BT is looking to offer Starlink’s satellite kit as a gap-filler solution for its hard-to-reach rural customers. Investment bank BNPP, quoting TS2 Space, says that with Starlink’s existing network of about 5,000 satellites, the Elon Musk-backed business could provide BT with the technology to enhance mobile signals and broadband access in hard-to-reach locations. “The collaboration […]
A slew of statements from SpaceX executives – and a serious of job openings – suggest SpaceX is serious about the prospects of ‘direct-to-phone’ connectivity from its Starlink satellites. SpaceX staffers have been testing signals from the half-dozen suitably equipped Starlink satellites now in orbit. The tests have used T-Mobile’s terrestrial network. SpaceX says it […]
MEASAT Global Berhad, the Malaysian satellite solutions provider, has officially signed with SpaceX to become the Official Authorised Reseller for Starlink Hardware and Services in the markets that MEASAT serves. MEASAT says the Official Authorised Reseller status enables it to solidify its position as a one-stop provider for customers in pursuit of the most suitable […]
SpaceX’s Starlink broadband-by-satellite service has cut its fees for subscribers in Canada. At the end of 2023 SpaceX ran a Starlink promotion for Canadians, offering their hardware bundle of modem, dish and connector for C$499 (€340.42), a C$260 discount over the regular price of C$759. The deal was only for a limited period and set […]
Last week SpaceX launched six of its Starlink satellites with ‘direct-to-device’ cellular possibilities. The technology will allow Starlink to deliver direct satellite broadband connectivity on smartphones anywhere on the planet. The technology will also connect internet of things (IoT) devices with common LTE mobile standards. One consumer journal has already described these Starlink devices as […]
Elon Musk, speaking following the launch on January 2nd of a batch of Starlink satellites which included six specially equipped craft with ‘direct-to-smartphone’ capability, noted that the deployment allowed for mobile phone connectivity anywhere on Earth. However, he added: “[the deployment] only supports about 7Mb per beam and the beams are very big, so while […]
NewSpace India, the commercial arm of India’s Space & Satellite Research Organisation, has ordered a launch from SpaceX despite India having its own rocket launch capability. NewSpace India says the satellite (a Ka-band high throughput craft) is needed to meet the broadband communication needs of the nation. The launch will take place in Q2 2024. […]
A SpaceX Falcon 9 booster (#1058) made a record-breaking 19th flight – and landing – but was then partially lost during a December 26th 2023 early morning transfer back to port. Near-three metre waves and 25 knot winds and the subsequent rough seas toppled part of the rocket booster into the ocean. Officials at SpaceX […]
SpaceX was just short of its own unofficial 100 rocket launch target in 2023, achieving 98 launches overall. The 2024 target is (again unofficial) of about 130-150 launches, or launch activity about every 2.6 days. SpaceX managed: • 2 Starship launches • 5 Falcon Heavy launches • 91 Falcon 9 launches • 98 launches in […]
SpaceX’s Starlink broadband by satellite service says it has more than 2.3 million active customers – up 300,000 from three months ago. However, Starlink declines to call these users “subscribers” which would – at least – confirm there was a commercial relationship in place. Starlink says that it is available on all seven continents and […]