All articles tagged with #satellite internet
Vietnam's government approved a SpaceX Starlink license to operate fixed and mobile satellite internet in the country, including radio frequency and equipment approvals; the move follows a trial program and comes ahead of a U.S. visit, with no launch date announced.
Blue Origin unveiled TeraWave, a plan to orbit more than 5,400 satellites to deliver global, high-speed internet tailored for data centers, businesses and governments, with potential speeds up to 6 terabits per second; the constellation would launch by end of 2027 and would still trail SpaceX's Starlink in numbers, while Amazon's Leo pursues a similar public internet goal.
Blue Origin plans TeraWave, a space-based internet network offering up to 6 terabits per second globally for uploads and downloads, targeting tens of thousands of enterprise, data center, and government customers. The multi-orbit constellation will include 5,408 satellites (including 128 in medium Earth orbit), with ground connectivity via standard wireless links and deployments slated to begin around the end of 2027; consumer access is not part of the initial plan.
Starlink experienced a brief global outage affecting around 40,000 users, but service was quickly restored. The outage impacted users in conflict zones like Ukraine and highlights the network's importance for remote connectivity. The incident occurs amid increasing competition from other satellite internet providers like OneWeb and Amazon's Project Kuiper.
Amazon's Project Kuiper has partnered with JetBlue to provide in-flight Wi-Fi starting in 2027, marking its first airline deal as it competes with SpaceX's Starlink. The service aims to offer lower latency and more reliable internet, with initial availability on select aircraft and plans for broader rollout by 2026. Amazon has launched over 100 satellites and plans to deploy thousands more to expand its satellite internet network.
JetBlue will be the first airline to implement Amazon's Project Kuiper satellite network starting in 2027, providing faster, more reliable, and free in-flight Wi-Fi using low Earth orbit satellites that support high-speed streaming and data activities, enhancing the onboard connectivity experience for travelers.
SpaceX has introduced a new real-time beam switching system for Starlink that maintains high-speed internet connectivity even when obstructions like trees partially block the dish, enhancing service resilience and reducing the need for physical adjustments by users.
Starlink experienced a rare, 2.5-hour outage caused by internal software failures, affecting users globally and Ukrainian military operations, but service has now been restored.
Amazon plans to launch its satellite internet project, Project Kuiper, by the end of 2025 to provide connectivity in underserved areas, competing with Elon Musk's Starlink. The project has already launched two satellite sets and could generate significant revenue, but weather conditions pose a risk to satellite launches. Wall Street analysts are optimistic about Amazon's stock, with a strong buy rating and potential upside.
United Airlines has temporarily disabled Starlink internet on nearly two dozen regional jets due to radio interference issues between Starlink antennas and aircraft communication systems, but expects to resolve the problem without flight cancellations. Meanwhile, the airline is enhancing in-flight entertainment options by adding Spotify streaming to many of its aircraft.
EchoStar, a satellite and cable company, is nearing potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to missed FCC buildout obligations and declining core business, while facing increased competition from Elon Musk's Starlink internet service and regulatory pressures.
India has granted a license to Elon Musk's Starlink to launch satellite internet services, marking a significant step towards providing broadband access in remote areas of the country, though challenges remain in pricing and regulatory approvals.
EchoStar, a major satellite and internet provider, faces potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to an FCC investigation into its 5G network compliance and missed interest payments, amid a declining traditional cable market and increased competition from streaming and satellite services like Starlink.
Apple considered launching a satellite-based home internet service similar to Starlink in collaboration with Boeing, but the project was ultimately canceled due to concerns over costs, regulatory issues, and relationships with telecom providers. The company shifted focus to satellite connectivity features for iPhones, which remain costly and limited, with ongoing debates about their future viability.
SpaceX is offering a discount on its Starlink Mini dish and the Roam 50GB plan, reducing the hardware cost to $449 and the monthly fee to $30 for existing residential subscribers. However, the discount does not apply to the unlimited data Roam plan, and the 50GB plan cannot be paused. The offer is invite-only and available in select countries, aiming to boost sales without overloading network capacity. The current discount ends on December 8.