Featured Image Source: Starlink Dish Render Created By @ErcXspace via Twitter

SpaceX deployed the twenty-fourth cluster of internet-beaming Starlink satellites on April 7, increasing the constellation’s size to approximately 1,443 satellites out of over 12,000 that will comprise the broadband network. SpaceX says it will achieve near-global broadband coverage before this year ends. The company currently offers Starlink beta service to a limited amount of customers per region. The first countries that have Starlink users are: United States, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Germany, and by this summer the company targets to provide service to more countries in Europe. Individuals interested in the service can pre-order via Starlink.com.

After this week’s satellite launch, SpaceX sent out E-mails to potential Starlink customers living in Australia. “Starlink is now available in limited supply in Australia! Initial beta service is available in parts of central Victoria and southern New South Wales,” the E-mail announcement states, “Service will expand across the country in the coming months.” SpaceX already received approval to set up Starlink Gateway ground stations in Australia. These stations are the linking factor between the satellites in space and internet data centers on Earth. The company plans to operate a total of 24 ground stations, according to Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) which regulates telecommunications services in the country.

SpaceX also told customers that they can “expect to see data speeds vary from 50Mb/s to 150Mb/s [megabits per second] over the next several months as we enhance the Starlink system. There will also be brief periods of no connectivity at all,” they wrote, “As we launch more satellites, install more ground stations and improve our networking software, data speed, latency and uptime will improve dramatically.”
Because the service is currently limited to a certain amount of users per region, SpaceX is selecting customers at a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis. “If Starlink is not yet available in your area, you can place a deposit to hold your space in line for future service,” the company said. To reserve a spot, customers place a deposit of $99 USD, once selected they must order the Starlink Kit at $499 USD, which includes a phased-array dish antenna along with all the necessary equipment to connect to the satellite internet service.

Featured Image Source: Starlink Dish Render Created By @ErcXspace via Twitter