DEVELOPMENT
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, of which billionaire Elon Musk is CEO, providing internet access coverage to 36 countries. With these satellites, it is aimed to provide global coverage in internet access. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites were first launched in 2019. Starlink satellites are located in Earth orbit and consist of about 3,000 mass-produced small satellites. Starlink provides internet access to more than 500,000 subscribers.
Starlink aims to provide high internet access
Starlink, technically a division of SpaceX, is also the generic name for the spaceflight company’s growing network or constellation of orbital satellites. The development of this satellite network first began in 2015. Prototype satellites were launched into orbit in 2018. Since then, SpaceX has put 53 more satellites into Earth orbit, the latest of which took place on July 24, bringing the total number of satellites to 2,957.
Starlink satellites are an initiative that aims to provide internet connectivity to almost everyone on the planet through a growing network of private satellites orbiting the Earth. Despite all this, Starlink is not seen as an uncontroversial project. Some scientific community members have raised concerns about the impact of Starlink on the night sky visibility of Earth-orbiting satellites.
Like other satellites in orbit, Starlink wants to provide internet access. It aims to provide this access, especially to people in rural areas and other parts of the world that do not have access to high-speed broadband. Starlink’s current website states, “Starlink is ideal for areas of the world where connectivity is typically difficult.” and “Not limited by traditional ground infrastructure, Starlink can provide high-speed broadband internet to places where access is unreliable or completely unavailable.”
Setting up Starlink
All that is needed to set up a Starlink internet connection is to install a small satellite dish at home to receive the signal and transmit the bandwidth to the router. The company offers a range of mounting options for rooftops, gardens, and outside the home. There’s even a Starlink app for Android and iOS that uses augmented reality to help customers choose the best location for their receiver.
Eventually, Starlink hopes to cover the entire planet with a network of available, high-speed Wi-Fi signals, including mobile vehicles and in-flight Wi-Fi.
Cost of Starlink
Starlink orders are received and completed in order. Therefore, after requesting the service, it is necessary to make a deposit of 99 dollars and then wait for a list queue. During the beta in 2021, Starlink announced that some pre-orders could take as long as six months to fulfill. Starlink says service for new orders may not be available for some regions until 2023.
The service initially costs US$99 per month, plus taxes and fees and a home installation fee. In March, SpaceX raised those prices to $110 per month and $599 upfront for hardware, despite earlier predictions from SpaceX executives that hardware costs would come down over time. $110 a month seems like a lot for an internet connection, especially one that isn’t nearly as fast as a fiber connection. But Elon Musk says the cost will be worth it for people who have never had access to a fast connection.
Starlink’s Area of Use
Despite promising global coverage this fall, the Starlink service currently appears limited to specific regions in specific countries. Still, the coverage map is expected to grow significantly as more satellites join the constellation. For Starlink to claim full service to most of the world, it must have at least 10,000 satellites in orbit. For now, the coverage area focuses on the regions between 45 and 53 degrees north latitude.
According to Elon Musk, the countries currently served by the growing network of low-earth orbit satellites include the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal, Australia, and New Zealand. Starlink’s pre-order agreement is available in several countries, including Italy, Poland, Spain, and Chile.
Fiber? Satellite?
Internet-delivered via fiber, or fiber optic cable laid in the ground offers much faster uploads and downloads than satellite internet. But there is no quick way to build the infrastructure needed to get fiber internet. This is not to say that launching satellites into space is a simple method. Still, there is every reason to believe that services like Starlink will reach the masses of underserved fiber internet users.
Disadvantages
Bad weather, such as heavy rain or wind, can affect satellite internet connectivity, potentially resulting in slower speeds or occasional outages. There are also many concerns about the proliferation of privately owned satellites in space. The International Astronomical Union says there is a danger of unforeseen consequences for stargazing and the protection of nocturnal wildlife. In the wake of this announcement, Starlink has begun to create various designs to reduce its satellites’ brightness and visibility. “Starlink teams have worked closely with the world’s leading astronomers to reduce satellite brightness so as not to impact observations,” the company’s website reads.
