Definition: Starlink

A satellite-based Internet service from the SpaceX aerospace company. Announced in 2015, a nationwide rollout began in October 2021. Today, Starlink has more than 6,000 satellites in orbit and two million subscribers. Going beyond stationary residences, Starlink serves moving vehicles, ships and aircraft.

Downlink speed ranges from 25 to more than 200 Mbps. Fees in most locations are $120 per month with upfront starting at $599 for the antenna and Wi-Fi router.

Starlink Cellular
Starlink's Direct to Cell service is scheduled for voice, data and Internet of Things (IoT) transmission in 2025. Using the company's Direct to Cell satellites, the first text message was tested in January 2024. T-Mobile is the first carrier to offer the cellular service with additional carriers to follow. See satellite Internet and LEO.

Getting Ready for Mars
SpaceX is planning to provide travel to Mars, and Starlink is expected to provide Internet service in Martian orbit. Mars to Earth communications is also planned. See SpaceX.

Starlink's Real-Time Laser Backbone

Some 9,000 lasers beam Internet traffic between satellites and provide a mesh network that transmits more than 40 petabyes of daily data. Over a quarter million laser connections are formed every day in real time. (Image courtesy of SpaceX.)