SpaceX Starlink Space-Based Broadband Goes Live In Beta

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SpaceX Starlink Space-Based Broadband Goes Live In Beta

Following its successful launch of some 60 internet satellites on October 18, 2020, SpaceX has begun notifying customers that they can sign up as beta testers of the new service.

www.forbes.com

SpaceX launches 60 Starlink satellites on October 18, 2020


Following its successful launch of some 60 internet satellites on October 18, 2020, SpaceX has begun notifying customers that they can sign up as beta testers of the new service. Initially, those customers must live in northern states in the U.S. or in Canada. More areas will be added as the company launches additional satellites.

The initial trial costs $99.00 per month. Customers must also purchase an equipment package for $499.00 that includes a phased-array downlink antenna, mounting hardware and a WiFi router.

The test is called the “Better Than Nothing Beta” test in the SpaceX informal naming convention. And for many users, it’s far better than nothing. Current speeds are said to be 50 to 150 MBPS, with latency of 20 to 40 milliseconds according to an email sent by SpaceX to test users who are being invited to participate. Interested users can sign up on the Starlink website by entering their email address and service location.

blic. In addition, Starlink placed a number of terminals with the Hoh Native American tribe in Washington state, and with first responders in Washington state where the network was used in fighting of wildfires. The state’s emergency services division used seven Starlink terminals to provide critical communications during the firefighting effort.

According to the first responders the Starlink equipment was easy to set up and provided much better bandwidth compared with other data communications methods used previously.

There are about 800 Starlink satellites currently active. The 60 satellites launched in October will join the constellation following testing. Eventually, Starlink plans to have approximately 12,000 satellites in its constellation, according to filings with the FCC, however, the current plan is to place about 4000 satellites in orbit. Service beyond the U.S. and Canada is expected to begin in 2021.