Techweb reported on May 26 that the latest regulatory filing document submitted by SpaceX to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shows that the company's "Starlink" Satellite Internet service currently has more than 400000 users around the world This shows that the number of users of star chain service is growing steadily, and the service began in October 2020. At the beginning of this year, the company said that the number of star chain users was about 145000. Two months ago, SpaceX claimed that the star chain had about 250000 users. These figures include both individual consumers and enterprises.
Satellite link is the satellite Internet deployed by SpaceX in low earth orbit, which aims to provide high-speed network services anywhere in the world. Through thousands of satellites, SpaceX is building a complete system. Compared with the traditional broadband satellite network, the satellite chain can provide faster network services in a wider coverage area.
In the document submitted to the FCC, SpaceX plans to connect more people and locations with the next generation of user terminals. This means that the company may have started the development of the third generation satellite link antenna for residential users.
Brett tarnutzer, director of SpaceX satellite policy, said: "SpaceX is ready to bring greater value to American consumers and enterprises through its operating ground stations. These ground stations need 12GHz capacity to connect aircraft, ships and vehicles at home and abroad to high-speed, low latency broadband networks."
SpaceX pointed out in a conference call with the FCC on May 19 that the star chain service has been activated in 48 states in the United States. So far, the network has covered 36 countries and regions, and its goal is to expand its services to most parts of Asia, Africa and the Middle East next year.
SpaceX has launched about 2500 satellite chains to support its global network. This year, the company expanded the service options of star chain. Its basic service fee is $110 per month, plus a hardware package of $599. The monthly fee for advanced options is $500, plus $2500 for hardware.
The company also recently launched special services for mobile users, such as RV and Campervan owners, adding a $25 per month "portable" fee, allowing customers to suspend or connect to Internet services at any time.
SpaceX is also expanding into the airborne Wi Fi market and has signed agreements with Hawaiian Airlines and JSX airlines to add satellite antennas on the aircraft. SpaceX is expected to start providing star chain services for commercial aircraft within one year and is currently awaiting regulatory approval.