Starlink
Starlink Internet works by sending information through the vacuum of space, where it travels much faster than in fibre-optic cable and can reach far more people and places.
While most satellite internet services today use single geostationary satellites that orbit the planet at about 35,000km, Starlink has a constellation of multiple satellites that orbits much closer to Earth, at about 550km, and covers the entire globe.
As Starlink satellites are in a low orbit, the round-trip data time between the user and the satellite is much lower than with satellites in geostationary orbit. This enables Starlink to deliver services like online gaming that are usually not possible on other satellite broadband systems.
What is Starlink, exactly?
Starlink is a the name of the SpaceX company’s growing constellation of orbital satellites. The development of that network began in 2015, with the first prototype satellites launched into orbit in 2018.
How many Satellites are there?
As of July 2022, Starlink consists of over 3,000 satellites in orbit (and that number is growing fast) with over 11,000 users across Australia.
How do these Satellites connect the Internet to my home?
Just like existing providers of satellite internet in Australia, Starlink provides internet access particularly to people in rural areas who don’t already have access to high-speed broadband.
How fast is Starlink’s Internet service?
According to the internet speed-tracking site Ookla, which analysed satellite internet performance during the fourth quarter of 2021, Starlink offered download speeds exceeding 100Mbps. Currently most Australian users of Starlink have been achieving downloads speeds in excess of 200Mbps. (Speeds may vary)
How much does Starlink cost?
For current prices for Starlink in Australia please visit: https://www.starlink.com/
