SpaceX’s satellite-based internet service, Starlink, has reached an incredible milestone of 1.5 million customers, according to a tweet from the company on May 6, 2023. This achievement highlights the enormous growth and success of the service in just a few years since its launch in 2019. One of the most significant advantages of Starlink is its global coverage, which is now available in more than 53 countries.
Starlink’s rapid growth can be attributed to the positive feedback it has received from its users. This proves that next-generation low earth-orbit (LEO) satellites work better than terrestrial cell sites. Traditional internet services rely on infrastructure such as cables and cell towers, which may not be available or feasible in certain areas. In contrast, Starlink uses a constellation of low-earth orbit satellites hovering at an altitude of about 400 km to provide internet access from anywhere in the world.
The company, which uses reusable rockets, is now planning to roll out a global mobile phone service after 2023, as well as offering Starlink Aviation, which promises 350Mbps bandwidth and unlimited data for each aircraft it is fitted in. The service is seen as a potential massive cash cow for SpaceX, with talk of a Starlink IPO in the works. Additionally, there are those who are pushing for the integration of Starlink in Tesla electric vehicles.
More countries are expressing interest in the Starlink service due to its key attraction of high-speed and “low latency” internet, key improvements over traditional satellite internet. The low latency makes it ideal for activities such as gaming, video conferencing, and remote work. With Starlink’s global coverage and its commitment to providing affordable internet services to rural and underserved communities, it is set to disrupt the telecommunications industry even further in the years to come.
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