Starlink Reaches Capacity in UAE, Prompting Waitlists for New Users
Starlink’s satellite internet service is already facing significant demand hurdles in the UAE, with the company’s ordering portal now informing potential customers that the network has reached full capacity in several areas. Residents in regions like Al Quoz, Dubai, and Al Majaz, Sharjah, who are eager to sign up for the service, are currently being redirected to a waitlist. To secure a spot in line, users are required to place a refundable deposit of approximately Dh285.71, though the company has not provided a specific timeline for when these new connections might become available.
This surge in demand comes shortly after Starlink received a 10-year operating license from the UAE’s Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). While the service was intended to bolster the nation's existing fiber-optic infrastructure for residential, corporate, and maritime sectors, it appears that the initial interest has outpaced the current satellite capacity. For now, SpaceX has stated that its teams are working to scale the constellation, though those currently on the waitlist will have to remain patient as the company balances its rapid expansion with network stability.