If you follow the latest technology, you have heard Starlink being mentioned at some point, but you’re not sure exactly what it is. So what is Starlink exactly?
What is Starlink?
Starlink is a satellite internet service owned and operated by SpaceX. The goal of the project is to create a network of thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) providing high-speed internet access to users around the world. Through this constellation, Starlink provides global broadband internet service that can be received with almost no latency.
The satellites are also capable of beamforming, which enables them to provide higher data speeds in areas with more people.
The biggest benefits of Starlink can be enjoyed by people living in remote and rural locations, as it allows them to achieve high speed broadband internet when before they may have had a very limited internet connection with slower speeds, or no connection at all.
Where can I get Starlink?
Currently at the time of writing, Starlink’s service is available across most of North America and Europe. In the future, SpaceX plans to expand the service to other locations around the world. Ask your local Starlink Installers to see if the service is available in your area.
To find out if Starlink is available in your area, you can check their coverage map. The company also has a waitlist for people interested in signing up for Starlink and they will contact you as soon as they become available where you live.
What is in the Starlink kit?
- Satellite Dish
- Wifi Router
- Starlink App
What speeds should you expect from Starlink’s internet service?
Starlink has average download speeds of 53Mbps and a speed of 5.3 Mbps in the United States. Starlink has a low download rate of just over 100Mbps.
What does Starlink cost?
The monthly subscription for Starlink is around $80, which is very reasonable considering the service that it provides. There is an additional one-time fee of $99 for the Starlink Kit, which includes the antenna, transmitter and router.
The kit including satellite dish and cables etc comes to around $500. If this is above your budget, you can rent the equipment instead for a modest fee of around $20 per month.
Unlike many mobile 4G data providers, Starlink has no data limit or hidden costs, so you can watch HD video and transfer large files all day with no limitation.
What are the benefits of Starlink?
Starlink offers several advantages over traditional internet services. It is much more reliable since it does not rely on land-based infrastructure like cable or fiber. The low latency and high speeds make it an ideal choice for gamers who need fast response times in order to compete. Additionally, Starlink can be used in remote locations where other internet services may not be available. Finally, the ability of beamforming makes it capable of providing more reliable service in areas with heavier congestion.
How is Starlink different from normal internet?
Starlink uses satellite signals to deliver incoming signals to your home while standard broadband uses copper or fiber optic cable. This means that Starlink does not require a physical connection to your home and can be accessed from anywhere. Additionally, since the satellites are in LEO (Low Earth Orbit), they are able to provide much lower latency than traditional broadband services. Finally, beamforming also allows for more reliable service in areas with heavier traffic.
What about bad weather and other obstructions?
The problem with extreme temperatures is certainly affecting satellite Internet. According to Starlink FAQ, it can melt snow that hits the satellite but cannot remove surrounding snow accumulations or obstructions blocking its view. Starlink is installed to prevent snow accumulation and obstructions in the view area. Heavily rainy and windy days may affect satellite internet connections and may lead to slower internet speeds or rare outages.
How many Starlink satellites are in space?
Starlink launched its initial satellite prototype in 2017. The launch of the spacecraft was a huge success in the early 2000s, which accounted for nearly 1300 satellite launches from January to January 2020. SpaceX landed one satellite in the atmosphere with its Falcon 9 rocket. At some point, Starlink is looking at using satellites to transmit high-speed WiFi signals to the Earth’s surface. It is expected that Starlink will require 10,000 spacecraft for this task.
The bottom line
Overall, Starlink is an exciting new satellite internet service that has the potential to revolutionize global connectivity. It promises to be a reliable, fast and affordable source of internet access for those who need it. If you’re in need of better internet access or just want to experience cutting-edge technology, then consider signing up for Starlink today!
