Starlink reached capacity in parts of the UAE just months after its nationwide rollout, with prospective customers in Dubai and Sharjah placed on a waitlist rather than receiving immediate access to the satellite internet service.
Users attempting to order the service have reportedly been told through Starlink’s online portal that the network is currently at capacity in their area. Customers can still reserve a position by paying an AED 285.71 deposit, although the company has not provided a confirmed date for when additional capacity will become available.
The development highlights the strong demand for alternative broadband services in the UAE and comes shortly after Starlink received regulatory approval to operate nationwide.
The deposit shown on Starlink’s website is listed as an estimated tax-inclusive amount of AED 285.71. The final figure may change once the customer's address is confirmed. Starlink has not given users an estimated timeframe for activation.
The company said its teams are working to increase satellite network capacity so that service can be expanded to more customers. For households that can access the service, Starlink’s standard residential plan is priced at AED 300 per month. The standard kit is separately priced at AED 1,465, according to earlier UAE listings.
The capacity issue comes shortly after the UAE granted Starlink a 10-year General Space Services License. The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority said the license allows Starlink to establish and operate a public satellite communications network and provide broadband satellite internet services in the country. The service will cater not only to households but also to businesses, government organizations, maritime operations and aviation.
The satellite network is being positioned as a complement to the UAE’s existing fibre-optic and 5G infrastructure, rather than a direct replacement for terrestrial broadband.
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The early waitlist could indicate that consumer demand is outpacing Starlink’s current network capacity in some locations. For businesses, satellite connectivity could provide an additional option for maintaining communications in locations where traditional infrastructure is unavailable or impractical. The UAE regulator has also highlighted potential benefits for sectors such as logistics, energy, maritime transport and emergency response.
The situation also creates a challenge for Starlink. The company must expand capacity quickly enough to meet demand while maintaining service quality as its customer base grows.
For UAE consumers, the waitlist means Starlink is not immediately available everywhere despite its nationwide license. However, the strong early interest suggests satellite broadband could become an important addition to the country’s rapidly expanding digital infrastructure and connectivity market.