The typical PCMag reader knows plenty about Starlink—we’re pretty sure that’s true, because of the stratospheric number of people who read our stories about SpaceX’s start-up satellite ISP. But it seems the general public is not as well informed. Our survey of 1,041 US adults ages 18 and older (members of the general public who don’t necessarily read PCMag) revealed that well over 55% were in the dark about Starlink.
That’s a humbling number—or would be, if SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk, were even trying to get the word out. Which they aren’t, unless it’s to dunk on Bezos and company.
Regardless, among the survey respondents who said they were familiar with Starlink, the obsession remains. When we asked that group whether they’d switch to the satellite ISP if or when it was available in their area, 76% said they were likely to; 40% said very likely.
That sentiment is probably informed not so much by the quality of Starlink’s service but more by how deeply people hate their current fixed-wired ISPs. Our follow-up questions showed that the majority of people agree with statements that Starlink is faster and more reliable (meaning fewer interruptions) than nationwide ISPs such as Comcast Xfinity, Verizon Fios, and Charter’s Spectrum. Sure, Starlink is faster than any satellite competitor, but it’s nowhere near faster than a cable or fiber connection today. Starlink does have the lofty goal of 10-gigabits-per-second downloads. Along with the service’s reliability, that remain to be seen.
For remote locations that are essentially disenfranchised by the major ISPs, though, any decent speed is transformative. One thing at least some of the survey respondents got right is agreeing with the statement that Starlink internet is more for rural users than city users. In fact, Starlink’s getting millions from the FCC to improve broadband in rural areas. We researched which US counties need it the most.
One thing Elon Musk will be truly proud of is the stat we didn’t put on this graphic: We asked whether Starlink Internet is “cooler” than the nationwide ISPs, and 69% said yes. That’s a factor you can’t put a price tag on.
