Best Countries for Starlink 2026: Where It's Available & Fast
Complete Starlink availability guide by country. Coverage maps, speeds by region, pricing, regulatory status, and the best countries for Starlink and remote work in 2026.
Starlink is now available in over 70 countries, but “available” does not mean “equally good everywhere.” Speeds vary dramatically by country depending on subscriber density, ground station proximity, and how recently the service launched. Pricing ranges from $40/month in developing nations to $130+ in wealthy markets. And some of the most popular digital nomad destinations — India, Southeast Asia outside of select countries, most of Africa — still have no Starlink service at all.
This guide maps out exactly where Starlink works in 2026, how well it performs in each region, what it costs, and which countries offer the best combination of Starlink coverage and remote work infrastructure. Whether you are planning a move to a rural property overseas, evaluating Starlink for international van travel, or choosing your next nomad base with connectivity in mind, this is the data you need.
For a complete understanding of how the technology works, see our how Starlink works explainer. For plan options and pricing, see Starlink plans explained.
Starlink Global Availability Overview
As of March 2026, Starlink’s availability breaks down into four tiers:
Tier 1: Full Service (Active, Established)
Countries where Starlink has operated for 1+ years with dense ground station infrastructure and mature service.
Tier 2: Active Service (Growing)
Countries where Starlink is available but may have waitlists in some areas, fewer ground stations, or service launched within the last year.
Tier 3: Coming Soon / Waitlist Only
Countries where Starlink has regulatory approval but has not yet launched, or where service is limited to waitlist signups.
Tier 4: Not Available
Countries where Starlink has no regulatory approval, no announced plans, or government restrictions prevent operation.
Top 10 Countries for Starlink in 2026
These rankings consider speed performance, pricing, availability, ground station coverage, and overall remote work infrastructure.
1. United States
The United States is Starlink’s home market and largest subscriber base. Ground station density is the highest globally, with facilities across the contiguous US plus Alaska and Hawaii.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | All 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii |
| Average Speed | 80-200 Mbps (varies by location and congestion) |
| Residential Price | $120/month + $299 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 50+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | No waitlist in most areas; some urban areas deprioritized |
| Best Regions | Rural Mountain West, Pacific Northwest, Great Plains |
Performance notes: Rural areas in the western US consistently deliver the best Starlink speeds due to low subscriber density per satellite cell. Urban and suburban areas near major cities (particularly the Northeast corridor) show significantly lower performance due to congestion. The US has the most comprehensive Starlink infrastructure globally.
Digital nomad angle: The US offers excellent Starlink coverage for vanlifers and RV travelers exploring national parks, BLM land, and national forests. Combine with a VPN like NordVPN for security on public campground WiFi.
2. Canada
Canada was one of the first countries to receive Starlink service, partly because its vast rural landscape is the exact use case Starlink was designed for. Performance is excellent across most of the country.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | All provinces and territories |
| Average Speed | 100-200 Mbps in rural areas |
| Residential Price | CAD $140/month + CAD $349 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 15+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None in most areas |
| Best Regions | British Columbia interior, Northern Ontario, Prairies |
Performance notes: Canada’s relatively low population density outside major urban centers means satellite cells are rarely congested. Northern Canada (above 60 degrees latitude) has coverage from polar orbital shells, which are sparser than the main constellation, but still delivers 30-80 Mbps — a massive improvement over the near-zero connectivity options that existed before.
3. Australia
Australia has embraced Starlink enthusiastically, and for good reason. The continent’s vast interior has historically had some of the worst internet connectivity in the developed world. Starlink has transformed connectivity for outback stations, rural towns, and off-grid properties.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide including Tasmania |
| Average Speed | 100-200 Mbps in rural areas; 50-100 Mbps in suburban |
| Residential Price | AUD $139/month + AUD $599 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 10+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | Queensland outback, Western Australia, Northern Territory |
Digital nomad angle: Australia’s Working Holiday Visa (ages 18-35 from eligible countries) combined with Starlink means you can work remotely from stunning but remote locations — the Kimberley, far north Queensland, or Tasmania’s west coast — with genuine broadband. Pair with SafetyWing travel insurance for health coverage in remote areas where medical facilities are far apart.
4. New Zealand
New Zealand consistently reports some of the highest average Starlink speeds globally, thanks to a small population, limited congestion, and good ground station coverage relative to the country’s size.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Both North and South Islands |
| Average Speed | 120-250 Mbps |
| Residential Price | NZD $159/month + NZD $599 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 3+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | South Island (very low congestion) |
Performance notes: New Zealand may be the single best country for Starlink performance globally. Low subscriber density, relatively new service with Gen2 satellites, and a population concentrated in a few urban centers means rural users often see 150-250 Mbps consistently.
5. United Kingdom
The UK was an early Starlink market in Europe and has strong ground station infrastructure. Performance is solid but varies due to the country’s relatively dense population.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide |
| Average Speed | 80-150 Mbps |
| Residential Price | GBP 75/month + GBP 299 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 5+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | Scotland Highlands, Wales, rural England |
Performance notes: Urban England (London, Birmingham, Manchester) shows higher congestion than rural Scotland and Wales. The UK is small enough geographically that ground station proximity is never a latency concern.
6. Germany
Germany has one of the larger Starlink subscriber bases in Europe, driven by frustration with the country’s notoriously slow broadband rollout in rural areas. Performance is good, though urban congestion exists.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide |
| Average Speed | 80-180 Mbps |
| Residential Price | EUR 65/month + EUR 349 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 5+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | Bavaria, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern |
7. France
France has enthusiastically adopted Starlink, particularly in rural southern and central regions where DSL and fiber coverage remains spotty.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide including overseas territories (limited) |
| Average Speed | 90-200 Mbps |
| Residential Price | EUR 40/month + EUR 349 hardware |
| Ground Stations | 5+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | Massif Central, Pyrenees, Brittany interior |
Digital nomad angle: France offers one of the most affordable Starlink Residential plans in Europe at EUR 40/month. Combined with France’s excellent quality of life, rural property affordability (compared to Paris), and Schengen zone access, it is an attractive base for nomads who want Starlink-powered rural living within reach of European cities.
8. Brazil
Brazil is Starlink’s largest market in South America and one of the most impactful deployments globally. The Amazon region, remote cattle ranches, and indigenous communities have gained internet access for the first time through Starlink.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide |
| Average Speed | 60-150 Mbps |
| Residential Price | BRL 184/month ( |
| Ground Stations | 5+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None in most areas |
| Best Regions | Amazon region, Mato Grosso, Northeast interior |
Performance notes: Brazil’s equatorial regions have slightly higher latency (40-60ms) due to the orbital mechanics of LEO satellite coverage near the equator. Ground station buildout is ongoing. Pricing is significantly lower than the US, reflecting local purchasing power adjustments.
9. Mexico
Mexico is an important Starlink market with growing adoption, particularly along the Pacific coast, Baja California, and in central highland areas popular with digital nomads.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Most of the country |
| Average Speed | 50-120 Mbps |
| Residential Price | MXN 1,100/month ( |
| Ground Stations | 3+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | Some areas on waitlist |
| Best Regions | Baja California, Pacific coast, Central highlands |
Digital nomad angle: Mexico is one of the top digital nomad destinations globally, and Starlink adds a critical layer of connectivity for nomads exploring beyond the well-connected cities of Mexico City, Playa del Carmen, and Oaxaca. Beach towns, mountain villages, and Baja surf spots often lack reliable cellular — Starlink fills those gaps. For urban connectivity, an eSIM from Saily is more practical and affordable.
10. Japan
Japan approved Starlink in late 2022 and service has expanded rapidly. While Japan already has excellent terrestrial broadband in urban areas, Starlink serves mountainous rural areas, remote islands, and maritime users.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Nationwide including most islands |
| Average Speed | 80-200 Mbps |
| Residential Price | JPY 6,600/month ( |
| Ground Stations | 5+ locations |
| Waitlist Status | None |
| Best Regions | Hokkaido, Tohoku, Shikoku, rural Kyushu |
Regional Performance Comparison
| Feature | North America | Europe | Oceania | South America | Africa | Asia |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Countries Active | US, Canada, Mexico | 30+ (EU, UK, Switzerland, etc.) | Australia, New Zealand | Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Argentina, Peru | Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi | Japan, Philippines, Mongolia |
| Avg Download | 80-200 Mbps | 80-200 Mbps | 100-250 Mbps | 50-150 Mbps | 40-120 Mbps | 60-200 Mbps |
| Avg Latency | 20-40ms | 20-40ms | 25-45ms | 30-60ms | 35-70ms | 25-50ms |
| Ground Stations | 65+ combined | 40+ combined | 15+ combined | 10+ combined | 5+ combined | 10+ combined |
| Price Range | $60-120/mo | $40-130/mo | $80-110/mo (local) | $35-80/mo | $30-50/mo | $35-75/mo |
| Nomad Rating | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Emerging | Limited coverage |
Countries Where Starlink Is NOT Available
Several major countries remain without Starlink service, for varying reasons:
Regulatory / Political Blocks
- China — Chinese government will not approve a US military contractor’s satellite constellation operating over Chinese territory. No change expected.
- Russia — Sanctions and geopolitical tensions prevent any SpaceX operations in Russia.
- Iran — US sanctions and Iranian government restrictions prevent service.
- North Korea — No commercial internet services of any kind permitted.
Pending Regulatory Approval
- India — SpaceX has applied for licensing but faces regulatory delays, spectrum disputes, and competition from India’s own satellite internet initiatives (Jio Space, ISRO). Potential launch date remains uncertain.
- Indonesia — Regulatory discussions ongoing; Indonesia’s vast archipelago would benefit enormously from Starlink.
- Thailand — Government has shown interest but no license granted as of early 2026.
- Vietnam — Regulatory discussions ongoing.
- South Africa — Regulatory process in progress; licensing expected in 2026.
Not Yet Expanded
- Most of Central Africa — Limited ground station infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
- Most of Central Asia — Low commercial priority; limited ground station coverage.
- Pacific Island nations — Some coverage exists via maritime plans but no Residential service.
For travelers heading to countries without Starlink, an eSIM remains the best connectivity option. Airalo covers 200+ countries including all of Southeast Asia, India, and Africa — regions where Starlink is not yet available.
Starlink for Digital Nomads: Best Countries to Base
If you are choosing a base country partly based on Starlink availability, these destinations combine excellent Starlink service with digital nomad infrastructure:
Best for Rural / Off-Grid Living
| Country | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Portugal | Affordable rural properties, Starlink active, D7 visa, EU access, excellent weather |
| France | Cheap Starlink ($40/mo), affordable rural areas, EU healthcare, world-class food |
| New Zealand | Fastest Starlink speeds globally, stunning landscapes, WHV available |
| Australia | Outback broadband, WHV for under-35s, high earning potential |
| Canada | Vast rural land, strong Starlink, stable infrastructure |
Best for Mix of Urban + Rural
| Country | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Mexico | Low cost of living, nomad visa available, good Starlink + cellular combo |
| Brazil | Cheapest Starlink in Americas, vibrant cities, growing nomad scene |
| Colombia | Starlink active, nomad visa, Medellin/Bogota have great coworking |
| Japan | World-class infrastructure, affordable Starlink, stable and safe |
| Chile | Stable economy, Starlink active, Patagonia + Santiago balance |
Countries to Watch (Coming Soon)
- Indonesia — Once approved, Starlink would transform connectivity across the archipelago’s remote islands. Currently, Bali and Jakarta have decent cellular, but islands like Flores, Sumba, and Raja Ampat have minimal connectivity.
- South Africa — Regulatory approval expected soon. Would serve the large rural population and safari/tourism sector.
- Thailand — If approved, would complement already-good urban cellular with rural mountain coverage in the north.
For a comprehensive guide to choosing a nomad base beyond just internet considerations, see our Best Countries for Digital Nomads 2026 guide.
Pricing by Country
Starlink adjusts its pricing based on local market conditions and purchasing power. Here is a snapshot of Residential plan pricing across major markets:
| Country | Monthly Cost (Local) | Monthly Cost (USD equiv.) | Hardware Cost (USD equiv.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $120 | $120 | $299 |
| Canada | CAD 140 | ~$103 | ~$257 |
| United Kingdom | GBP 75 | ~$95 | ~$380 |
| Germany | EUR 65 | ~$71 | ~$382 |
| France | EUR 40 | ~$44 | ~$382 |
| Australia | AUD 139 | ~$90 | ~$389 |
| New Zealand | NZD 159 | ~$93 | ~$350 |
| Japan | JPY 6,600 | ~$44 | ~$370 |
| Brazil | BRL 184 | ~$35 | ~$280 |
| Mexico | MXN 1,100 | ~$60 | ~$500 |
| Nigeria | NGN 38,000 | ~$25 | ~$300 |
| Kenya | KES 6,500 | ~$50 | ~$350 |
| Chile | CLP 40,000 | ~$42 | ~$350 |
| Colombia | COP 200,000 | ~$48 | ~$380 |
Key insight: France, Japan, Brazil, and Nigeria offer some of the most affordable Starlink plans globally. If you are location-flexible and planning to use Starlink Residential as your primary internet, these countries offer the best value.
Roam plan pricing is fixed globally regardless of where you activate: $50/month for Regional Roam (one continent), $165/month for Global Roam. This is the plan most travelers and nomads use.
Rural vs Urban Performance
One consistent pattern across every country: Starlink performs best in rural areas and worst in urban areas. This may seem counterintuitive, but it makes sense when you understand how the network allocates capacity.
Each Starlink satellite divides its coverage area into cells. Each cell has a fixed bandwidth capacity. In rural areas, very few subscribers share each cell, so each user gets a large share of the available bandwidth. In urban areas, hundreds or thousands of subscribers share the same cell, and the bandwidth is divided among them.
Practical implication for travelers: Starlink is most valuable exactly where you are most likely to need it — remote areas, rural properties, and off-grid locations. If you are in a city with fiber broadband and strong 5G coverage, Starlink adds little value. This alignment between need and performance is one of Starlink’s genuine strengths.
For travelers who split time between cities and rural areas, we recommend a dual approach: use a local eSIM or cellular hotspot in urban areas (faster, cheaper, more portable), and Starlink for rural and off-grid locations. This combination covers virtually every connectivity scenario globally. See our best internet for digital nomads guide for the complete strategy.
How to Use Starlink Internationally
Roam Plan Basics
The Starlink Roam plan is designed for international use. Here is how it works:
- Purchase hardware ($299 Standard dish or $599 Mini) and activate a Roam plan ($50 Regional or $165 Global).
- Travel to any supported country. No need to notify SpaceX or change settings.
- Set up the dish. It automatically connects to overhead satellites and routes through the nearest ground station.
- Your service continues seamlessly. Billing continues at your plan rate regardless of country.
International Considerations
- Customs and import: Carrying a Starlink dish through international customs is generally fine. It is consumer electronics. Some travelers have reported questions at customs but no confiscations in supported countries. Carry your purchase receipt.
- Power differences: Starlink’s power supply accepts 100-240V, 50/60Hz — universal input. You only need a plug adapter, not a voltage converter.
- Regulatory compliance: Starlink’s Roam plan handles regulatory compliance automatically. If you are in a country where Starlink is not licensed, the dish simply will not connect.
Countries Where Roam Works vs Does Not Work
Roam works in all countries where Starlink has active Residential service. It does not work in countries where Starlink has no regulatory approval — even if satellites are overhead. The dish’s firmware enforces geographic restrictions based on GPS coordinates.
Security Considerations
When using Starlink internationally, especially in countries with internet surveillance or censorship, security measures are important:
- Use a VPN. NordVPN encrypts all traffic between your device and the VPN server, preventing surveillance at any point along the Starlink network path — from your dish to the satellite to the ground station. This is especially important in countries with government monitoring.
- Starlink traffic is not end-to-end encrypted by default. Like any ISP, SpaceX can theoretically see your traffic metadata. A VPN eliminates this concern.
- Ground station jurisdiction matters. Your traffic exits the Starlink network at a ground station, which may be in a different country than your physical location. A VPN ensures your traffic is encrypted regardless of which ground station routes it.
Final Thoughts: Starlink Coverage Is Expanding Fast
Starlink’s geographic footprint has expanded from a handful of countries in 2021 to over 70 in 2026, and the pace is accelerating. Countries that were “coming soon” a year ago are now active. Pricing has generally decreased as the constellation matures. And performance continues to improve with each batch of Gen2 satellites launched.
For digital nomads and remote workers, Starlink has opened up an entirely new category of livable locations. Rural Portugal, outback Australia, Baja Mexico, and the mountains of Colombia are now viable remote work bases — not because their local internet infrastructure improved, but because a constellation of satellites made the question of local infrastructure irrelevant.
If you are planning international travel or a location move and Starlink coverage is a factor, the key takeaway is this: North America, Europe, Oceania, and the coastal/southern countries of South America have mature, reliable Starlink service today. Africa and Asia have limited but growing coverage. India and Southeast Asia (outside of the Philippines and Japan) remain the biggest gaps.
For destinations without Starlink, an eSIM from Airalo covering 200+ countries is the best alternative for staying connected. Pair it with SafetyWing travel insurance for health coverage, and you are set for work from anywhere — with or without a satellite dish.
Browse all our Starlink guides for setup instructions, hardware reviews, and detailed comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries is Starlink available in?
As of early 2026, Starlink is available in 70+ countries including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Nigeria, Kenya, and most of Europe. Notable countries where Starlink is NOT available include China, Russia, India, Iran, and North Korea. Check starlink.com/map for real-time availability.
Is Starlink available in Africa?
Starlink is available in select African countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Zambia, and Malawi as of 2026. Coverage is expanding across the continent, with several additional countries in regulatory approval stages. Starlink is particularly impactful in Africa because it provides broadband to areas with minimal terrestrial infrastructure.
Can I use Starlink Roam in other countries?
Yes. The Global Roam plan ($165/month) allows you to use Starlink in any country where the service is active. You can move between countries without changing plans or notifying SpaceX -- the dish automatically connects to overhead satellites wherever you are. The Regional Roam plan ($50/month) only works within one continent.
Why is Starlink not available in India?
India has not granted Starlink a license to operate, citing national security concerns, spectrum allocation disputes, and a preference for promoting domestic satellite internet projects. SpaceX has applied for licensing but the process has been delayed repeatedly. Indian regulators have raised concerns about data sovereignty and satellite spectrum coordination.
Which country has the fastest Starlink speeds?
Based on aggregated speed test data, countries with the fastest average Starlink speeds tend to be those with lower subscriber density and good ground station infrastructure. As of early 2026, New Zealand, parts of rural United States, Canada, and Australia consistently report among the highest average speeds (100-200+ Mbps). European countries like France and Germany also perform well.
Is Starlink cheaper in some countries?
Yes. Starlink adjusts pricing by country based on local purchasing power and market conditions. The Residential plan ranges from approximately $40-50/month in lower-income countries (Nigeria, Kenya, Brazil) to $120/month in the US and $130+ in some European countries. Hardware prices also vary. The Roam plans have fixed global pricing regardless of where you activate.