By Nick
Lavars
February 02, 2022
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A larger dish will allow Starlink Premium users to tap into
faster download speeds Photo credit: SpaceX
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SpaceX began launching its Starlink satellites into space
back in 2019, seeking to establish a network of satellites that beam high-speed
internet back to Earth to offer connectivity across the globe. There are now
almost 1,800 of them in action as the company rapidly expands its coverage,
though not without controversy as astronomers increasingly
find their observations contaminated by bright streaks of light as the
satellites are blasted into space.
Standard Starlink users are able to tap into download
speeds of 50 to 250 Mbps with 20 to 40 ms latency, while Starlink Premium users
will have access to download speeds of 150 to 500 Mbps (at the same latency),
according to SpaceX. Upload speeds have also been doubled from 10 to 20 Mbps to
20 to 40 Mbps.
SpaceX says the Premium service is designed for improved
performance in extreme weather, and is aiming it at high-demand users who it
says will experience "bandwidth for critical operations even during times
of peak network usage." Users will also have access to 24/7 prioritized
support, and as with the standard service, there are no contracts or data caps.
It will cost a great deal more than the standard service,
however, at US$500 a month compared to $99. There is also a $2,500 upfront fee
for the antenna and other hardware, five times the $499 setup cost of the
standard plan. SpaceX says the first deliveries will take place in the second
quarter of this year.
Source: SpaceX