Starlink: What is it?
Elon Musk launched SpaceX, a satellite internet provider, in 2002. Starlink is one of their services. SpaceX creates, produces, and launches spacecraft and rockets. As of September 2022, SpaceX had launched over 3,000 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit (LEO). SpaceX began launching Starlink satellites in 2019.
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Delivering high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to remote and rural areas around the world is Starlink’s primary goal. Service will begin in September 2022 for $110 per month, with a $599 one-time hardware fee.
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Starlink’s extensive satellite network has allowed for tremendous service expansion. With nearly weekly launches, the business already has over 3,000 satellites in orbit and is working to increase that number. SpaceX launched a further 54 satellites into orbit on September 18, 2022.
While the US National Science Foundation declared in September 2022 that it was testing Starlink’s “polar service” in Antarctica, the company maintains that its services are accessible on all seven continents. Nevertheless, as of mid-September 2022, the Starlink website indicates that service for the continent of Africa is “coming soon.” The website states, for example, that service will begin in Q4 2022 in Nigeria and Mozambique.
Starlink became live in Malta in September 2022, bringing the service’s total geographical reach to 40 nations. In the United States, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, it provides the finest coverage possible.
Starlink is working hard to extend its services to mobile websites and vehicles, such as boats and RVs, so you can take your broadband with you wherever you go. Plans state that all Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises ships will have Starlink accessible by 2023. Additionally, SpaceX is negotiating agreements to provide Starlink connection on flights with carriers such as Hawaiian Airlines.
What is Starlink’s speed?
According to network analytics company Ookla, Starlink’s median download speed in the US was little over 62 Mbps in the second quarter of 2022. For one or two individuals to stream films, download games, or do whatever else they want on the internet, it is more than plenty. But in the US, download speeds were closer to 90 Mbps a year earlier.
It turns out that Starlink’s performance is being impacted by its expanding clientele. Indeed, Ookla’s Q2 report found that Starlink speeds had declined in all of the countries it examined in Europe, Oceania, North America, and South America compared to the same period last year.
Elon Musk stated in February 2021 that Starlink download speeds will reach 300 Mbps within the year; however, the current decline in speeds distances him from that prediction.
In Q2 2022, Starlink’s upload speeds decreased globally as well, while latency stayed largely same. Starlink has a lower median latency than other satellite carriers in the US, at 48 ms.
Even though Starlink’s speeds have dropped, in the US in Q2, the service was substantially faster than other satellite-based broadband options. Viasat, for example, had download rates of little over 23 Mbps, according to Ookla. HughesNet’s download speeds were little less than 23 Mbps. With download speeds of 150.12 Mbps, fixed broadband in the US was still noticeably quicker than any satellite-based service.
What is the price of Starlink?
Starlink service is available in the US for $110 per month, with a $599 one-time hardware expense. Long-term commitments, data limits, or exclusivity clauses are not present.
Remote and rural enterprises worldwide can purchase Starlink Business for $500 per month, plus a $2,500 one-time hardware fee. This service promises download rates of up to 350 Mbps and latency of 20 to 40 ms, making it suitable for demanding workloads, stores, and offices with up to 20 people worldwide.
Starlink for RVs has a $599 one-time hardware fee and a monthly cost of $135. Clients are invoiced in increments of one month and have the flexibility to halt and resume service at any time.
The monthly cost of Starlink Maritime is $5,000, while the gear with two high-performance terminals costs $10,000 upfront. When at sea, it offers download rates of up to 350 Mbps. Similar to Starlink for RVs, users are invoiced in increments of one month and have the flexibility to halt and resume service at any time.