How much faster did Starlink get in 2026?
Ookla's US Broadband Performance Report for January to June 2026, published September 15, found that 18.9% of US Starlink Speedtest users reached 100/20 Mbps in the first half of 2025, and 40% did in the first half of 2026 (TelecomLead). Ookla's data points to added satellite capacity and network upgrades, including better upload speeds (Broadband Breakfast).
Which states see the best Starlink speeds?
In the first half of 2025, no state had at least half of its Starlink users reaching 100/20. That became five states by the second half of 2025 and 17 in the first half of 2026. South Dakota led with 58.2% (up from 37.1% a year earlier), then Nebraska at 57%. Colorado, Wyoming and Minnesota were each above 55%. Illinois rose from 43.2% to 53.2% in six months (Broadband Breakfast, TelecomLead).
The big states trail. California reached 42.8%, Texas 31.4% and Florida 30.9%. Ookla notes that states with large Starlink subscriber bases and many tests, including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Washington, may face more capacity demand and congestion.
How does that compare with cable and fiber?
Still behind. Ookla found 46 states and DC had at least 60% of fixed broadband (fiber, cable, DSL) Speedtest users reaching 100/20, and 13 states passed 70%. Only Wisconsin, Wyoming, Montana and Alaska fell below 60% (Benton Institute, summarizing Ookla). If cable or fiber is available at your address, it will usually be the safer pick on speed. Starlink's case is strongest where wired options are slow or missing.
What do these numbers not tell you?
They are Speedtest results from people who chose to run a test, not a random sample of all subscribers. "40% reach 100/20" also means 60% did not, and a share is not a median speed. We have not independently measured any of this, and the full Ookla report has state detail we did not review beyond the published summaries.
Should you order Starlink based on this?
Use it as one data point. Check your address on starlink.com for current plans and availability, since pricing and capacity vary by location. If you order through our referral link, you get the same reward as the person who referred you, which Starlink gives as cash or service credit once you have been subscribed for two months (Starlink's US example is $100; the amount shown in your Starlink account is what counts). See also our Starlink vs Amazon Leo comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is the 100/20 Mbps benchmark?
It is the FCC's current minimum for fixed broadband: 100 Mbps download and 20 Mbps upload.
What share of Starlink users reached 100/20 Mbps in 2026?
40% in the first half of 2026, up from 18.9% in the first half of 2025, according to Ookla Speedtest data reported by TelecomLead.
Which state has the best Starlink speeds?
South Dakota, where 58.2% of Starlink Speedtest users reached 100/20 Mbps, followed by Nebraska at 57% (Broadband Breakfast).
Is Starlink faster than cable or fiber?
Not by this measure. 46 states and DC had at least 60% of fixed broadband users reaching 100/20, versus 40% for Starlink nationally.
Why are Starlink speeds lower in California, Texas and Florida?
Ookla says states with many Starlink subscribers and tests may face more congestion. This is Ookla's reading of the data, not a measured cause.