The arrival to Uruguay of satellite internet service starlink was confirmed in the last hours by the Communications Services Regulatory Unit (Ursec), But how will the company’s provision work? SpaceX, property of the tycoon Elon Musk, What will your disembarkation do in the country?
The Ursec granted the Class B license to starlink in exchange for the payment of 50,000 Indexed Units (UI) and $7,377 for the authorization of the non-geostationary satellite system, which is already operational in several countries in the region. This means that it will be able to provide internet to end users, unlike what happened with amazon, which obtained a Class C license and was authorized to provide the service to companies.
From SpaceX They assure that the use of this service is quite simple and consists of downloading an application to coordinate the direction of the antenna that will allow the signal to be received through the satellite constellation biggest in the world. Furthermore, it is mostly useful for rural zones or remote and difficult to access.
Through the use of advanced satellites and user equipment, combined with the firm’s extensive experience with spacecraft and in-orbit operations, starlink offers broadband internet high speed and low latency to users from all over the world.
What is the system like for Starlink?
Most services come from individual geostationary satellites that orbit the planet are located at 35,786 kilometers, so the time it takes for data to travel from one point to another, known as latency, is high, making the experience difficult for streaming, online games, video calls and other activities that require high speed.
Instead, starlink It has thousands of satellites that orbit the planet much closer to the planet, since they are located about 550 kilometers away. In this way, latency is significantly lower: it goes from more than 600 milliseconds on the other company to around 25 milliseconds, with a speed of between 50 and 150 megabits per second.
In this role, the Falcon 9 rockets of SPaceX, which are launched at an average of 30 per week, within the framework of the development that began in 2019 and to date has launched at least 5,420 satellites, with more than 4,400 remaining operational. Each satellite uses 4 powerful phased array antennas and another 2 satellite dishes.
Contracting, installation and prices
With respect to prices, To reserve the service you must pay $9 and orders will be completed on a first-come, first-served basis in each coverage area. In addition, it will be necessary to provide personal information and other data necessary for the corresponding billing.
Although the value of the service is still known for certain, on the Starlink website there are monthly plans from 29 euros (31.5 dollars) to 1,060 euros (1,151 dollars) in the most luxurious features, while the equipment can cost 225 euros (244 dollars) or, in the case of looking for a high performance, 2,389 euros (2,595 dollars).
The company of Elon Musk It also offers the possibility of testing the connection for 30 days and, if you are not satisfied, return the device to receive a full refund.
At the same time, there are no contracts long term and the company may increase prices when it deems necessary and users cancel the service at any time and for any reason.
To install Starlink you do not need cables or any type of infrastructure, but it is only necessary to place a device that acts as satellite dish pointing towards the sky and in an elevated area or free of obstacles.
Source: Ambito
