When we think about getting internet access, we usually think of cell towers, broadband, or fiber optic cables. Satellite internet doesn't come to mind right away because we often associate satellites with things like TV and space travel, not the internet.
But, satellite internet is a technology that can bring the internet to places that are a bit far away from cities and towns. Even in some really remote areas where there's no electricity, satellite-based internet can make it possible to go online.
Here's how it works: A special dish on the ground talks to a satellite in space. That satellite sends and receives internet signals, just like the way we use Wi-Fi at home. You connect your computer or phone to this dish, and it helps you get on the internet.
Right now, there are a few companies like ViaSat and HughesNet that offer this kind of internet. But a new player, Starlink, is also entering the market, and they promise to provide very fast internet to people all over the world soon. This means even in really remote places, you can stay connected to the internet!
Starlink and how does it work?
Starlink is like a special internet service provided by Elon Musk's SpaceX company. It's unique because it uses lots of small satellites in space, not cables in the ground, to give people the internet.
These satellites are in low Earth orbit, not too far away, and they talk to a special dish on the ground at your home.
Right now, there are over 1700 satellites up there, and SpaceX is planning to launch even more.
Starlink can offer internet almost everywhere in the world, but they can only do it in places where the government says it's okay.
They started giving this internet in 19 countries in a test, and it's getting popular.
The equipment you need at home is a satellite dish and a router. They catch the internet signal from space and let you use it.
What's cool is that Starlink can bring fast internet to places that had a hard time getting good internet before. It's like magic, and it's changing how people get online!
Starlink is best for villages and rural areas –
In some places worldwide, even in the 21st century, there's no electricity. Imagine having wired internet there - it seems impossible. That's where Starlink comes in. It's a project that uses satellites to provide internet to every corner of the Earth, no matter where you are. You can get fast internet anywhere, anytime.
Think about villages and rural areas where there are hardly any bank branches. That's because there's no good and consistent internet there. People from these areas have to travel to cities for their banking needs. But with satellite-based internet like Starlink, these places can have fast internet, too. This can help set up banks in villages and rural areas, creating jobs and making life better for people there. It's like bringing the world to these remote places!
Speed of Starlink Internet Services
Most internet travels through cables in the ground, but Starlink's internet goes through space, which is super fast.
Starlink uses a bunch of satellites that are much closer to Earth (550 km) than other satellites (35,000 km). These satellites cover the whole planet.
Because they're closer, your internet signal doesn't have to travel a long way, so it's quicker. This is called "latency," and Starlink has much lower latency.
When you use Starlink, you can expect download speeds of around 100 to 200 megabits per second (Mb/s) and really fast response times (only about 20 milliseconds). This means you can do online gaming, which is usually tough with other satellite internet.
Starlink Internet Services Cost
If you want to use Starlink Internet during its beta testing phase, you pay $99 (about Rs 7300) each month.
You'll also need to get the equipment to make it work. This costs a one-time fee of $499 (about Rs 37,000). The equipment includes things like an antenna, a stand to mount it, a power supply, and a Wi-Fi router.
With Starlink, you can download things from the internet pretty fast, between 100 to 500 megabits per second (Mb/s). Uploading stuff to the internet will be slower, around 20 to 50 Mb/s. It's like having speedy internet at home, thanks to Starlink!
Conclusion - In Conclusion, Starlink is transforming internet access with its satellite-based technology, reaching even the most remote areas. It offers high-speed internet, low latency, and global coverage, revolutionizing online connectivity. With a focus on bridging the digital divide and empowering rural regions, Starlink is making fast, reliable internet accessible to everyone, changing the way we connect online.
