SpaceX probed over Russia’s alleged Starlink use

Democratic lawmakers are investigating SpaceX over reports that Russia is using the company's Starlink satellite internet service in occupied areas of Ukraine, raising concerns about potential violations of US sanctions and export controls.

In a letter sent Wednesday to SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, Reps. Jamie Raskin of Maryland and Robert Garcia of California cited intelligence from Ukraine indicating Russian forces have illegally deployed and activated Starlink terminals in...

8 March 2024 | Networks

FCC rejects Starlink’s bid for $886M in subsidies

The FCC has denied Elon Musk's Starlink a hefty $886 million subsidy from the Universal Service Fund, allocated for expanding broadband services in rural areas.

The rejected bid, originally intended for the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program, faced criticism as the FCC deemed Starlink incapable of proving its ability to deliver the promised broadband service.

This decision echoes a similar move by the FCC last year, prompting an appeal from SpaceX, Musk's...

13 December 2023 | Legislation & Government

SpaceX pledges to reduce astronomy disruption

SpaceX has reached a deal with the National Science Foundation (NSF) to reduce Starlink's disruption to astronomy.

The company’s broadband satellites have become a plight for astronomers. Around the world, professional and enthusiast astronomers have complained of Starlink’s constellation ruining the night sky and interfering with their observations.

When capturing images of the night sky using a long exposure, satellite trails are often...

17 January 2023 | Broadband

Starlink terminals now cost double in Ukraine

The cost of buying Starlink terminals in Ukraine has doubled amid increasing demand as Russia continues its invasion of the country.

Ukrainian forces have liberated key territories such as Kherson from Russian troops. In response, Russia has increased its shelling of civilian areas and the critical infrastructure they depend on.

Russian missiles have targeted Ukraine’s grid, resulting in power outages for as much as half of the country. Last month, Russia’s defence...

30 November 2022 | Networks

Ukraine will deploy Starlink hotspots using Tesla Powerwall during outages

In the event of power outages, Ukraine will deploy public Starlink hotspots powered by Tesla Powerwall.

Starlink is providing a lifeline to Ukrainians as they fight to defend their homeland. SpaceX’s LEO satellite internet service offers vital connectivity within the country while ensuring the rest of the world can see the war crimes being committed by the Russian Federation.

Russia has targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure since the beginning of the invasion on...

31 October 2022 | Broadband

Starlink will be available for moving vehicles in December

SpaceX has announced that its Starlink service will soon be available for moving vehicles.

The company’s Starlink for RVs service was initially launched in May but was designed for stationary vehicles.

However, some enterprising folk managed to get Starlink working for moving vehicles anyway:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PDVURcvWeg

From December 2022, a new Starlink service is launching that is meant for in-motion use.

The new service...

26 October 2022 | Networks

SpaceX announces Starlink Aviation will takeoff in 2023

SpaceX has announced that its Starlink Aviation service will be ready for delivery in 2023.

The company says the service will offer passengers high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi “from the moment they walk on their plane”.

Speeds of up to 350Mbps will be available with latency as low as 20ms. With this level of performance, SpaceX says passengers will be able to conduct video calls and even play online games.

Unlike most current in-flight Wi-Fi services, which...

19 October 2022 | Networks

Musk says Beijing disapproved of Starlink’s rollout in Ukraine

According to Elon Musk, Beijing made clear that it disapproved of Starlink’s rollout in Ukraine.

Russia attempted to sever Ukraine’s connectivity in the early stages of its invasion. The aggressor even targeted satellite operators like Viasat, which spread to neighbouring countries and risked triggering a collective NATO response.

Starlink was quickly rolled out in Ukraine to help the country defend itself, ensure it doesn’t become isolated, and document Russia’s...

11 October 2022 | Legislation & Government

SpaceX and T-Mobile partner on ‘satellite-to-cellular’ service

SpaceX is partnering with T-Mobile on an ambitious plan to offer “satellite-to-cellular” service.

Connectivity will be provided by SpaceX’s second-generation Starlink satellites in combination with T-Mobile’s mid-band 5G spectrum.

T-Mobile says the “vast majority” of existing smartphones will be compatible with the new service. If all goes to plan, customers should expect “near complete coverage” across the US, including territorial waters.

"Our...

26 August 2022 | 5G

US Air Force hands SpaceX $1.9M for battle-tested Starlink services

The US Air Force has awarded SpaceX with a $1.9 million contract for its now battle-tested Starlink satellite broadband services.

As part of the contract, the US Air Force will use Starlink to support operations at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. SpaceX will provide Starlink terminals and service access for both fixed sites and mobile users.

Starlink is currently designed for use at fixed sites. A new ‘Portability’ feature was launched earlier this year – for an...

17 August 2022 | Networks