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SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

zdnet.com

701–710 of 1001 posts

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#701

A couple of billion people are doing to join the global middle class over the coming decades. They don’t have pre-existing cable and phone networks that have been in the ground for 50+ years they can incrementally upgrade to broadband. Rich countries spend trillions getting to the point where most people have some sort of wired broadband option. If newly middle income countries want to pursue the same route, it will…

but is providing access to internet for billions of people worth not being able to see the big dipper as clearly at night? I say yes, but only just barely

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#702

I have started to see what I think are star link satellites at night on walks with my kids. It actually makes me sad to see that on person owns the night sky and is changing the literal stars my kids will grow up with. It feels different when it’s the government that theoretically represents people but when it’s one person that feels truly depressing.

I feel that way about street advertising, beautiful European cities with historical buildings all around and suddenly a big screen/panel asking you to buy whatever.

São Paulo: Cidade Limpa

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cidade_Limpa

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#703
post #684

My mom lived with overpriced, underdeveloped, unreliable, and slow internet for years. Now she pays less for fast, reliable, sometimes improving bandwidth that doesn't go down for weeks after a storm. Progress is often gross, but it can be a lifesaver.

That’s great and I’m happy for her. Progress should be for all, not just the developed elite hanging out in tech circles. Alas, Not In My Low Earth Orbit.

Progress isn't evenly distributed.

That's why we don't deny some access because we can't give everyone. Especially if the dispute is about method

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#704
What I don't understand is where are the Starlink competitors. Supposedly the UK government owns a stake of 10% in OneWeb and yet they are planning to use Starlink for trains.

Is it really just too hard to put enough satellites in orbit to be competitive with Starlink?

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#705

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Global cellular operator revenue is approx $1T. They have put their toe in the water with direct-to-cellular support for starlink, and have bought spectrum to improve this. I'm sure they basically want to offer cellular to everyone in the world and get a good chunk of that $1T. Maybe they want 20% of it? Sounds crazy, but China Mobile, Verizon, and Deutsche Telecom each have 10%. Sounds it's not so wild that they can…

How would people be able to use internet when they are inside? Perhaps under layers and layers of concrete, think a 50 stories building

The same way they already do with DAS and WiFi routers

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#706
post #457

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> I don't understand the huge upside for Starlink outside of Africa or India, where they have India is rapidly expanding fiber internet connectivity, even in rural areas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bharat_Broadband_Network In addition, 4G/5G coverage is extensive: https://www.ookla.com/articles/india-mobile-connectivity-1h2... See India in this 5G global coverage map: https://www.ookla.com/articles/5g-map-2026 The…

Additionally, India is currently banning starlink for national security reasons.

This isn't true

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#707

I have started to see what I think are star link satellites at night on walks with my kids. It actually makes me sad to see that on person owns the night sky and is changing the literal stars my kids will grow up with. It feels different when it’s the government that theoretically represents people but when it’s one person that feels truly depressing.

You can say what you want about Musk (I personally think that he is an appaling human being), but Starlink represents everybody who pays for starlink to get access to the internet, not just Elon.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#708

When Starlink first became available here in poor-ish Central-EU, I was excited. Then, only months later, but after years of planning: EU funding brought fiber to my farm area, at ~$25/900mbps 10ms. While my story is just n=1, I don't understand the huge upside for Starlink outside of Africa or India, where they have However, I am dumb, and very open to be convinced.

Starlink has its uses, but I really don't understand those who get starlink while living in built-up areas. Starlink is just a re-skin of the "Wireless optic" thing a lot of ISPs are pushing because they would prefer not having to lay cables and instead have everyone use 5g routers. Of course, the service isn't comparable, but regular people don't necessarily know it. Fiberoptic is still king, and probably will be fo…

Starlink has more suburban and urban users because there are lots of enclaves without service, reliable service or unlimited service.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#709

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It's not one person though. If zero people were using Starlink, then it would be that one person's vanity up there, but since it seems people do find it useful, those satellite lines represent humans being able to connect with modern technology out in the Sahara or in the ocean. For sailors to keep in touch with loved ones and to have a less dreary existence on long ocean voyages. And not to fret, China's managed to…

> those satellite lines represent humans being able to connect with modern technology out in the Sahara or in the ocean Or basic locations in Europe, that can be as close to 20km from a big city. There are a ton of spots where you have at best spotty 4G coverage or no coverage at all. Used to live where we had 1Mbit ADSL, and no cell ... Trust me, you feel the limitations of that. Keeping your PC running 24/7 to down…

I live in the center of a capital of small EU country and I'm scheduled to get fiber Q3 this year. Copper is getting tired and flakey, 5G is overcrowded. There's been close to no progress in residential internet for the past 15 years.

Re: SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites for 100x the bandwidth

#710
post #532
post #496

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wonder if (this part specifically) is a solvable problem? Is it their altitude that causes them to shine? Perhaps finally a commercial use for Vantablack?

Their brightness is a mixture of a lot of things, including the huge PV arrays and the angle they have with the sun when they cross the terminator between night and day. Starlink have already put a lot of effort into their satellites being much less bright than most satellites, including tilting their PV away from earth during the terminator crossing, so from what I've read you'll mainly see them while they're being…

I watch them come up over the horizon right after sunset. Only a couple specific trajectories are visible and they disappear pretty quick. Later on in to a clear night and after your eyes adjust to the darkness, you can find them all over the sky. They look like very faint stars speeding around. It's quite spectacular and hunting them makes for a fun activity with others while relaxing in a hot tub.
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