Starlink

[rekees4300]

This has the potential to finally provide true broadband internet service to rural areas. SpaceX's Satellite Internet Plans for Mid-2020 Launch in the US.

From article: "Expect speeds to reach up to 1 Gbps per user with a latency ranging between 25 to 35 milliseconds, on par with ground-based broadband services."

SpaceX's Satellite Internet Plans for Mid-2 Launch in the US

 

[MAD777]

My son, who follows SpaceX/Tesla closely, has been telling me its coming. Sounds to good to be true, but not much stops Elon Musk.
I need it as I am on a very weak cellular hot spot that barely moves on weekends. Plus, they know that they are a last resort and charge accordingly.

 

[sd455dan]

"Whoa, It Worked"
:thumbsup: Good 1st test with only few satellites up so far

 

[Roadworthy]

That's interesting information - especially for those of us beyond the reach of cable. I note from the article Musk can soon expect competition in the field which should drive down prices. Unfortunately, as seen from existing cable service, that does not seem to be the case. I suspect pricing will be business as usual - whatever the traffic will bear.

 

[RNeumann]

Their has been a huge push (partly political) to provide choices for rural USA. This, along with 5G, and the wireless options (what I currently have) should provide some choices.

The low orbit satellite has been something that could be a big breakthrough to connect the world.

 

[rekees4300]

That's interesting information - especially for those of us beyond the reach of cable. I note from the article Musk can soon expect competition in the field which should drive down prices. Unfortunately, as seen from existing cable service, that does not seem to be the case. I suspect pricing will be business as usual - whatever the traffic will bear.

Competition is a good thing. Amazon and others are also getting into this field. We will know more in 2020 when Starlink announces prices.

 

[TractorGuy]

I remember my first cell phone. Looked like an old princess phone and was housed in a bag. We only had one provider and that was Sprint. Coverage was spotty but not bad and cost was on par with a land line. As soon as 2 or 3 competitors entered the fray prices went through the roof. Seemed like the only competition taking place was to see who could dupe the consumer out of the most money. I expect some illegal price fixing was going on and probably still is today.

 

[oosik]

We have never had land line phone service out here. First phone - Motorola Bag Phone - ATT service. Not too expensive - limited minutes - fairly good reception. Then along came digital. Phones got tiny and service was spotty & expensive. Now I have this dam Apple iPhone XR. It will be long out of date by the time I figure it out. At least, I can make/receive phone calls on this "miracle of modern science".

 

[jaydee325]

Starlink mid 2020 launch? I'll believe it when I see it considering Elon Musk's reputation for over selling and under delivering!

 

[rekees4300]

Starlink mid 2020 launch? I'll believe it when I see it considering Elon Musk's reputation for over selling and under delivering!

Hopefully Starlink wont be priced like a Tesla. They have already launched 60 satellites (actions speak louder than words) so he's delivering. The article says "the plan is to provide a satellite link up terminal that customers can easily place in their homes". The key word is "in", inferring an ugly dish on the roof will not be necessary? :thumbsup:

 

[rekees4300]

SpaceX launches another 60 Starlink internet satellites.

SpaceX launch: SpaceX launches another 6 Starlink internet satellites - CBS News

 

[Diggin It]

Starlink mid 2020 launch?

Story I read said mid 2020S, meaning 2024, 2025, 2026 or so.

 

[MAD777]

I can't wait to replace my expensive and not so reliable cellular hot spot.

 

[mikester]

This has the potential to finally provide true broadband internet service to rural areas. SpaceX's Satellite Internet Plans for Mid-2020 Launch in the US.

From article: "Expect speeds to reach up to 1 Gbps per user with a latency ranging between 25 to 35 milliseconds, on par with ground-based broadband services."

SpaceX's Satellite Internet Plans for Mid-22 Launch in the US

I still have a bad tasted in my mouth from Hughes satellite internet with their 300MB bucket Fair Access Policy and 1,000ms latency and no internet every thunderstorm/wet snowfall either at my place or in Maryland.

 

[Diggin It]

^^^ I had Starband for a while. Did all my software downloads and updates between midnight and 6AM during the unmetered period. Had to rig up a way to clear snow and ice off the dish.

 

[oosik]

I've had HughesNet for eight years now. It's OK. Had Starband prior to that. In the winter I would appreciate a system with some type of indoor antennae. However - when you have only one choice.............

Things have improved on Hughes - - I have 25GB access and around 250 ms latency. Satellite will always have difficulty with weather.

 

[Jchonline]

Current internet satellites are at over 25000km above the earth. Starlink is at 550km. Latency wont be an issue. They are trying to solve the bandwidth problem with numbers. We will see how that all goes in the next few years.

I am not certain on cloud/weather penetration improvements but that will always be some type issue with sky-based solutions.

 

[rekees4300]

I still have a bad tasted in my mouth from Hughes satellite internet with their 300MB bucket Fair Access Policy and 1,000ms latency and no internet every thunderstorm/wet snowfall either at my place or in Maryland.

I've been down the Hughesnet road and give it one star. Comparing them to Starlink is apples to oranges. Starlink will be 40X faster and NO OUTDOOR DISH needed. If Starlink has reasonable pricing and good customer service, Hughesnet will become quickly obsolete.

 

[Jchonline]

I've been down the Hughesnet road and give it one star. Comparing them to Starlink is apples to oranges. Starlink will be 40X faster and NO OUTDOOR DISH needed. If Starlink has reasonable pricing and good customer service, Hughesnet will become quickly obsolete.

Comcast and Centurylink could also be in serious jeopardy.

 

[rekees4300]

Comcast and Centurylink could also be in serious jeopardy.

Yes, Starlink has the potential to be a game-changer for many ISPs. They will be forced to adjust or disappear.