Starlink, the satellite internet provider owned by SpaceX, is testing a new global roaming satellite internet service that uses inter-satellite links to provide connectivity around the world. The service is currently available to some users outside of Starlink’s coverage areas, and costs $200 per month on top of the base $599 Starlink kit.
What are the Benefits of Starlink’s Global Roaming Satellite Internet Service?
The new Starlink global roaming internet service promises to offer several benefits to users, including:
- The ability to connect from almost anywhere on land in the world.
- The use of Starlink’s inter-satellite links to provide connectivity, meaning better coverage and faster speeds than traditional satellite internet services.
- The option to pause the service at any time, making it an ideal choice for travelers.
- A more untethered way to travel the globe while using satellite internet.
What are the Limitations of Starlink’s Global Roaming Internet Service?
While Starlink’s global roaming internet service promises many benefits, there are also some limitations to keep in mind, including:
- The service comes with brief periods of poor connectivity or none at all, although this is expected to improve over time.
- The service may not be available in all countries, as Starlink is still waiting for regulatory approval in some areas.
- Customers outside of the US are responsible for acting as the Importer of Record for the Starlink Kit, which means they may have to pay customs duties and import taxes.
How to Sign Up for Starlink’s Global Roaming Internet Service
If you’re interested in signing up for Starlink’s global roaming internet service, here’s what you need to do:
- Purchase the base $599 Starlink kit, if you haven’t already.
- Check if the service is available in your area.
- Sign up for the service through the Starlink website.
- Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations and pay customs duties and import taxes if necessary.
Is Starlink’s Global Roaming Internet Service Worth the Cost?
While the $200 per month price tag may seem steep, many users may find that Starlink’s global roaming internet service is worth the cost, especially if they frequently travel to areas with poor or no internet connectivity. The service offers better coverage and faster speeds than traditional satellite internet services, and its ability to be paused makes it an ideal choice for travelers.
Starlink’s new global roaming internet service is an exciting development in the world of satellite internet. While it comes with some limitations, such as brief periods of poor connectivity, it also offers many benefits, including the ability to connect from almost anywhere on land in the world. If you’re interested in signing up for the service, be sure to check if it’s available in your area, and ensure compliance with local laws and regulations if necessary.
About Starlink
Starlink is a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, a company founded by Elon Musk. With the goal of providing high-speed internet to people all over the world, SpaceX launched the first batch of Starlink satellites in 2019.
As of December 2022, Starlink, a satellite internet service provider, has revolutionized the way people connect to the internet with over 3,300 mass-produced small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) that communicate with designated ground transceivers. According to a Financial Express report published on December 20, the company plans to deploy nearly 12,000 satellites with a possible later extension to 42,000. These satellites communicate with ground stations on the earth, providing internet connectivity to users with Starlink terminals. The service uses a network of satellites in low Earth orbit to provide internet access to areas that are underserved or unserved by traditional internet service providers.