The US government has now given Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider from SpaceX, permission to extend its service to airplanes, ships, cars, RVs, and other mobile vehicles.
The move gives the company the opportunity to increase its customer base, which up until now had been limited to offering houses internet services for about $100 per month, largely in regions without access to conventional ground-based internet service. There are tens of thousands of subscribers worldwide.
The company will now probably start providing service to commercial airlines, perhaps starting with Hawaiian Airlines, which in April signed a contract with SpaceX stating it will provide free Starlink services to some flights.
According to CNN, the Federal Communications Commission’s regulatory permission also enables SpaceX to extend its service to trains, ships, and other vehicles, offering up a wide range of prospective business clients. Additionally, the business has been promoting its services to RV drivers.
“With more than double the antenna capability of Starlink, Starlink Business delivers faster internet speeds and higher throughput,”
SpaceX website
Prior to last week’s FCC certification, Starlink for RVs, which SpaceX also launched earlier this year for $135 a month, concentrated on providing internet to RVs exclusively when they were stationary.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, stated on Twitter last year that it is unlikely that internet connectivity will be delivered directly to cars.
Not connecting Tesla cars to Starlink, as our terminal is much too big. This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks & RVs.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 8, 2021
Source: CNN