SpaceX, the aerospace company behind Starlink, has applied to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for significant upgrades to its satellite internet service. The proposed changes aim to deliver gigabit-per-second broadband, a promise initially made in 2016. SpaceX plans to increase internet speeds from the current 100 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
The company asserts that these modifications will allow the next-generation Starlink system to provide “gigabit-speed, truly low-latency broadband and mobile connectivity” to Americans and billions globally who lack reliable internet access. As part of this upgrade, SpaceX intends to lower the operational altitudes of its satellites to 480, 485, and 475 kilometers.
Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, emphasized that the new satellites, which require the Starship for launch due to their size, will enable a tenfold increase in bandwidth while also reducing latency.
In recent months, Starlink has expanded its footprint across several African nations, including Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, after overcoming various regulatory hurdles. Mali recently lifted its ban on Starlink, allowing the service to operate for an initial six months. However, Starlink’s entry into these markets presents challenges to existing internet service providers (ISPs).
In Kenya, Starlink quickly became the country’s tenth-largest ISP within a year of its launch, amassing over 8,000 users and capturing 0.5% of the market share as of June 30, 2024. The company has also introduced an affordable service plan tailored for Kenyan consumers.
In response to Starlink’s competitive pressure, Kenyan ISP Safaricom has increased its fiber internet speeds and is reportedly planning to launch its own satellite internet service.
Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, telecom provider NetOne has introduced 5G base stations to enhance internet speeds and meet the demand for reliable high-speed internet. The company has committed to connecting both urban and rural areas through advanced data networks.
In Cameroon, local authorities have raised concerns about Starlink’s potential impact on Camtel, the national telecommunications and internet provider.
Starlink is also seeking several minor updates to its Gen2 space station authorization to enhance space sustainability and optimize spectrum sharing. Adjustments to satellite elevation angles are planned to improve network performance and customer connectivity.
Philips Babatunde