Starlink Internet Services: What You Need to Know
In today’s fast-paced, online society, internet access is seen as critical in many areas. Many people rely on their smartphones to do business, access vital services, or simply locate the information they need in order to solve problems or get their daily tasks done. Unfortunately, some areas–like the Big Sur coast or very rural areas that do not have significant wires coming into the area, for example–do not have ready internet access.
Elon Musk of Tesla and SpaceX aims to change all of that.
Starlink Internet Services
Starlink Internet Services aims to provide high-speed internet access around areas of the world that might not have other coverage. The system relies on low Earth-orbiting satellites, spread in a network around the world, that help enhance connectivity in areas where wired internet access simply isn’t feasible. Intended as a supplement to services like traditional wired broadband and 5G, Starlink can help provide reliable internet access to customers who, in the past, might have been forced to make do with a spotty internet connection with a great deal of lag–or, in a worst-case scenario, get by with no internet access at all.
Once it’s fully deployed, Starlink should be able to handle up to 1G speeds. While it may take up to a couple of years to get it fully deployed, this platform will utilize thousands of satellites across the planet to provide the connection and speed that customers need–and as a result, many of them will find Starlink a reliable option that will significantly enhance their internet connections.
The Cost of Starlink
Starlink is intended to be an affordable, cost-effective solution for people in rural areas or who might otherwise have a hard time with internet connectivity. It costs around $500 for the satellite receiver and startup equipment, and then just $99 a month for internet access that you can rely on no matter where you live. With those reasonable costs, many people may find that they can increase internet connectivity in their homes for the first time. It doesn’t have data caps or limitations, which means you can start using Starlink for all your internet needs from the beginning. Streaming, gaming, surfing the internet, and more: all of those options are highly accessible and easy to use.
Is Starlink Available For You?
Starlink is not yet available in all areas. As it deploys in August of 2021, it will start with a more limited area. The company will continue to spread its range to a wider area as time passes, with full connectivity around the world expected by late 2022. Do you want to know if you can access Starlink in your area? Just go to the website, Starlink.com, put in your address, and determine whether you can get started now. Starlink, according to the website, is available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so users who are hoping to use it to hook up the internet in their homes as soon as possible will need to jump on the service in order to get their receivers installed and everything up and running.
Starlink will require clear, unobstructed access to the sky in order to work as effectively as possible, so users in very dense areas may need to consider a roof installation to make it easier for them to access Starlink services. The website allows you to access a satellite view of your home to help determine whether this strategy will be necessary for you.
Do you want to learn more about Starlink, internet connectivity, or how to make the most of available technology? Contact us today to learn more about our solutions.