In late 2020, Starlink, SpaceX has begun running a Starlink beta in North America and Southern Canada. Now, half of America seems ready to hop on to the new satellite internet. As reported by PcMag, only five percent of users in America are currently connected to an internet Satellite. However, it could escalate very soon when SpaceX's internet service is ready. BusinessInsider also notes that even UK via Ofcom has given the Go signal for Starlink.
The trend has always been to ditch having an internet provider, as many users seem to suffer from very slow connection. Due to the current demands from work-from-home setup and distance learning, a stable internet connection is necessary. In many cases, the only reasonable solution is to connect via a satellite to attain a truly fast connection. Thus Amazon's Project Kuiper, with a speed of 400Mbps has always been a more efficient choice for many. But things are heating up soon with its soon to rise competition, SpaceX's Starlink which is set to launch on 2021.
Stable Internet Connection Needed for Streaming, Video Calls, Gaming Encourages Users to Switch to Starlink
While waiting for numerous tests, people online have buzzed about switching to Starlink. According to a survey in Reviews.org, over 50% of 500 respondents above 18 years old said that they are ready to sign up to Starlink's Beta Program. Despite disclosing the cost of having $499 for the antenna and router exclusive of a $99 monthly pay, which is more expensive than what they're currently paying. The average monthly cost of internet payers is at 65. Still, results still show that over half are willing to make the deal.
In addition, the survey also disclosed the deciding factors for the respondents. 74% said they need a stable internet connection for streaming, 72% said they need it for video calls, and 56% said they need it for online gaming.
Many users also came up to the conclusion that switching to Starlink would save costs in the long run, despite it being more expensive than the average monthly internet pay. When broken down, Starlink comes out as a more cost-efficient option, as it costs $0.96 per Mbps, which is 104 Mbps on downloads. When compared to the average cost which is $1.13 per Mbps from competitors, it's definitely a wiser decision to switch to Starlink.
Starlink Comes Out Cheaper than Competition
Starlink has a faster speed when compared to other internet satellite providers, and at the same time it also lowers latency to a great extent. Currently, the latency is at 39 milliseconds. The quality of the connection will be as good as that of connecting to cable, although it can't surpass speed via Fiber yet. In addition, if you have the right equipment, Starlink's internet connection can work in cars.
The survey shows that most people in the US are willing to try new options and pay more for a faster internet connection due to current lifestyle demands. Now more than ever, a faster connection is needed to sustain work or education.
United States and United Kingdom isn't the only place where Starlink has entered its beta testing services. It has also entered Greece, Australia and Germany where the broadband service is said to have already gained approval.
Related Article: American Astronomical Society: Elon Musk's Starlink Satellites Hinder Cosmic Discoveries
