Elon Musk’s SpaceX is making waves in satellite-based internet with their Starlink service, using low-Earth orbit satellites to offer off-grid broadband access for off-grid environments. Starlink promises cheaper and more reliable telecom than traditional providers – though Amazon also has its own satellite project called Project Kuiper that competes against it. We asked Micah Maidenberg from WSJ tech reporting team about what’s at stake.
SpaceX currently operates over 1,900 Starlink satellites in orbit and provides high-speed broadband internet to households and businesses in 45 countries worldwide. To use their service, customers simply mount a giant satellite dish on their property that faces upward to connect to this global network of satellites – no need for expensive phone lines or fiber optic cables here; making Starlink an affordable and easier to roll-out alternative than traditional services!
Musk states that eventually, his company plans to release a portable device so customers can bring internet with them while traveling. Current systems offer speeds up to 100 Mbps; new versions equipped with faster satellites should become available later this year.
But Starlink is having difficulty in India and its government has responded with firm measures against them by asking Starlink to obtain a license before offering service there. According to reports, India’s Department of Telecommunications is demanding Starlink cease accepting pre-orders and charge a fully refundable deposit of $99. Furthermore, DoT investigators are investigating whether Starlink violated local laws by providing beta service without permission or license in India.
StarLink CHALLENGE
Though Starlink internet service has gained momentum worldwide, some countries have seen serious setbacks. Ukraine alleged SpaceX used Starlink internet for controlling drones during their conflict with Russia. SpaceX responded by tweeting out that Starlink service had been switched on over Ukraine and soon pizza-sized dishes needed to access satellites were arriving on trucks throughout Ukraine.
Amazon is expanding into multiple areas of the economy. Along with its traditional e-commerce operation, the company owns film studio MGM and produces television programming; operates Whole Foods grocery chain; offers cloud computing services; recently signed the biggest rocket launch contract ever with three rocket companies for Project Kuiper satellite internet constellation; this partnership seeks to provide fast, affordable internet worldwide.