Starlink has introduced an aircraft service. Musk says it’s like using the Internet at home – Ars Technica

SpaceX is now advertising Starlink Aviationpromising 350Mbps broadband with unlimited data for every aircraft it’s installed on.

“Starlink can deliver speeds of up to 350 Mbps to each aircraft, enabling all passengers to access streaming internet at the same time,” the company said. “With latency below 20ms, passengers can engage in activities never before done in-flight, including video calls, online gaming, virtual private networks and other high-speed data activities.”

Starlink said the aircraft service will use a “low Aero Terminal” with an “electronically controlled phasing antenna that enables new levels of reliability, redundancy and performance”. It has a “simplified design” that “enables installation with minimal downtime and integrates well with other routine maintenance checks,” Starlink says. The service equipment also includes two wireless access points.

The one-time cost of the equipment is $150,000, not including installation. “Installation can be done by your current maintenance organization or Starlink can recommend experienced and qualified installers,” says Starlink.

Musk. It will be like “internet at home”

Monthly maintenance fees range from $12,500 to $25,000. “There are no long-term contracts and all plans include unlimited data. Your equipment is under warranty for as long as you are subscribed to the service,” says Starlink Aviation’s website. Buyers can order now, and deliveries will begin in mid-2023 Starlink FAQ says.

“Internet on airplanes will feel like you’re accessing the Internet at home,” SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. on Twitter.

Starlink Aviation will have global coverage because “there are always satellites overhead or nearby to provide a strong signal at high latitudes and polar regions,” according to the FAQ. “The service will be available on land, water and in-flight during taxiing, take-off and landing. As long as the equipment is connected and Starlink has an unobstructed view of the sky, communication is possible.”

So far, Starlink has said it plans to acquire additional types of certificates For the following aircraft: ERJ-135, ERJ-145, G650, G550, Falcon 2000, G450, Challenger 300, Challenger 350, Global Express, Global 5000, Global 6000 and Global 7500. Those models are business jets and regional jets. however, SpaceX said that “the Starlink engineering team will update this list as development of additional aircraft begins.”

At least two airlines plan to use Starlink

Starlink recently received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to provide Starlink satellite Internet service to moving vehicles, ships and aircraft. Even before receiving that approval, SpaceX was in talks with airlines to fly Starlink. in April Hawaiian Airlines said it will offer Starlink service to passengers at no extra charge from next year.

Starlink Aviation could help SpaceX improve Starlink’s finances, which have been hit by a company that has donated terminals and services to the war in Ukraine. “SpaceX is losing $20 million a month due to unpaid service and costs associated with enhanced security measures to protect against cyber warfare, but we’re going to keep doing it (sigh).” Musk wrote on Twitter yesterday

SpaceX also lost $885.51 million in FCC rural broadband funding that would have been distributed over 10 years, although it is appealing that decision. The FCC doubted Starlink’s ability to meet the speed requirements of the broadband grant; recent speed tests have shown that Starlink home internet is slowing down as more people use it.

Last month, Starlink performed a demonstration on a JSX Air flight between Burbank and San Jose, California. is reported Bitrates above 100 Mbps. JSX CEO Alex Wilcox said the airline will begin offering Starlink service on passenger flights in October, according to Aviation Today. article: Published on September 9.

“JSX operates a fleet of a total of 77 Embraer 135s and 145s and currently has Starlink antennas, modems and wireless access points installed and testing on two of its aircraft,” according to the Aviation Today article. “Wilcox described Starlink’s performance on those two planes as working ‘amazingly well.’