SpaceX begins to offer Starlink Internet service to select customers in the United Kingdom

Featured Image Source: Starlink Illustration Created By: Erc X @ErcXspace via Twitter.

SpaceX is in the process of deploying thousands of internet-beaming Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit where they will connect users globally to the world wide web. With approximately 960 Starlink satellites already orbiting Earth, SpaceX is providing a Starlink Beta broadband internet service to select customers living in high-latitudes by invitation only. As more satellites are deployed to orbit, SpaceX will increase its capability to offer service to more customers. The company is primarily focused on connecting remote areas where internet is unreliable or non-existent. Currently the “Better Than Nothing Beta” Starlink test program is offered in portions of Canada and Northern United States. SpaceX started to offer the Starlink internet beta service to select customers in United Kingdom, according to several social media users who received official SpaceX invites.

In December SpaceX e-mailed Starlink Beta test invitations to potential customers in the United Kingdom. It is the first known European country to receive Starlink service invitations. “This is your official invitation to participate in Starlink's Better Than Nothing Beta program! This invitation expires on December 26,” SpaceX wrote, “Over the next few months, you can expect to see data speeds between 50Mb/s [megabits per second] and 150Mb/s, along with brief periods of no connectivity at all. As we launch more satellites, install more ground stations and improve our networking software, data speed, latency and uptime will improve dramatically,” the e-mail reads. SpaceX shared that the Starlink Kit which includes a phased-array antenna dish, mounting tripod, and Wi-Fi router costs £439, and the monthly internet subscription costs £89. “If this sounds good to you, order now,” the company said.

Last night, a Reddit user who goes by the name ‘OptiSport’, shared they live in a rural community located in Devon, a county in southwest England, and received an invitation from SpaceX. They signed up to be a SpaceX Starlink Beta Tester and purchased the Starlink Kit to connect to the satellite constellation. –“We're in Rural Devon at 50.8N [latitude]… Will update on [Starlink] install and reception progress,” they wrote in the Reddit post and shared a photograph of the Starlink Kit box that arrived at their doorstep.

Image Source: OptiSport via Reddit 

In 2021 SpaceX aims to rollout Starlink internet service worldwide. The company is expected to launch at least 120 Starlink satellites per month to increase its network’s capabilities. For updates about when service will be available in your area sign-up via SpaceX’s official website Starlink.com.