Tag: Satellite

Starlink: When It Makes Sense to Use It (and When It Doesn’t)

In the rapidly expanding universe of internet connectivity, Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX, has emerged as a game-changer for many. Its mission to provide high-speed internet across the globe, especially in underserved areas, has both intrigued and confused potential users about its best applications. This comprehensive look aims to demystify when it makes sense to opt for Starlink and when it might be better to stick with traditional internet services.

When It Makes Sense to Use Starlink

RV or Mobile Healthcare

For those living the nomadic life in an RV or operating mobile healthcare services, traditional wired broadband options are out of the question. Starlink offers a viable solution with its mobile satellite internet service. Its ability to provide reliable, high-speed internet on the go makes it an indispensable tool for remote workers, travelers, and mobile clinics, ensuring connectivity no matter the location.

Boat/Yacht/Marine Application

Maritime internet options have traditionally been limited to costly and slow satellite connections. Starlink changes the game for sailors, yacht owners, and marine operators by offering a high-speed, relatively affordable alternative. With its marine-specific plans, Starlink enables better navigation, communication, and entertainment options on the open sea, far surpassing previous offerings in both performance and price.

Aviation

For private aircraft owners, maintaining connectivity during flights has often been a luxury out of reach or tied to exorbitant costs. Starlink’s entrance into the aviation internet service market promises to revolutionize this, providing high-speed internet access mid-flight. This capability not only enhances the travel experience for passengers but also improves flight operations through better communication and real-time data exchange.

Very Rural and No Other Wired Internet Broadband Options

In remote and rural areas, where traditional internet service providers (ISPs) cannot or will not offer service due to logistical and financial constraints, Starlink shines as a beacon of connectivity. It bridges the digital divide for rural homes and businesses, offering speeds and latencies that rival, and in some cases surpass, those of urban broadband services.

Backup to Existing Wired Connection, When Fast Cellular Isn’t Available

Even in areas well-served by traditional ISPs, Starlink can serve an important role as a backup internet connection. For businesses and individuals who cannot afford downtime, Starlink provides an alternative when terrestrial broadband services fail, and fast cellular options are unavailable or unreliable. Its quick setup and portable equipment make it an ideal contingency plan.

When It Doesn’t Make Sense to Use Starlink

Other Broadband Wired Options Available

If you reside in an urban or suburban area with access to fiber, cable, or DSL internet services, opting for Starlink might not make the most sense. Traditional broadband options typically offer more consistent speeds and reliability for a lower cost. For everyday home and office use, wired connections remain the go-to choice for most consumers and businesses.

Video Conference Priorities 

Starlink, while offering impressive speeds for satellite internet, can sometimes suffer from latency issues due to the nature of satellite communication. For real-time applications such as video conferencing through platforms like Teams, Google Meets, or Zoom, even slight delays can disrupt the flow of conversation and lead to a frustrating user experience. In these cases, wired broadband services usually provide a more stable connection with lower latency.

VOIP Phone Traffic

Similar to video conferencing, Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) phone services require stable and low-latency internet connections to function seamlessly. Delays or packet loss, which can occur more frequently with satellite internet like Starlink, might lead to dropped calls or poor call quality. For critical communication needs, especially in a professional setting, traditional broadband is often more reliable.

Low Latency Needs

For applications and tasks that demand the lowest possible latency—such as competitive online gaming, high-frequency stock trading, or certain types of remote work—Starlink may not be the best fit. The inherent delay in sending signals to space and back can’t compete with the milliseconds of latency offered by fiber-optic connections.

Is Starlink Right for You?

Starlink represents a monumental leap forward in satellite internet technology, offering high-speed connectivity in many areas of the world previously left in the digital dark. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For those in remote areas, on the move, or in need of a reliable backup, Starlink is a groundbreaking option. Yet, for users with access to traditional broadband services or those requiring ultra-low latency, sticking with wired internet options might still be the best bet. As with any technology, assessing your specific needs and usage patterns is key to making the right choice.

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AT&T Assists AST SpaceMobile’s Historic 5G Satellite Call

With the backing of AT&T, AST SpaceMobile, a cellular satellite enterprise, recently achieved a groundbreaking milestone. They established the very first 5G connection between an unaltered smartphone and a satellite orbiting in space.

The call took place on September 8th, 2023, over a Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone. AST SpaceMobile originated the call from a wireless dead zone in Maui, Hawaii. Its recipient was situated in Madrid, Spain. The ingenious use of AST SpaceMobile’s low Earth orbit test satellite, named BlueWalker 3 (BW3), in conjunction with AT&T’s 5G spectrum, ensured that the cellular signal reached its destination. The achievement was corroborated by Vodafone, Nokia, and AT&T.

Work on the project began back in April when SpaceMobile executed its inaugural space-based phone call on AT&T’s 2G network. Subsequently, it transmitted a 4G LTE signal from space, which was successfully received by a standard smartphone, boasting impressive download speeds of 10Mbps. AST SpaceMobile, however, has continued to enhance its capabilities, recently surpassing this download speed record with a remarkable rate of approximately 14Mbps in a separate test.

Abel Avellan, the CEO of AST SpaceMobile, expressed his enthusiasm for this technological breakthrough, emphasizing its transformative impact on access to information. He noted, “Once again, we have achieved a significant technological advancement that represents a paradigm shift in access to information. Since the launch of BW3, we have achieved full compatibility with phones made by all major manufacturers and support for 2G, 4G LTE, and now 5G.”

AST SpaceMobile will remain vigilant, striving to redefine the boundaries of space-based phone communications by harnessing the power of 5G speeds. The company has ambitious plans to launch five commercial BlueBird satellites in the first quarter of the upcoming year. Meanwhile, Apple introduced emergency texting via satellite with the iPhone 14, and T-Mobile is collaborating with SpaceX’s Starlink for satellite connectivity.

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Can Satellites Support 5G Service?

Sateliot, a satellite communications provider based in Spain, has successfully launched its first low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite. This marks the first step towards its plan to eventually have 250 satellites in orbit to support 5G-based narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) connections. The 22-pound device was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that took off from Vandenburg U.S. Space Force Base in California. Once active, the satellite will be able to provide 5G coverage across more than 800,000 square miles.

The satellite can support NB-IoT connections using 3GPP’s Release 17 non-terrestrial networks (NTN) specification. This specification allows the satellite to communicate with ground-based 5G devices, with a focus on IoT connectivity. Sateliot CEO and Founder Jaume Sanpera explained that Sateliot would act as a service wholesaler with its constellation operating as a “coverage extender” for operators through a “single roaming agreement.” The company plans to launch four more satellites this year, with the goal of having 64 satellites in space by the end of 2024, on its way to a “full constellation” of 250 satellites in orbit by the end of 2025.

Sateliot has already signed deals with several operators and entities, with more than $1.3 billion in its sales pipeline. The company expects to hit more than $1 billion in sales and more than $380 million in earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) by 2026. Its highest-profile deal is with Spain-based telecom giant Telefónica to develop services for the operator’s managed IoT platform.

In addition, Sateliot has announced several other partnerships, including one with power grid solution company Sentrisense to support smart power line infrastructure. The deal will connect sensors to Sateliot’s NB-IoT constellation for data retrieval, even when they are out of reach from terrestrial connection points. This followed a deal with IoT provider Sensefinity to help prevent cargo damage and a deal late last year with South Africa-based Streamline to offer livestock tracking management services.

The market for LEO-based satellite services is predicted to generate $141 billion in service revenues by 2030. ABI Research cited market opportunities like IoT, backhaul, commercial broadband, and mobile satellite services. “The market is evolving quickly, and many services are finding enhanced deployment through strategic alliances and increased bandwidth supply in LEO,” noted Jake Saunders, VP of Asia Pacific and research director for ABI Research’s satellite communications service. “While these services are still in their early stages, there is evidence that they will find momentum as smartphone technology begins to peak, sales taper off, and new revenue streams grow in demand. To this end, the market is revealing new development paths that will influence the market.”

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What Alternatives Can Be Used to Expand 5G Coverage

Qualcomm Technologies, Ericsson and French aerospace company Thales announced this week that they would be starting work together. Their intention is to make 5G connections available everywhere through the use of space. The partnership formed within months of 3GPP having been approved for satellite-driven 5G Non-Terrestrial Networks (5G NTNs). This global effort will be accomplished through the use of combined satellite and terrestrial connectivity.

“For 5G to fulfill the promise of ubiquitous connectivity, it is imperative that it can also deliver network coverage in areas where terrestrial cellular networks do not exist, whether that be over oceans or in remote areas,” said John Smee, senior vice president of engineering at Qualcomm. “Our planned research with Ericsson and Thales will kick off an important step in making this vital technology a reality. We are looking forward to what this collaboration can accomplish.”

The goal of the three companies is to assist with global network coverage, including in areas that currently do not have terrestrial network capabilities. They’ll use a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite, which will allow coverage to be expanded to areas previously not able to receive service. This includes extreme terrain, as well as across seas and oceans. Additionally, the group is hoping that in the event of an emergency, satellite connectivity could be used in place of or as a backup to terrestrial networks.

“This testing and validation cooperation between Ericsson, Thales and Qualcomm Technologies will be a major milestone in the history of communications,” said Erik Ekudden, senior vice president and chief technology officer at Ericsson. “The ultimate result could effectively mean that no matter where you are on Earth – in the middle of an ocean or the remotest forest – high-end, secure and cost-effective connectivity will be available through collaborative 5G satellite and terrestrial connectivity.”

Smartphone focused testing is in the works in an emulated space environment in France. Validation of 5G NTN began with 3GPP’s announcement back in March. The tests are designed to allow the teams to discover what components are needed to enable 5G connectivity between smartphones, satellites and terrestrial 5G network segments. Ideally, they will ensure that 5G NTN can be supported through use of a network-enabled smartphone.

Each company has its own role to play. Qualcomm is providing the smartphones that will verify if 5G NTN can be accessed by 5G enabled devices. Ericsson will work with part of the testing phase and will handle the 5G virtual RAN stack that has been altered to handle radio waves through quick moving satellites. Thales’ responsibility will be to verify that the payload will be able to be distributed by the satellites themselves. 

“The deployment of 5G networks marks a step change for the telecoms industry. It is a game changer, not only in terms of business opportunities but also in the skills required to connect and protect billions of people and things,” said Philippe Keryer, executive vice president of strategy, research and technology at Thales. “Thales is deeply involved in it through the different activities of the Group. The research collaboration with Ericsson and Qualcomm Technologies will demonstrate the belief of our companies that 5G non-terrestrial networks will contribute to this revolution and will take network resiliency and security to the next level.”

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SpaceX has a new premium satellite service with faster speeds at 5 times the cost of the standard service

Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, tweeted some big news on Tuesday. The tweet included a link to their website with mention of a new Starlink Premium service plan.

The Starlink satellite Internet service has been offering a standard plan to users. The plan costs $99 per month, plus a one time $499 fee for a setup kit. The plan promises users bandwidth speeds up to 150Mbps. Of course, as many users have reported, that can be quite variable at this point. 

Now SpaceX is offering their premium plan, which has been designed for better performance in “extreme weather conditions.” According to the Starlink website, the service plan is described as ideal for “small offices, storefronts, and super users across the globe.”

It seems that because of these upgrades to the service, the monthly cost is much higher, at $500. There’s also a $500 deposit that is required and the setup kit jumps up to a price of $2500. The setup kit not only includes the Dish, but a tripod mount and a WiFi router. Performance compared to the standard plan also goes up quite a bit. Users can experience anywhere from 150 to 500 Megabits per second. 

The website says that customers would be able to get their hands on Starlink Premium in the second quarter of 2022. Also, customers who paid the $500 deposit will receive a notification when their internet kit is on the way. 

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Verizon and Amazon Team Up to Deliver High Speed Data Services to the U.S.

Providing high speed Internet to everyone in the U.S. has seemed to be a nationwide goal for decades. Until recently, that goal hasn’t been anywhere near achieved. Much like the current space race, Amazon is battling Elon Musk’s satellite project with their project Kuiper to make this goal a reality. 

Project Kuiper is what runs Amazon’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite network. Teamed with the folks at Verizon, the project has been funded at around $10 billion. Eventually, this will provide more than 3,000 satellites, which would offer reduced latency by operating closer to the Earth. 

Target sectors for the satellite-enhanced Verizon Business network include manufacturing, agriculture, energy and transportation.

“Smart farms, bringing technology to agriculture, and connecting the last mile of rural America will be at the forefront of helping our industry to provide food for billions around the globe.” said Betsy Huber, president of agriculture promotion body National Grange, “Ensuring connectivity in rural areas will be key to making these endeavors a success.”

To read more about this subject, check out the full article at IoT World Today. 

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