zealand, in addition to portions of Canada, Australia and South America.

➤ Interactive map showing availability

Many of the remaining countries and areas show availability coming in 2023. This includes some areas of the U.S. and all of Africa.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Starlink: 14 things to know about the satellite internet provider