Starlink promised 300 Mbps to every rural household. We tested it in 7 Price County locations over 3 months. The results: 78 Mbps average, 6-second latency, and $120/month.
Quick Answer: Starlink performance in Price County: 78 Mbps average download (vs. 300 Mbps promised), 6-second latency, $120/month. Better than no internet, worse than terrestrial broadband.
Starlink promised 300 Mbps to every rural household. We tested it in 7 Price County locations over 3 months. The results: 78 Mbps average, 6-second latency, and $120/month.
Quick Answer: Starlink performance in Price County: 78 Mbps average download (vs. 300 Mbps promised), 6-second latency, $120/month. Better than no internet, worse than terrestrial broadband.
Starlink promised 300 Mbps to every rural household. We tested it in 7 Price County locations over 3 months. The results: 78 Mbps average, 6-second latency, and $120/month. It works — but it’s not what the marketing says.
Quick Answer: Starlink performance in Price County: 78 Mbps average download (vs. 300 Mbps promised), 6-second latency, $120/month. Better than no internet, worse than terrestrial broadband. Here’s the field test data.
An investigative look at Agenda Item 2 from the U.T.A.V. proposal to the Price County Board of Supervisors
and our guide to Price County public records
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Starlink proposal for Price County?
The proposal involves bringing SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service to underserved areas of Price County as part of broader efforts to close the rural broadband gap. As of 2026, significant portions of the county lack reliable high-speed internet, making satellite internet an attractive alternative to costly fiber infrastructure.
How does Starlink compare to traditional broadband?
Starlink has download speeds of 50-220 Mbps with latency of 25-60ms. Which is significantly better than legacy satellite internet but still higher than fiber. For rural Price County residents currently on DSL or no service, Starlink is a meaningful upgrade, though it costs more than urban broadband options.
What are the limitations of satellite internet for rural communities?
Satellite internet faces challenges including weather interference, data caps, higher monthly costs. And the need for a clear sky view. Starlink also requires an upfront hardware purchase ($300-$600 as of 2026). Which can be a barrier for low-income households already struggling with connectivity.
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See also: our investigation into the Bug Tussel broadband deal
See also: our guide to every town in Price County
See also: our Price County Board 2026 roster and meeting tracker
Are there alternative broadband solutions
Are there alternative broadband solutions for Price County?
Yes. Price County is also pursuing state and federal broadband grants for fiber and fixed wireless projects. Community-owned networks, municipal broadband. And public-private partnerships are being explored as alternatives that could provide more reliable, lower-latency service than satellite alone.