Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, will soon be available on select planes, with the official launch of Starlink Aviation next year.
It claims that the service will provide internet speeds of up to 350Mbps to each plane outfitted with its Aero Terminal, which it claims is fast enough for video calls, online gaming, and “other high data rate activities.”
MORE FROM RAVZGADGET: Take-Two Is shutting Down Developer Behind The Mobile Hit ‘Two Dots’
It’s certainly a significant improvement over the typical speeds provided by most in-flight Wi-Fi.
According to OneZero, most flights use air-to-ground systems, which top out at around 10Mbps per flight (and only work over land), whereas current satellite systems typically offer between 30Mbps and 100Mbps.
Because these speeds are per plane, actual speeds may vary depending on the number of passengers on each flight who use the internet.
According to SpaceX’s support pages, internet connections will be available during taxi, takeoff, flight over land and water, and landing, with latency as low as 20ms.
“Starlink Aviation will have global coverage,” an FAQ reads. “Since the satellites are moving in low-earth orbit, there are always satellites overhead or nearby to provide a strong signal at high latitudes and in polar regions — unlike with geo-stationary satellites.” Deliveries are expected to start in mid-2023.
According to Aviacionline, Starlink Aviation was able to provide 100Mbps internet speed onboard during a recent test flight.
The demonstration was carried out on a flight between Burbank and San José, California, by JSX, which announced in April that it would be one of the first airlines to offer in-flight internet access.
JSX CEO Alex Wilcox stated in September that he expects it to be available to passengers this month and that all of the company’s planes will be equipped with the system by the end of the year.
In April, Hawaiian Airlines announced an agreement with Starlink, with installation set to begin next year.
MORE FROM RAVZGADGET: TikTok’s Latest Livestreaming Feature Include Adult-Only Broadcasts
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has long talked about the company’s plans to offer its Starlink internet service to planes. SpaceX filed a request with the Federal Communications Commission in March 2021 to allow Starlink to be used on moving platforms.
“This is for aircraft, ships, large trucks, and recreational vehicles,” Musk tweeted shortly after. Since then, Starlink Maritime for boats and Starlink RV for mobile homes have been announced.
