Starlink is a new broadband internet service using an interconnected network of thousands of satellites, known as a ‘constellation.’ Starlink, a division of SpaceX, is currently rolling out service across the United States and will continue expansion to near global coverage in 2021.
While satellite internet service has been around for decades, Starlink has improved on the technology in two ways: first, the satellites are located in low-Earth orbit (LEO) at only 300 miles above the earth’s surface, and second, SpaceX plans to launch nearly 40,000 satellites over the next several years ensuring global coverage.
What benefits are there when you switch to Starlink? And what is involved in Starlink broadband internet installation?
Benefits of Starlink
Specific benefits include:
- Speed: Users can expect to see data speeds vary from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s during the beta phase, rivaling other Internet provider speeds. Starlink plans to double the speed by the end of 2021.
- Latency: One of the biggest advantages of Starlink is a reduction in latency. Latency is the time it takes to send data from one point to the next. Because Starlink satellites are closer to Earth than traditional telecom satellites, the service has lower latency than traditional satellite internet. For companies that send and receive lots of data, low latency can improve efficiency and productivity.
- No Data Caps: Starlink does not have a data cap on the service. Most Internet packages cap data at a certain level and charge customers extra for data overages.