Elon Musk’s satellite internet is given the green light in the UK
Starlink collects permits. (Image: AleksandrMorrisovich / Shutterstock.com)
No time right now?
SpaceX collects permits worldwide for the necessary frequency bands in the Starlink Internet belt. The traffic light at the British regulator is now green. Some in the UK are already using the satellite network.
As the BBC reports, the British regulator Ofcom has granted the frequencies requested by SpaceX for the operation of the Starlink satellite internet. In this context, it has also become known that there are already Starlink users in the United Kingdom. Ofcom approved a test run in November 2020.
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Starlink is nearing takeoff
As early as October 2020, the service had started a “better-than-nothing” beta phase in the USA. In December of last year, the German Federal Network Agency also paved the way for the start. It’s not that far yet. For the time being, we have to be content with watching the satellites fly over Germany.
The founding of Starlink Germany GmbH in Frankfurt am Main gives reason to hope that things could soon get going in this country as well. The required number of satellites is now also in orbit. Elon Musk had given a number from 800 to 1,200 satellites. This should make global coverage possible. Around 900 satellites are currently orbiting in low earth orbits.
Great Britain supports competitor Oneweb financially
In the UK, Starlink has to compete directly with competitor Oneweb, recently rescued from bankruptcy with government funds. British industry observers expect this in the long term to lower the price of the Starlink offer, which is perceived as being quite expensive.
We have put together everything you need to know about Elon Musk’s Starlink project in this post.
