In October 2020, internet users had another option when the beta portion of the Starlink system was launched. Ever since the satellites were launched, there has been an increase in the demand for services that are offered by the project. The Starlink project is available in most areas of the world as of November 2021 with more satellites on the way to orbit so that even more people can have access to the faster internet option. About 140,000 new users have hopped onboard the Starlink train since it was launched.
Popularity
There have been a few studies recently conducted pertaining to Starlink. It’s been discovered that about half of the people in the United States want to switch to Starlink or have been weighing the options that are available with Starlink at the top of the list. This information is encouraging since the project really only got started about a year ago and is still in the testing phases.
Starlink Background
In simple terms, Starlink is one of the many internet providers available for customers. Satellite internet isn’t something that’s new as it’s been around for years whether it’s for internet, television, or radio. Satellites are a good option for the internet because they can help get service to rural areas that might not have access to cable internet, wireless internet, and fiber-optic internet. One thing that sets Starlink apart is the scale of the project itself as no other company has tried to launch as many satellites at one time. There have been over 1,800 satellites launched by SpaceX for Starlink with a goal of launching over 40,000 in the coming years if everything goes well with the testing that’s being conducted and if more people want the services that are offered.
Starlink’s goal is to offer internet to as many people as possible across the world who want an affordable option or who might not have internet access in other forms. While about half of Americans are considering switching to Starlink, there are people who don’t think that it’s a good idea. Some of the issues that have been presented are by those who take pictures of space. They believe that the increase in the number of satellites could hinder vital research or inhibit the opportunity to take pictures of the stars and planets. Some people have questions about the speed of the internet service that will be provided as fiber-optic is at the top of the list of the fastest internet speeds which by the way offered by Spectrum Internet and Metronet. With about 55% of Americans wanting to switch to Starlink, SpaceX has quite the task ahead to deliver fast speeds in order to make customers happy so that they don’t switch back to other companies. Those who have decided that they might want to switch over understand that there could be a higher initial price to pay but that the benefits outweigh those costs.
Availability
One of the reasons why so many people want to switch to Starlink is because it will be available almost everywhere. Those who don’t have internet options will finally be able to get online to connect with other people, to work, or take classes.
Speed
With the satellites sitting lower in orbit, Starlink can offer internet speeds that are a bit faster than other satellite companies. Speeds should be between 50 and 150 Mbps when the project is up and running with faster speeds in the future.
Price
After paying an equipment fee of about $500, customers will then see a monthly price of about $99 for the internet. This is a price that’s set even if you use more data than you’re allotted each month as other companies operate.
Reviews
Many of the reviews of Starlink that are out so far are positive. It’s also designed by SpaceX and Elon Musk, someone who understands the internet and satellites.
