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FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

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Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#21

Post by the-pigeon »

gingernaut wrote: post #11

What the implications are for countries that severely restrict and monitor internet access? Would Chinese citizens be able to sign up for this service? Would SpaceX comply with foreign governments asking to ban connections or new customers from their countries?

It would be subject to local wireless spectrum control.

So like for your example it would have to sell to Chinese customers illegally if it wasn't going to comply with their censorship regulations. Which the Chinese government could then do a lot to fight.

So basically no, satellite internet is unlikely to have any impact on censorship.

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#22

Post by tspike »

sneak wrote: post #9

The last fifteen years I have been lamenting the fact that we happen to be living in that tiny slice of history between the internet being invented and the internet being everywhere, having to deal with things like “long distance” and “no service” and underhanded last mile monopolies. I could not be more excited about this.

Conversely, I am happy to have existed during the tiny slice of history between the internet being invented and governments and corporations figuring out how useful it is and controlling it for their own purposes.

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#23

Post by csdreamer7 »

wongarsu wrote: post #18
jagger27 wrote: post #5

Has SpaceX indicated that this network is meant to cover every home and business directly or connect to a hub to distribute locally? In terms of democratization, space to the home with commodity hardware is such a game changer it's not even funny. My napkin math says that latencies across the Earth (like NYC to Melbourne) would beat existing fiber.

From what I remember he implied direct connection from home to satellite. Latency could beat fiber, but I am sceptical about bandwith in high population areas (and bandwith of the satellite mesh network). It will be a game-changer for low density areas, but most of us will probably still want a fiber connection.

> Latency could beat fiber

Where did you get that information? The last article I read (I believe TechCrunch) said the latency would be somewhat slower then cable (which isn't bad).

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#25

Post by neo4sure »

bpd1069 wrote: post #4

This is monumental - I claim every major advance in communication technology immediately precedes a major progress for society. This will make the 'Internet' truly global and ubiquitous. So excited for the developing world.

I would like to know how this technology will affect the great firewall of China, does anyone have any ideas?

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#26

Post by wallace_f »

godzillabrennus wrote: post #14
ryanlol wrote: post #10

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's a sad state of affairs if this FCC approval is a major advance in communication technology.

Regulation can enhance confidence and breed investment interest.

People aren't perfect, and some are terrible, so it makes sense to have government. However, it is reasonable to be critical of government removing your rights to work. Actually, it is a civil duty. I am not sure where the line should be drawn, but it has certainly gone too far. Should you need gov approval to download an IDE, or sell an app? What about to braid hair?[1]

I would bet that as soon as government begins infringing on the rights to work which affect HN usere, suddenly everyone here would be a civil libertarian.

1-https://www.theroot.com/tennessee-has-fined-residents-almost...

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#27

Post by geerlingguy »

tyingq wrote: post #7

Would probably fix the now somewhat "limited by cost constraints" inflight WiFi for airlines. Lots of capital to switch over though. And perhaps more complicated tracking/pointing. Smaller, less wind resistance, and so less fuel burn cost though.

And long-term contracts. I remember hearing GoGo signed on for an exclusive 10 year contract with airlines who use them, with no plans to upgrade bandwidth during that time.

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#28

Post by nradov »

neo4sure wrote: post #25
bpd1069 wrote: post #4

This is monumental - I claim every major advance in communication technology immediately precedes a major progress for society. This will make the 'Internet' truly global and ubiquitous. So excited for the developing world.

I would like to know how this technology will affect the great firewall of China, does anyone have any ideas?

Not much effect. The Chinese government will prohibit import and possession of the ground terminals. Smugglers will bring in a few but not enough to really bypass the Great Firewall for many people.

Re: FCC Authorizes SpaceX to Provide Broadband Satellite Services

#29

Post by tyingq »

geerlingguy wrote: post #27
tyingq wrote: post #7

Would probably fix the now somewhat "limited by cost constraints" inflight WiFi for airlines. Lots of capital to switch over though. And perhaps more complicated tracking/pointing. Smaller, less wind resistance, and so less fuel burn cost though.

And long-term contracts. I remember hearing GoGo signed on for an exclusive 10 year contract with airlines who use them, with no plans to upgrade bandwidth during that time.

The Gogo deals require consumer pricing that is revenue positive too. The airlines that chose their own unbranded satellite can subsidize prices if they want. And, of course, Gogo doesn't work over the ocean or other large water bodies, unpopulated areas, etc.

Though the gogo antennas are simple and way less capital expenditure, faa certification time, and aircraft downtime for installation.

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