SpaceX announced yesterday that it now offers a global roaming option for customers travelling to locations where connectivity has been unreliable or completely unavailable.
The roaming service allows users to surf the internet in regions without a connection. The system is an upgraded version of Starlink for RVs, initially built for travellers.
“Global Roaming makes use of Starlink’s inter-satellite links (aka space lasers) to provide connectivity around the globe. Because it’s a newly launched technology, it operates on Starlink’s typical high-speed, low-latency service, intermixed with brief periods of poor connectivity or none at all. However, this will improve over time,” a statement read.
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Expectedly, the cost of using the service is not free; those who desire to use the service from any part of the globe can subscribe to the global use option for $200 a month. Value Added Tax is not tied to any price conversions from US dollars because American products are customarily advertised, excluding sales taxes.
Getting the global Roam attracts a one-time payment of $599 for portable hardware or $2,500 for in-motion hardware.
“With a wide field of view and enhanced GPS capabilities, the Flat High Performance Starlink can connect to more satellites, allowing for consistent connectivity on the go,” Space X explained.
“The hardware is designed for a permanent installation on your vehicle and is resilient in harsh environments.”
If customers fail to get optimal satisfaction from using the global roaming service, the company disclosed that they could return the product for a refund:
“If you are not fully satisfied with Global Roaming, you can return for a full refund of the hardware within 30 days. Service can be paused or canceled at any time.”
Starlink statement
Previously branded as Starlink RV, the Starlink Roam feature allows travelling between continents.
Notably, Starlink is presently not functional in numerous countries because of regulatory barriers, some of which include South Africa. No clarification has been made to address the lingering questions on the lips of global users keenly interested in knowing the chances of accessing the service in such countries.
More details about Starlink Roam Service
Starlink Roam does not offer a satellite internet connection to users interested in exploring the service in a moving vehicle. Any user interested in getting such a service must purchase the company’s $2,500 flat-rate high-performance terminal, which has been fundamentally designated to offer connection for vehicles in motion.
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Before SpaceX’s official announcement, the news of a possible launch of Starlink Roam had leaked after screenshots of a letter forwarded by the company to users littered the internet, with the company requesting that users come to test the satellite internet system’s new service. At the time, only the United States was listed as the country where the service was available. Along with the official launch, other regions have been listed alongside the United States.
In December, SpaceX affirmed that Starlink had achieved a milestone by gaining over 1,000,000 active subscribers. It has been a long time coming for Starlink. The subscribers are projected to rise like dough covered with yeast. With the sustained launch of more Starlink satellites into orbit and as the service becomes accessible in many regions around the globe, there is no seeming end to the dominance Starlink will enjoy.
Reactions to SpaceX announcement
SpaceX’s announcement has been met with mixed reactions. The major highlight is the comic note of some tweets as replies to SpaceX’s tweet.
Ravi Vora, a director, photographer, and artist, jokingly tweeted: Finally, penguins can tweet.
Sam Yari, an award-winning photographer and the CEO of NFT News Pro, tweeted: Love it.
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