By Bhasker Bhandare
Technology is changing and the way we connect. After the cellular network came the fibre but this new technology is going to change the definition of internet.
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation being constructed by SpaceX providing satellite Internet access. The constellation will consist of thousands of mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit, working in combination with ground transceivers. Starlink wants to provide internet access, particularly to people in rural areas and other parts of the world who don’t already have access to high-speed broadband. Satellite internet technology has been around for decades. It involves beaming internet data, not through cables, but via radio signals through the vacuum of space. Ground stations on the planet broadcast the signals to satellites in orbit, which can then relay the data back to users on Earth.
One of the main existing providers has been HughesNet, which relies on satellites 22,000 miles above the planet. SpaceX’s system improves on the technology in two notable ways: The company wants to use low-Earth orbiting satellites that circle the planet at only around 300 miles above the surface. The shortened distance can drastically improve the internet speeds while also reducing latency. Second, SpaceX wants to launch as many as 40,000 satellites in the coming years to power the system, ensuring global coverage without service dropouts.
Starlink broadband is now available for pre-orders in India. The availability is limited and the company notes that it will accept orders on a first-come, first-serve basis. At a time when more people are working from home and more students are participating in virtual learning, internet connectivity is more important than ever. “With Starlink, we’re able to deploy quickly to areas that need it most,” SpaceX on Twitter wrote. STARLINK satellites are over 60 times closer to Earth than traditional satellites, resulting in lower latency and the ability to support services typically not possible with traditional satellite internet.
Starlink is reportedly looking to eventually deliver high-speed internet of up to 1 Gbps downloading or uploading speed to its users. As of now, it gives up to 150 Mbps speeds which are reported to double up to 300 Mbps through testing. Coming to latency, the company notes that Starlink’s latency will range from 20 ms to 40 ms in most locations.
Now, Indian users can place a deposit of $99 on Starlink’s website to pre-order the broadband connection. However, the amount will be refunded to users if the company fails to follow through on giving users the internet connection by a speculated date in 2022. To pre-order Starlink. According to information available on its website, Starlink is targeting its India launch sometime in 2022.
Though 5G has an advantage over Starlink in terms of reliable service because it’s built on top of existing cellular infrastructure. For mm Wave 5G you need more towers because the higher-frequency speed travels at much shorter distances. Secondly, Starlink won’t replace conventional towers instead it will help strengthen ground infrastructure for better speed and connectivity.
