You can now sign up to be a Starlink beta tester
SpaceX now has over 500 Starlink low-earth orbit (LEO) internet satellites in orbit! As per SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk, SpaceX needs about 400 Starlink satellites to provide minor coverage and 800 for moderate coverage.
Well, with those 500+ satellites it seems that SpaceX is ready to start inviting users to apply to become beta testers.
The website now invites you to fill out a small form with your email address and zip code in order to receive updates on Starlink news and service availability in your area.
After you sign up, you’ll receive a welcome email that states:
“Thank you for your interest in Starlink!
Starlink is designed to deliver high speed broadband internet to locations where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable. Private beta testing is expected to begin later this summer, followed by public beta testing, starting with higher latitudes.
If you provided us with your zip code, you will be notified via email if beta testing opportunities become available in your area. In the meantime, we will continue to share with you updates about general service availability and upcoming Starlink launches.”
The satellites currently in orbit are arranged to deliver broadband internet to Americans living in the northern contiguous states.
It’s not currently known how far south the initial beta coverage area will extend to.
If you’re chosen to be a beta tester, you should receive a user terminal with a flat disc antenna that Elon Musk has described as looking like a “little UFO on a stick.” The terminal’s antenna will self-direct in order to receive the best satellite signals.
SpaceX states that Starlink will be offered at speeds of up to a gigabit per second.
As far as latency, Elon Musk has tweeted that initially around 20ms is to be expected, with lower altitude Version 2 potentially getting as low as 8ms latency.
The currently anticipated cost for the service is around $80 per month.
As always, if we can be of help with your network or computer, give us a call here at RHYNO Networks. (855) 749-6648
