SPACE X

Elon Musk's satellite Internet is preparing for beta testing

On June 13, the American company SpaceX launched another 58 Starlink satellites in Earth orbit, designed to implement the global satellite Internet. Thus, in the orbit of our planet, 540 satellites are currently in operation, which makes it possible to start the beta test of the Internet via satellite, a matter that has not stopped for some time.
According to the CEO and founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk, 400 active Starlink satellites are needed for “negligible” coverage, at least 800 active for “moderate” satellites. It is reported that the system will function fully when 12,000 satellites are placed in orbit, however, this is not the final number of them. In late May, SpaceX asked the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to allow the launch of some 30,000 Starlink.
However, 540 satellites are sufficient to start the Internet beta test via satellite. SpaceX already invites users to participate. An advertisement appeared on the company's official website, offering updated information about the operation and availability of Starlink services in the regions. To do this, it is necessary to fill out a form in which you must specify the postal and email addresses. As soon as you do this, an email will arrive informing you that Starlink's closed beta test on the Internet will begin this summer, after which the public testing phase will begin. The letter also states that users who have entered their zip code will be informed of the opportunity to participate in the test as soon as it is available in their region of residence.
By the time the open beta test starts in orbit, there are at least 800 Starlink satellites capable of providing broadband Internet access to residents of northern US states.
Users who will be invited to participate in the tests will receive user terminals equipped with a 0.48m diameter flat disk antenna, which will be automatically sent to satellites that provide the best signal. According to SpaceX, Starlink will be able to deliver speeds of up to 1 Gbps with latencies from 25 to 35 milliseconds. Good terrestrial broadband provides a delay of 8 to 20 milliseconds, which allows you to comfortably use video communications and play dynamic online games. HughesNet, an older version of the Internet via satellite, offers a maximum data transfer rate of up to 25 Mbit / s, with a delay of more than 500 milliseconds, which absolutely does not correspond to the modern realities of using the Internet. Musk said that in the future, the delay in using Starlink will not exceed 8 milliseconds, which will allow you to comfortably play the most demanding online games.

AVnews