Starlink: A Better Internet from Above
Starlink has captured the headlines as of late, not only because of their recent (and continual) satellite launches, but also due to the release of their initial beta service to the general public. But what exactly is Starlink and why do more Americans want it in their home, versus 5G? Read on!
With the continued emphasis on space exploration in news headlines as of late, another development has arisen: a better internet from outside our atmosphere.
Let’s start with the basics. Starlink is a high-speed, low latency, broadband internet system. Constructed by SpaceX, Starlink is the combination of thousands of small satellites and ground stations that use lasers to boost internet speed. Each satellite communicates with four others through lasers, which results in them beaming data across the globe at almost the speed of light. Currently, only fiber-optic internet is the closest to achieving this.
Another thing that makes these Starlink satellites so unique are that they are 60 times closer to Earth than traditional satellites. With the satellite internet network being built in low-Earth orbit (LEO), which is approximately 300 miles above the planet, its close proximity allows Starlink to send and receive data faster than traditional telecom satellites. In fact, SpaceX predicts that Starlink will be able to deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps.
There’s got to be some give and take, though. For instance, while beta users may experience “data speeds vary from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s and latency from 20ms to 40ms in most locations over the next several months,” they will also come across brief periods of no connectivity whatsoever. That is, until more satellites are launched and more ground stations are installed.
Regardless, it seems the future is here – and we are here for it!
DID YOU KNOW?
You can now pre-order a Starlink Kit for $99 and participate in their beta trials.
What do you think about the Starlink and will you be purchasing it? Let us know in the comments below.