Starlink launches internet service for planes – Musk says it’s like using internet at home

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Starlink launches internet service for planes – Musk says it’s like using internet at home | Secret Flying

SpaceX aims to put 350 Mbps satellite internet on planes.

 

SpaceX has revealed the official details of its Starlink satellite internet service for aviation, where it promises to deliver speeds of up to 350 Mbps.

 

“Starlink can deliver up to 350Mbps to each plane, enabling all passengers to access streaming-capable Internet at the same time,” the company said.

 

“With latency as low as 20 ms, passengers can engage in activities previously not functional in flight, including video calls, online gaming, virtual private networks and other high data rate activities.”

 

Starlink Aviation says it plans to bring the impressive tech to the skies in mid-2023.

 

The service will use a “low-profile Aero Terminal” with “an electronically steered phased array antenna, which enables new levels of reliability, redundancy and performance.” It has a “simplified design” that “enables installations during minimal downtime and combines well with other routine maintenance checks.”

 

Since the satellites are moving in low-earth orbit, there are always satellites overhead or nearby to provide a strong signal at high latitudes and in polar regions — unlike with geo-stationary satellites.

 

According to the company, it will cost $12,500 to $25,000 per month on top of an initial hardware fee of $150,000.

 

“Internet in airplanes will feel same as if you were accessing Internet at home,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk tweeted.

 

 

Starlink recently received Federal Communications Commission approval to provide internet services on moving vehicles, ships, and airplanes. Even before getting that approval, SpaceX was negotiating with airlines to bring Starlink onto flights.

 

Delta Chief Executive Ed Bastian admitted earlier this year that the airline conducted “exploratory tests” of Starlink’s internet technology for its planes.

 

Hawaiian Airlines also announced that it will start deploying Starlink internet with “select” aircraft in 2023 around the same time.