Thousands of satellites now circle the Earth providing internet almost anywhere, from outback stations to ships at sea. Here’s how Starlink works, why it’s been so disruptive, and the concerns it raises.
Satellite internet isn’t new, but it used to be slow and frustrating. Traditional services relied on a few large satellites in geostationary orbit, about 36,000 kilometres above the Earth. Signals took so long to travel there and back that video calls and online gaming were difficult.
How Starlink is different
Starlink, operated by Elon Musk’s company SpaceX, uses a different approach. Its satellites orbit much closer to the Earth, around 550 kilometres up, in what’s known as low Earth orbit.
Because they’re so close, signals travel there and back far faster, so delays are much lower and speeds much higher than older satellite services.
The trade-off is that each satellite only covers a small area and moves quickly across the sky, so thousands are needed to provide continuous coverage. SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink satellites since 2019, using its own reusable rockets, and keeps adding more.
Customers use a small dish that automatically tracks the satellites overhead.
In Australia
Starlink launched in Australia in 2021 and has become popular in regional and remote areas, where fixed-line internet is unavailable or slow. It has competed with the NBN’s own satellite service, Sky Muster.
It’s also used by farms, mines, boats, caravans, emergency services and airlines, including for in-flight Wi-Fi.
Telstra and Optus have partnered with Starlink to provide satellite connections. Telstra has also launched a service allowing compatible phones to send text messages via satellite in areas without mobile coverage, a technology known as direct-to-cell.
Competition
Other companies are building rival networks, including Amazon, which has begun launching its own constellation, and Eutelsat’s OneWeb. China is also building large satellite networks.
The concerns
Starlink’s rapid growth has raised several concerns.
Astronomers say the bright satellites streak across telescope images and interfere with radio astronomy. Others worry about space debris and collisions, as thousands more satellites are launched.
Its use in conflicts, including by Ukraine’s military, has also highlighted how much influence one company, and one businessman, has over critical communications.
Supporters say satellite internet is closing the digital divide for people in remote areas who have never had reliable, fast internet before.
