Starlink has had to delay orders due to chip shortages. The satellite-based internet service announced it had over 500,00 preorders in May, but many customers are canceling because of the delays and poor customer service. Business Insider interviewed numerous customers who expressed frustration over little to no communication from Starlink regarding their orders. Some understood the chip shortage, while others hit the tipping point after months of no communication from the company.
When will I receive my Starlink?
If you place your order where we have coverage and capacity, you will receive a confirmation email with your order number, service and shipping address, and can view your shipping details on your Account page. We typically ship Starlink Kits out within 2 weeks.
If you are placing an order in an area where we don’t have coverage or capacity, you will see an estimated service date on the order page, which you can also view on your Account page. When service becomes available in your area, we will send you an email and you’ll have the opportunity to update your shipping, service, and billing details, or cancel your order. Orders will be fulfilled on a first-come, first-served basis in each area. We will be able to accommodate more users per area over time as we increase the number of satellites in orbit.
Silicon shortages have delayed production which has impacted our ability to fulfill orders. Please visit your Account page for the most recent estimate on when you can expect your order to be fulfilled.
A former Starlink VP said the root of the delay resides with the user terminal, which uses components also found in automobiles. This was echoed by another satellite internet provider CEO, who had the following to say:
“It’s a global scramble for chips,” James Yenbamroong, CEO and founder of mu Space, a satellite internet service provider, told Insider. “We’re seeing the shortages of chips for Starlink because the chips in their user terminals use the same production line as the electronics and automotive chips.”
Starlink planned to leave beta testing in October. Many customers are still awaiting service. On the plus side, customers who cancelled their service have received full refunds without issue.
Sources: Starlink (via Techdirt), Business Insider