Since the first launch in 2018 more than 6.600 satellites Starlink have been launched to date, of which almost 6.100 are operational (¹). Satellites have evolved technically, just as the infrastructure was gradually improved. They are launched in packets of 20 up to 23 at the rate of one SpaceX flight on average every ten days. However, the planned constellation of 34.396 satellites is still far from being achieved. Service coverage expands over time with the addition of new territories as requests for authorization from States are successfully completed. (²).
For more than four years, many boaters around the world have equipped their boat with an antenna/router kit by using the “Roaming” service. (ROAM in English) Who, with a particularly low cost, offers the possibility of maritime use off the coast thanks to an activated “Mobile Priority” option.
But everything is not as simple as that…
Evolution of the equipment
Antennas and routers are evolving rapidly. The thousands of first-time buyers are seeing the arrival of more efficient devices that are better suited to certain uses. Antennas, called " Dish » by Starlink, initially motorized to better orient themselves towards satellites that are still too few in number, become fixed for the latest models. Routers are at the 3. They consume a lot of energy and are often replaced by more compact devices that consume less electricity.. In addition, the 110/220V power supply of the kit requires the use of 12V-110/220V converters, which leads some to “tweak” to power the kit with 12V on board boats.
Starlink REV4 (antenna V3)
After the kit REV4 (antenna V3 / Gen3 router) recently appeared in the USA and is now available in France, it is already announced (³) the arrival of a new antenna with reduced dimensions, Starlink Mini, Compact version of the standard Starlink antenna designed for increased portability and ease of use, Transportable in a backpack. The technical specifications are still confidential, But they should soon be published on the occasion of the first tests.
Software evolution
The application for smartphones allowing you to drive, Control and manage equipment and services, is constantly being modified. You just have to consult the Apple Store or Google Play to be convinced : Almost one update a week for months, along with the same cryptic message : "Improvements and bug fixes". Options appear, others disappear, without any explanation.
Waltz of prices, Uncertain offers
The least we can say, This is because the pricing policy is particularly nebulous. Prices sometimes vary significantly from country to country, both for the equipment and the associated services. And changes can take place without notice, such as the recent price increase in the US for "limited capacity areas", or the sudden removal of the Mobile-Global of the offer Roam. This now requires users traveling from a Starlink region (4) to another to carry out a tedious procedure of changing subscription address.
Example of prices charged in June 2024
If the majority of current boaters seem generally satisfied with the bandwiths obtained almost everywhere around the world, The fact remains that the service offer does not seem to be stabilized. Elon Musk's announcement of 2,7 million customers last April does not hide the fact that the Starlink company is still far from being profitable. It is still in the process of acquiring its market with particularly low starting prices compared to the investments made. But once the balance has been reached, it is a safe bet that prices will be raised thanks to a captive customer base..
Unless upcoming competitors like the Kuiper project by Amazon come to regulate the market, users who are addicted to broadband will be obliged to follow suit… Waiting for that day, The yachtsman's investment today remains dependent on the good will of the skipper.
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(¹) Source : https://planet4589.org/space/con/star/stats.html
(²) Starlink Official Coverage Map.
(³) spring : Tesla Mag
(4) Map of underwriting regions
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Relative article :
Internet par satellites : Riffifi in the firmament
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This was to be expected ! The information that has just been published about Starlink Mini is a big disappointment.
High hardware costs (599$ for the antenna), the $30/month that must be added to the Residential service for 50GB of mobile data with the Mini ROAM plan in the USA, and the extremely limited associated services have dashed the hopes of many : No unlimited data, No international roaming, No use in motion !
This is actually a preliminary launch for a small number of people – SpaceX could reduce the price and improve package offerings over time, once the initial request has been met — but it is doubtful.
Unless the trajectory takes a better direction, SpaceX is making us fear that it is raising prices across the board to make Starlink mobile data more expensive than it has been in the past. This has just happened.
Source : rvmobileinternet.com
The specifications of Starlink Mini have been published :
The field of view is 110°, the Wi-Fi router 5 is integrated. In addition to the standard bracket, a tube adapter will be delivered, as well as a DC power cable from 15 meters and a power adapter.
An average flow rate of 100 Mbps (Download) and 10 Mbps (Upload) is announced with a 23ms latency. All that's missing is pricing. Commercialization planned "during the summer".