Starlink: Elon Musk’s Satellite Internet Venture
Starlink is a satellite internet service from SpaceX to provide lightning fast internet access anyway and everywhere. The development of the program started in 2015 with its prototype satellite launched into orbit in 2018. Since then SpaceX has deployed over 1,000 Starlink satellites into orbit. The Starlink programme is targeted towards people in rural areas and other parts of the world who do not have access to high-speed broadband.
How does Starlink work?
When you purchase a Starlink package, you will receive a satellite dish that connects to a router. There is a Starlink app for Android and iOS that uses augmented reality to help customers pick the best location and position for the satellite dish. Once everything is set up correctly the satellite dish should be connecting to the Starlink satellites orbiting above. The vast number of Starlink satellites orbiting Earth atmosphere should enable the undisrupted broadband connection. Users should be expecting data speeds from 50 to 150 megabits per second however broadband speeds should be doubling towards the end of 2021 to 300Mbps.
How much does Starlink cost?
Starlink costs $99 per month plus an initial payment of $500 for the mountable satellite dish and router. The monthly payment of $99 per month is a lot for an internet connection, hopefully the reliability and speed will be worth it for people in rural areas without reliable internet access.
Starlink Availability
At the moment the service is limited to North West US, parts of Canada and some areas of the UK. Internet coverage will increase as more Starlink satellites join the network of satellites. Musk expects the service will hit worldwide availability in 2022.
Negatives of Satellite Broadband
The downfall of internet satellite services is that they are susceptible to bad weather and obstructions. Satellite internet often needs a clear line of sight between the satellite dish on the ground and the satellite orbiting in space. Bad weather or obstructions will lead to slower speeds or an outage in extreme external circumstances.
Summary
Starlink will help to improve broadband coverage in rural areas. With the financially backing of Elon Musk, Starlink will surely be able to provide high-quality fast broadband speeds via satellites. Like any other satellite internet services, they rely on a clear line of sight to the orbiting satellite. The initial and monthly payments might be expensive for people located in rural areas. Starlink has great potential to provide fast and reliable internet speeds, however, time will tell if the cost goes down for customers and whether the uptake of this service is popular.