Starlink is known as a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, where billionaire Elon Musk is the CEO, and provides internet access coverage to 36 countries. With these satellites, it is aimed to provide a global coverage in internet access. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites were first launched in 2019. Starlink satellites orbit the Earth and consist of around 3,000 mass-produced small satellites. Starlink provides internet access to more than 500,000 subscribers.
With Starlink, It is Aimed to Provide High Internet Access
Technically a division of SpaceX, Starlink is also the generic name for the spaceflight company’s growing network of orbital satellites, or constellation. The development of this satellite network first started in 2015. Prototype satellites were launched into orbit in 2018. Since then, SpaceX has brought the total number of satellites to 2,957 with the Falcon 9 rocket, the most recent of which took place on July 24 and placed 53 more satellites in Earth orbit.
Starlink satellites stand out as an initiative that aims to provide internet connectivity to almost everyone on the planet through a growing network of private satellites orbiting. Despite all this, Starlink is not seen as an undisputed project. Some members of the scientific community are raising concerns about the impact of Starlink’s earth-orbiting satellites on night sky visibility.
Starlink wants to provide internet access like other satellites in orbit. It aims to provide this access to people who do not have access to high-speed broadband, especially in rural areas and other parts of the world. On Starlink’s current website; “Starlink is ideal for regions of the world where connectivity is typically difficult.” and “Unrestricted by traditional ground infrastructure, Starlink can provide high-speed broadband internet to places where access is unreliable or completely unavailable.” statements are included.
Installing Starlink
All that needs to be done to set up the Starlink internet connection is to set up a small satellite dish at home to receive the signal and transmit the bandwidth to the router. Company; It offers a range of mounting options for roofs, gardens and the outdoors. There’s even a Starlink app for Android and iOS that uses augmented reality to help customers choose the best location for their buyers.
At the end of all these developments, Starlink covers the entire planet, including mobile vehicles and in-flight Wi-Fi; hopes to cover it with a usable and high-speed Wi-Fi signal network.
Cost of Starlink
Starlink orders are received and completed sequentially. Therefore, after the service is requested, it is necessary to deposit $99 and then wait for the list queue. During the beta release in 2021, Starlink announced that some pre-orders could take as long as six months to be fulfilled. For some regions, Starlink says that the service for new orders may not be fulfilled until 2023 or later.
The service costs $99 per month initially, plus taxes and fees, and a home setup fee. Despite SpaceX executives’ earlier predictions in March that hardware costs would decrease over time, SpaceX increased these prices to $110 per month and $599 upfront for hardware. $110 per month seems like a lot for an internet connection, especially one that isn’t nearly as fast as a fiber connection. However, Elon Musk states that the cost is worth it for people who have not had access to a fast connection until now.
Usage Area of Starlink
Despite promising global coverage this fall, the Starlink service currently appears to be limited to certain regions in certain countries. Still, the coverage map is predicted to grow significantly as more satellites join the constellation. It appears that Starlink must have at least 10,000 satellites in orbit for it to be able to claim full service to the majority of the world. Coverage for now; It focuses on areas between 45 and 53 degrees north latitude.
According to Elon Musk, the countries currently served by the growing network of low earth orbit satellites are; It includes the USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, Denmark, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. Starlink’s pre-order agreement; It is located in several countries, including Italy, Poland, Spain and Chile.
Is it fiber? Satellite?
Internet provided via fiber or grounded fiber optic cable actually offers much faster uploads and downloads than satellite internet. However, there is no quick way to create the necessary infrastructure to obtain fiber internet. This does not mean that launching satellites into space is a simple method. Still, there are many reasons to believe that services like Starlink will reach audiences with insufficient fiber internet service.
Disadvantages
Bad weather, such as heavy rain or wind, can affect the satellite internet connection, potentially causing slower speeds or occasional interruptions. There are also many concerns about the proliferation of privately owned satellites in space. The International Astronomical Union says there is danger of unforeseen consequences for stargazing and nocturnal wildlife conservation. After this announcement, Starlink started to create various new designs aimed at reducing the brightness and visibility of its satellites. “Starlink teams worked closely with the world’s leading astronomers to reduce satellite brightness so as not to affect observations,” the company’s website states.
