Starlink Internet to Exit Beta Next Month!
Mike Sanders / 3 years ago
Earlier this year, Starlink officially entered its ‘beta’ testing phase where customers from within America, the UK, and parts of Europe, could sign up for their satellite-based internet service. Unlike other more mainstream ISP options, this one clearly came with a pretty huge bonus that the consumer would not be reliant on existing telecommunication networks. Through a dish being placed in their backyard, they could gain access to a surprisingly fast internet service.
With Starlink on target for the launch of more satellites and total global coverage, however, following a report via Engadget, Elon Musk has confirmed that it will officially be exiting its ‘beta’ phase next month with this likely representing the precursor to a full-blown international release!
Starlink Takes One Step Closer to a Mainstream Release!
I have made very little secret of the fact that I’m a huge supporter of the Starlink internet service. Admittedly though, this is mostly because I live in a fairly rural part of the country where unreliability and lacklustre maintenance usually gives my internet an unscheduled break every couple of months. – While Starlink does, therefore, represent an excellent option for many consumers with crummy internet, it does currently have two pretty major problems. Firstly, it’s so popular that they are already saying that it may take until 2023 to fulfil all current orders. And secondly, it’s bloody expensive!
When the Price Goes Down – The Customers Will Come
At the time of writing, while you can sign-up for the Starlink internet service (presuming you like in America, the UK, or Europe) the bottom line is that it is not, at least at the moment, cheap. You are, roughly speaking, looking at around a £500 ‘setup free’ (largely to provide you with your kit and satellite dish), and even after that, it will still cost you £99 a month as a subscription fee.
Having been accurately described as the ‘early adopter tax’, however, Starlink will get more affordable in the future. And the moment it comes even mildly comparable to what I’m currently paying, I’ll be switching straight away! And, I daresay many of you reading this are looking forward to that day too!
What do you think? – Let us know in the comments!