https://www.nexus.org/podcast/starlink-global-blackout-performance-concerns/

On 24 July 2025, Starlink’s constellation experienced a rare, worldwide outage that left tens of thousands of users without internet for nearly three hours. SpaceX blamed a failure of key internal software services for the downtime, highlighting the growing vulnerability of low‑Earth orbit networks just as demand for satellite broadband surges.

Before jumping on the satellite broadband bandwagon, ask yourself if Starlink meets your needs. SpaceX touts this ambitious project as a solution to the digital divide, promising high-speed satellite internet where fibre and cable still cannot reach. Yet even the most innovative technologies come with trade‑offs. It’s sensible to weigh the potential benefits against the limitations before deciding whether this service is suitable for your home or business.

Check out our podcast (avail. on July 27, 2025)  in the series “Beyond Global Waves“: Starlink: Global Blackout & Performance Concerns

What Is Starlink?

Launched by SpaceX, Starlink is a satellite internet service that utilises thousands of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites. These satellites, which orbit closer to Earth than traditional satellites, beam internet signals down to Earth, providing connectivity almost anywhere. This proximity to Earth allows for low latency, which is the time it takes for data to travel from the user to the satellite and back, typically ranging from 20 to 40 milliseconds, making video calls and online gaming possible. Traditional broadband providers often overlook remote communities; Starlink aims to fill that gap by offering high‑speed broadband in rural and underserved regions.

Key Benefits of Starlink Internet

Starlink’s strengths lie in areas where fibre or DSL are unavailable. Its wide coverage makes it appealing to rural households, remote businesses, campers, and even ships and aeroplanes. Because LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth, they deliver low latency, usually between 20 and 40 milliseconds, making video calls and online games possible. Download speeds typically range from 100 to 200 Mbps, outpacing many rural cable and DSL connections. Another plus is its DIY installation: users can set up the equipment themselves, making Starlink attractive for emergency responders and travellers.

Challenges and Drawbacks of Starlink

Although the service is impressive, there are drawbacks to consider. Speeds fluctuate, especially when more users connect in the same area. Satellite handovers between orbiting satellites may cause brief slowdowns. Weather is another issue; heavy rain, snow or thick cloud cover can disrupt the signal, leading to temporary outages. Cost is also a factor: the hardware kit costs around £275–£475, and monthly fees are roughly £85–£95 (depending on countries) for residential plans. Business and maritime packages can be considerably more expensive. Your dish must have a clear view of the sky, so tall trees or buildings will block the signal. Another complaint has been Starlink’s limited customer support; early customers could only submit help tickets online, although phone support has recently been introduced in North America. There is also a data cap: standard users can consume up to 1 TB per month before facing potential throttling.

The Political Risks of Choosing Starlink: Why Some Users Are Sceptical

Besides technical and environmental concerns, there is also growing scepticism around the political implications of choosing Starlink as an internet provider. While the service offers vital connectivity in areas lacking reliable broadband, its ownership by Elon Musk has raised concerns beyond just performance or cost. Musk’s increasingly visible political views and controversial decisions, such as restricting Starlink access during military operations in Ukraine, have sparked debate over the influence he wields through his private infrastructure.

As with Tesla, many now question whether subscribing to Starlink means indirectly supporting a centralised business model and an individual whose personal politics may not align with their own. This has led some users, governments, and organisations to reconsider their reliance on Starlink, not only for technical or financial reasons, but also due to the broader ethical and geopolitical implications of such dependency.

Space and Environmental Concerns

Starlink’s rapid expansion has sparked concern among scientists and regulators. SpaceX has already launched more than 7,600 satellites and plans to deploy nearly 12,000, with a long‑term goal of 42,000. This raises the risk of space debris; collisions could generate cascading debris in a scenario known as the Kessler syndrome, a theoretical scenario in which the density of objects in low Earth orbit is high enough that collisions between objects could cause a cascade, increasing the amount of debris and making orbital missions hazardous. Astronomers worry about light pollution because the satellites reflect sunlight, interfering with ground‑based telescopes. Radio astronomers also report interference from Starlink transmissions. Finally, the environmental impact of frequent rocket launches, including emissions and potential ozone depletion, cannot be ignored.

The Musk Factor and Geopolitical Risks

Starlink is privately owned by Elon Musk via SpaceX. His personal decisions can affect service availability. In 2022, he restricted Starlink coverage in parts of Ukraine during a counteroffensive and refused its use in a naval drone strike. Such actions underscore national security concerns for governments that rely on commercial networks. As military agencies and emergency services adopt Starlink, they must carefully weigh these risks. The ‘Musk Factor’ refers to the influence of Elon Musk’s personal decisions on the operation and availability of the Starlink network, which can have significant implications for national security and emergency response.

Lessons from the July 2025 Global Outage

A reminder of Starlink’s vulnerability came on 24 July 2025, when a global Starlink outage lasted about two and a half hours. Tens of thousands of users lost connectivity. Starlink’s vice‑president of engineering blamed a failure in internal software services, and Elon Musk apologised publicly, promising improvements. The outage shows that even modern LEO constellations can suffer critical software faults.

Choosing the Right Internet Service

For those living in remote areas, Starlink can be a game‑changer. It offers speeds and latency that older satellite systems cannot match. However, users should weigh the higher cost, potential reliability issues, and line‑of‑sight requirements. In cities and suburbs, fibre or cable internet remains faster, more reliable and cheaper. As Starlink evolves, it will continue to offer new possibilities; however, it remains a complement rather than a replacement for traditional broadband, especially when concerns about resilience and security are present.

NEXUS‑IBA: Satellite Broadcasting for Africa and Asia’s Digital Divide

An example of satellite technology closing this gap comes from NEXUS-International Broadcasting Association (NEXUS-IBA). Our not-for-profit group utilises dedicated satellites to transmit audio and video signals directly to Africa and Asia. These broadcast and point-to-point satellite feeds serve as a backbone for local radio and television stations, reaching communities far beyond the digital divide.

In many of these regions, there is no fibre infrastructure and satellite internet services like Starlink are either unavailable or prohibitively expensive. By leveraging affordable satellite links, NEXUS‑IBA delivers religious programmes, as well as news and educational programmes, bypassing censorship and keeping remote communities connected.