Starlink Connects Private Jets
- By CDOTrends editors
- November 01, 2022
After proving its capability and announcing itself to the world through the war in Ukraine, Elon Musk’s Starlink is expanding its footprint with a service for private jets while also providing connectivity in remote parts of Ecuador.
Starlink claims that it has donated USD80 million in internet services to Ukraine, which will reach USD100 million by the end of the year. So, the USD150,000 private jet operators will pay in one-off set-up costs for connectivity can go some way to recouping the cost from the investment in the constellation of over 3,000 low earth orbiting satellites.
Musk’s SpaceX company has launched Starlink Aviation, which will offer internet speeds up to 350Mbps to private jets in flight. This will enable video calls and online gaming in flight, in addition to accessing other entertainment sources.
On top of the set-up costs, fees are between USD12,500 and USD25,000 per month for broadband services inside the jets. The service is slated for launch in mid-2023, and expressions of interest also come with a reservation fee of USD5,000.
While Starlink is rolling out services to the well-heeled, it has announced it will also offer services in the South American nation of Ecuador this year.
Ecuador’s Minister of Telecommunications, Vianna Maino, confirmed the move in an interview with local media, saying the Starlink services will connect the remotest settlements in the country.
Maino said that 4G coverage had increased 17% this year and expected it to reach 80%. While some areas had been connected to 5G, Starlink would be invaluable in remote areas not accessible by fiber optics.
In May, Elon Musk met with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro and announced a platform to provide internet services in the most remote parts of the Amazon.
Starlink currently operates in 32 countries, including the Latin American nations of Mexico, Brazil, and Chile.
Image credit: iStockphoto/frankpeters