ELON Musk’s Starlink beams internet down from space – but can you receive it?
The sci-fi tech is increasingly available around the world, giving web users an alternative to regular broadband.
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What is Starlink?
Starlink is a project that aims to “deploy the world’s most advanced broadband internet system”.
This involves putting a “mega constellation” of more than 40,000 satellites into orbit.
“With performance that far surpasses that of traditional satellite internet, and a global network unbounded by ground infrastructure limitations, Starlink will deliver high speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable,” the official website explains.
It’s run by SpaceX, a Californian rocket firm bankrolled by tech billionaire Elon Musk.
And it’s already live! Musk’s Starlink constellation is now beaming speedy Wi-Fi to people across the planet.
Thousands of satellites have already been launched.
Dozens of Starlink spacecraft are sent up in batches of around 60 at a time.
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Each group is launched atop an unmanned Falcon 9 rocket built and operated by SpaceX.
The satellites typically orbit around 340 miles above Earth.
Each satellite weighs around 260kg, and features a flat-panel design that makes the probes easily stackable aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.
Where is Starlink available – is coverage in my area?
If you’re keen to get Starlink, you can check if it’s available in your area.
The official Starlink website has a map that lets you search for your home to see if coverage is available.
A bright green colour means service is available right now.
And a darker green hue means the area is on a waitlist.
Internet speeds can range from 46Mbps right up to 146Mbps – which could be faster than your home internet.
You’ll need to order a satellite receiver from Starlink, and then pay for continued service.
Until recently, the upfront cost for hardware was $499 – with a $99-a-month rolling fee for internet.
But Starlink recently jacked up its prices.
You’ll now pay $599 for the hardware, with a $110 fee for internet access each month.
But it’s possible that the price may come down in the long run, as more users sign up.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
