Tag: SpaceX

  • Airtel Collaborates with SpaceX for Starlink Internet in India

    Airtel Collaborates with SpaceX for Starlink Internet in India

    Key Takeaways

    1. Airtel and SpaceX are partnering to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to India, aiming to close the digital gap, especially in rural areas.
    2. The partnership relies on regulatory approval for Starlink to operate commercially in India.
    3. Airtel plans to distribute Starlink hardware through its retail stores and provide satellite internet to business clients.
    4. This collaboration enhances Airtel’s position in the satellite broadband market, combining various connectivity options.
    5. SpaceX’s entry into India is a significant move, leveraging Airtel’s local expertise to address connectivity challenges in the country.


    India’s internet scene is about to see a big change as Airtel and SpaceX team up to bring Starlink’s satellite internet services to one of the most populated countries in the world. This important agreement, revealed today, marks a significant move towards closing the digital gap in India, especially in rural and less served areas.

    A New Era of Connectivity

    However, this deal depends on SpaceX getting the green light from regulators to operate Starlink commercially in India. After approval, this partnership will combine Airtel’s wide market presence with Starlink’s advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology to deliver smooth broadband access throughout the country. This could transform connectivity for India’s remote villages, businesses, and vital services like schools and healthcare facilities.

    Impacts on Businesses and Communities

    This collaboration anticipates Airtel distributing Starlink hardware via its retail stores and providing enterprise-level satellite internet to business clients. The potential outcomes are extensive; picture businesses in remote Himalayan villages or deep in the Thar Desert finally being able to access reliable, high-speed internet without depending on unreliable ground networks.

    Airtel’s Expanding Reach

    This isn’t Airtel’s first step into satellite internet; the telecom leader already has a partnership with Eutelsat OneWeb, another LEO satellite provider. However, incorporating Starlink into its offerings boosts Airtel’s goal to lead in the satellite broadband market, delivering customers unmatched coverage and backup options. By blending fiber, terrestrial mobile networks, and various satellite internet providers, Airtel is setting itself up as the most adaptable connectivity provider in India.

    SpaceX’s Ambitious Step

    For SpaceX, entering the Indian market is a long-awaited breakthrough. The country’s unique geographic and infrastructure challenges make it an ideal testing ground for Starlink’s satellite-based broadband. With Airtel’s deep insight into local telecom laws, consumer habits, and distribution methods, SpaceX gains a vital foothold in a nation where connectivity issues still exist.

    If this partnership clears regulatory challenges, Starlink might revolutionize India’s telecom industry, providing high-speed internet to places where traditional broadband has struggled.

  • Starlink Standard Dish Now $149 in Select US States

    Starlink Standard Dish Now $149 in Select US States

    Key Takeaways

    1. Starlink Standard dish price lowered to $149 in select US states, a $200 discount from the usual $349.
    2. Discount applies to Residential and Residential Lite service plans and is automatically deducted when purchased from starlink.com.
    3. Purchase from authorized retailers like Best Buy still qualifies for the discount as service credits after activation.
    4. Offer available in 27 US states until March 31, but eligibility may vary due to network congestion in certain areas.
    5. Starlink dish price history shows several reductions, from $599 in January 2024 to the current $149 under the Regional Savings initiative.


    SpaceX has lowered the cost of the Starlink Standard Kit in the United States, with the satellite dish now significantly discounted in specific states where there is an abundance of network availability.

    New Pricing Details

    Customers in qualifying US states can now purchase a Starlink Standard dish for only $149, which is a direct $200 off the usual price of $349. This price cut is part of the company’s “Regional Savings” initiative and applies exclusively to the Residential and Residential Lite service plans. When you buy directly from starlink.com, the discount will be automatically deducted at checkout. If you choose to buy the hardware from an authorized retailer like Best Buy, you will still qualify for the discount, but it will come as service credits to your Starlink account after activation.

    Eligibility and Limitations

    The $200 discount is accessible in 27 US states until March 31. According to Starlink’s coverage map, some areas within these states might not qualify for the offer due to network congestion. Therefore, it’s a good idea to visit starlink.com to confirm if your service address is eligible.

    Starlink also cautions that if you relocate your address outside of these eligible regions, switch your service plan, or cancel the service during the 30-day trial without returning your Starlink dish, a $300 fee will apply.

    Price History Overview

    Looking at the bigger picture, the Starlink Standard dish has undergone several price adjustments since it debuted in January 2024 at a price of $599. In June 2024, SpaceX reduced the cost to $499 and rolled out a new Regional Savings program that offered a further $200 discount for new customers. Then in July, certain regions saw the dish priced at $199, with new users able to receive discounts up to $300 under the same program. Finally, in October, SpaceX set a nationwide price of $349 and discontinued the Regional Savings discount, which had already been lowered to $100.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • US Smartphones May Soon Connect to Starlink Satellites for Free

    US Smartphones May Soon Connect to Starlink Satellites for Free

    Key Takeaways

    1. SpaceX and T-Mobile announced free internet access via Starlink satellites as part of a beta test, starting in July with fees afterward.
    2. The service is open to all users, not just T-Mobile customers, through a sign-up form.
    3. Starlink’s Direct to Cell technology allows phones to connect for broadband service where cellular coverage is lacking.
    4. Initially, the service will support text messaging, with plans to expand to picture messaging, data, and voice calls after the beta period.
    5. Pricing will vary: free for Go5G Next plan users, $15 per month for others, and $20 per month for customers of other providers post-beta.


    SpaceX and T-Mobile revealed at the Super Bowl that users can get internet through the Starlink satellites at no charge. They confirmed during the event that this access will be part of a beta test, which will start charging from July. After that, users will need an eSim smartphone to use the service, which will be priced accordingly.

    Access for All Users

    This complimentary access isn’t only for T-Mobile customers; anyone who signs up via the T-Mobile form can join the trial.

    Starlink has deployed 451 satellites known as Direct to Cell, which enable phones to link up and get broadband when cellular service is out of reach. This means users in the US can maintain a steady connection.

    How It Works

    The company explains, “Direct to Cell technology—functions like cellphone towers in space—enabling connections almost anywhere you can see the sky,” according to the T-Mobile website. However, the beta services are quite limited to text messaging through users’ native apps. In the future, after the beta period, services will expand to include picture messaging, data, and voice calls.

    Currently, roughly 500,000 square miles in the US lack coverage from any wireless provider, making this service a significant advantage, as noted by T-Mobile.

    Pricing Details

    Starting in July, the service will be free for those on the Go5G Next plan and other plans will cost $15 per month. Early testers who aren’t on the free plan will benefit from a $5 monthly discount. Additionally, customers of Verizon, AT&T, and others can access T-Mobile Starlink without switching providers for $20 per month once the beta concludes in July.

    Source:
    Link

  • Starlink Internet Now Compatible with iPhones on iOS 18.3

    Starlink Internet Now Compatible with iPhones on iOS 18.3

    When SpaceX made history by sending the first tweet from space to a phone located in a remote area without any cell tower, they showcased a Samsung device for this groundbreaking event.

    The same goes for the initial video streaming session that T-Mobile was the first carrier to engage in, utilizing Starlink’s direct-to-cell service. Interestingly, the phone used was found to be a Verizon Galaxy S21, diverging from the expected T-Mobile model. However, this demonstration aimed to show that Starlink’s satellite service can work with any unmodified carrier phone, unlike the cumbersome satellite phones from the past.

    iPhones Enter the Scene

    Now, it appears that iPhones have also become part of the Starlink direct-to-cell satellite connectivity initiative, with insiders revealing that Apple has been collaborating with SpaceX for some time. This new Starlink service provides an alternative to Apple’s own partnership with Globalstar, which focuses on emergency satellite connectivity for iPhones.

    Recently, SpaceX completed the launch of the first shell of its direct-to-cell satellite constellation, which includes about 330 Starlink satellites. This initial constellation allows users to send messages, exchange images, and stream podcasts, as shared by Elon Musk. The next phase is expected to introduce streaming video in locations where traditional carrier networks are unavailable.

    Beta Testing and Future Support

    At this time, T-Mobile is rolling out a beta version of the Starlink service, limited to short messaging via satellites. Selected iPhone users in the beta program are being notified that they can now text using Starlink satellites, provided they update their devices to the latest iOS 18.3 version.

    T-Mobile has mentioned that the direct-to-cell service is launching with “optimized” devices, and Apple has reportedly been working hard to ensure that its iPhones meet these criteria. Elon Musk hinted at Starlink’s potential when Apple teamed up with Globalstar for the iPhone 14, indicating that Apple has chosen to pursue SpaceX’s option. Once the Starlink connectivity feature exits beta testing, T-Mobile asserts that it will be compatible with most newer mobile phones.

    Source:
    Link

  • iPhones Rumored to Offer Starlink Satellite Connectivity

    iPhones Rumored to Offer Starlink Satellite Connectivity

    Back in 2022, Apple introduced the iPhone 14 series, which came equipped with a crucial satellite connectivity feature aimed at saving lives. This capability has continued with the release of the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 models. Now, it appears that Apple is enhancing this technology through a confidential collaboration with SpaceX and T-Mobile.

    Partnership for Enhanced Connectivity

    According to a recent report from Bloomberg, the company from Cupertino is quietly collaborating with SpaceX and T-Mobile to integrate Starlink satellite connectivity into iPhones. This initiative likely utilizes the partnership that T-Mobile and SpaceX announced in 2022. The report also indicates that T-Mobile has started testing this feature with a limited group of iPhone users.

    Current Status of the Feature

    At this moment, the feature is still in beta testing, so it may not provide a seamless experience just yet. However, users with iPhones running iOS 18.3, which was launched earlier this week, can access the feature. T-Mobile noted in their official communication regarding the Starlink beta that, “You can now stay connected by texting via satellite from virtually anywhere. To start experiencing coverage beyond, please update to iOS 18.3.”

    Future Plans and Expectations

    For those who might not know, T-Mobile previously announced that Samsung Galaxy phones would also gain support for Starlink communication. Currently, the collaboration between T-Mobile and Starlink for Apple devices focuses solely on sending messages via satellite. Nonetheless, there are intentions to introduce voice calls and data services in the future. Earlier, there had been rumors of Apple working with GlobalStar for its satellite features, but now it seems the partnership with T-Mobile is expanding, with expectations that all users will gain access to this feature by the end of the year.

  • Starlink Launches in 4 New Markets in Just 5 Days

    Starlink Launches in 4 New Markets in Just 5 Days

    Active since 2019, Elon Musk’s SpaceX subsidiary, Starlink, has deployed over 7,000 small satellites in low Earth orbit as part of its satellite internet constellation. The smallest of these satellites weigh about 500 pounds, while the largest can go beyond 2,700 pounds. The service first opened to a select group of users at the end of October 2020, which was more than five years after the public announcement in early 2015 when the SpaceX satellite development center started in Redmond, Washington. The full commercial rollout took place in early 2021, initially covering the US and Canada.

    Expanding Reach

    As of now, more than four million users are enjoying Starlink’s services across over 100 markets. Recently, four new regions were added to the network, starting Monday. Canada received the Starlink Mini, along with three small insular areas that previously had no access to the service. These areas are Nauru, Timor-Leste, and Cape Verde.

    Future Developments

    The official Starlink coverage map indicates that next year will see the addition of markets like Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Tunisia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Bolivia, and Cambodia. However, there are still territories with unspecified release dates for Starlink, including popular tourist locations such as Egypt, Thailand, and Taiwan. In the United States, the average download speed for Starlink users peaked above 100 Mbps but has since struggled to regain that level, currently hovering around 80 Mbps.

    For those interested in learning more about Starlink, “The Science Behind Starlink and How It Actually Works: A Comprehensive Analysis of Elon Musk’s Vision for a World Without Internet Boundaries” is available on Amazon for $7.99 in Kindle format, which is a 47% discount. The paperback version is priced at $14.99.

    Source: Link

  • Starlink Mini Deal: 25% Off Dish & 40% Off Roam Plan

    Starlink Mini Deal: 25% Off Dish & 40% Off Roam Plan

    Despite Elon Musk’s thoughts that the Starlink Mini dish would be priced at half of what the Standard Kit costs, SpaceX has launched it at the full retail price of $599. This price was even higher than that of the larger dish, which was available with a promotional discount at the time.

    New Pricing for Standard Dish

    Since that initial release, SpaceX has further reduced the price of the standard Starlink dish to $349, which now appears to be its permanent price. Recently, however, the Starlink Mini kit experienced its first significant price drop from $599 to $449 at retailers like Best Buy, marking its lowest price ever.

    Extended Discount Offer

    Originally, this promotion was set to end on December 8, but SpaceX has begun notifying Residential plan subscribers via email that they can still acquire the Mini dish at the discounted price until December 31. The email also mentioned a discount on the roaming plan available for purchase.

    The communication from SpaceX states that customers who buy a Starlink Mini dish by the end of this month will enjoy the same $449 promotional price that was initially scheduled to expire on December 8.

    Roaming Plan Discount

    Additionally, purchasers will receive a 40% discount on the Roam plan, which allows the use of the Starlink Mini dish while traveling. It’s worth noting that this roaming plan applies only to the base option with a 50GB limit, available for $30/month, rather than the unlimited satellite internet plan priced at $165/month.

    For users of the Starlink Standard Kit on the Residential plan who frequently travel and wish to take a Starlink Mini dish along, this new bundle deal could be appealing as it reduces the cost of both the dish and the roaming plan.


    Image 1
  • SpaceX’s Sixth Starship Flight: Success with Minor Issues

    SpaceX’s Sixth Starship Flight: Success with Minor Issues

    The prototype of SpaceX’s Starship rocket had its final test flight on Tuesday. President-elect Donald Trump and SpaceX’s CEO Elon Musk were present to see the largest rocket in the world take off from the launch pad. This sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship was nearly perfect, and the current version will be succeeded by a bigger and enhanced rocket model for the upcoming mission.

    Modifications Made

    Before the test flight, SpaceX engineers made some changes to the Starship by taking off over 2,000 heat shield tiles to reduce weight. Despite these adjustments, the rocket couldn’t carry a test payload of sensors and could only manage to transport a banana to show weightlessness.

    Flight Details

    The Starship rocket achieved an altitude of nearly 200 kilometers while reaching an impressive speed of 25,000 kilometers per hour. The two stages of the rocket separated at roughly 3,000 miles per hour, but unfortunately, there was a problem that stopped the super-heavy booster from being captured. The booster was intended to land back at the launch area in South Texas, but instead, it ended up making a water landing in the ocean.

    Successful Return

    As for the Starship spacecraft, it reached its intended orbit of 190 km in space as planned. There, one of its engines fired as expected to start the journey back to Earth. The re-entry into the atmosphere and landing in the Indian Ocean went off without a hitch. The Starship Block 1 test program has demonstrated its potential, but both stages of the rocket still require further development. The aim is to enable the reuse of both the Starship and its first stage in future missions.

    Source: Link,Link

  • SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    SpaceX Plans Starlink Upgrade for Gigabit Internet Speeds

    On October 11, 2024, SpaceX made a formal request to the FCC to modify several aspects of the Starlink Network. These modifications are part of SpaceX’s Gen2 NGSO satellite system, which the company says will introduce a range of enhancements. Specifically, the upgraded network aims to provide gigabit service to its customers. Additional improvements include reduced latency, widespread mobile connectivity, and adjustments to the network to accommodate the rising demand from users.

    Proposed Satellite Adjustments

    To boost the performance of the network, SpaceX is seeking to lower the altitude of three groups of satellites by approximately 8.5 percent from their current nominal height. SpaceX asserts that this adjustment will enhance space sustainability by decreasing the chances of collisions and shortening the time required for the post-mission disposal of Gen2 satellites. In simpler terms, this means that the satellites will have a lower risk of crashing into other objects and will disintegrate in the atmosphere more quickly once they reach the end of their operational life. The transition to a lower orbit will also facilitate the deployment of more satellites in the future, which is crucial given the growing demand for services, particularly in remote regions. Furthermore, SpaceX is looking to modify the number of satellites in each group to maximize coverage.

    Changes to Elevation Angles

    Along with lowering the nominal altitude, SpaceX is proposing a shift in the minimum elevation angle from 25 degrees to 20 degrees. This adjustment would extend the communication time between satellites and ground stations by allowing satellites to keep in touch even when they are closer to the horizon. Despite this potential benefit, there are worries that the lower altitude may interfere with other satellite systems, although SpaceX has provided evidence to counter these concerns.

    In conclusion, there are numerous reservations regarding these proposed modifications, and various stakeholders are opposed to them. Companies like Amazon, along with astronomers and regulatory bodies, have legitimate reasons for their opposition to SpaceX’s plans. For further information on the proposed changes, the full filing is available below.

    FCC filing via Ars Technica and Pixabay.

  • Free Starlink Internet & Tesla Superchargers for Hurricane Relief

    Free Starlink Internet & Tesla Superchargers for Hurricane Relief

    Tesla is set to deploy mobile Superchargers in areas that require them to assist electric vehicle owners following Hurricane Milton, which is predicted to make landfall on Wednesday.

    Free Starlink Internet Access

    Moreover, SpaceX has revealed that it will offer 30 days of complimentary Starlink satellite Internet service for its customers located in regions impacted by the recent landfall along Florida’s coast, as well as in the Carolinas, Virginias, and Georgia.

    Emergency Alerts

    In response to Hurricane Helene, SpaceX has also received approval to send out emergency alerts through Starlink’s direct-to-cell satellites. They mentioned that they will attempt to send text messages whenever necessary. However, this service is currently limited to T-Mobile customers.

    Tesla’s mobile Superchargers are an intriguing development. The company began using them after previous hurricanes and also temporarily increased the range for select vehicle models. Additionally, they have been sending them to busy Supercharger sites that often see high traffic and long wait times.

    Dual Purpose of Mobile Megapack Chargers

    According to Tesla’s previous battery chief, Drew Baglino, the mobile Megapack Chargers serve two main functions: they offer extra capacity during holidays and special events like solar eclipses or rocket launches, while also aiding emergency services during evacuations or power shortages.

    Tesla’s charging infrastructure team has confirmed that they will make sure there are functional Supercharger stations available before Hurricane Milton arrives. After the hurricane makes landfall, the team is committed to restoration efforts and is ready to deploy mobile Superchargers powered by Megapacks in areas where charging access is significantly affected.

    How Mobile Superchargers Work

    The mobile Superchargers consist of units placed on flatbed trucks alongside large Megapack batteries. During peak demand periods, Tesla’s team moves them closer to Supercharger stations and uses the infrastructure to charge the Megapacks overnight. This way, they can provide additional charging options to electric vehicle owners during the busiest parts of the day.

    A similar plan will be activated when Hurricane Milton strikes, with Tesla positioning mobile Superchargers where they’re most needed. Tesla continues to recommend that owners with home charging options, like the Universal Wall Connector EV Charger, charge their vehicles to full capacity, ensuring they’re prepared for any power outages that may occur.