Elon Musk’s SpaceX tweeted that Starlink is now live in the Philippines.
Available na ngayon ang Starlink sa Pilipinas → https://t.co/slZbTmZmAt pic.twitter.com/4pl3isvnYX
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) February 22, 2023
What is Starlink?
Described as the “world’s first and largest satellite constellation using a low Earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more”, Starlink offers improves internet speeds. Instead of using large satellites, Starlink uses thousands of smaller satellites closer to Earth’s atmosphere. This It offers unlimited high-speed data through an array of small satellites that deliver up to 150 Megabits per second (Mbps) of internet speed.
How does Starlink Works?
Imagine a satellite orbiting thousands of kilometers away from earth. This satellite bounces data between the user and the satellite, known as “latency”. With the distance of satellite and the user, a high latency effectively increases the time needed to support streaming, online gaming, video calls or other high data rate activities.
In contrast, Starlink operates in much closer proximity to Earth, orbiting at approximately 550 kilometers. It achieves global coverage through a vast constellation of thousands of satellites. This close orbit results in significantly lower latency, enabling faster internet services for users.
Starlink is now operational in the Philippines. As of February 22, 2023, Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) announced that individuals can easily determine its availability in their area by visiting Starlink’s Map portal.
How to apply
1. Go to Starlink Website: https://www.starlink.com/
2. Type in your area in the address search bar and click “Order Now”. You check the availability of Starlink in your area here: https://www.starlink.com/map
3. You will be directed to the Order Form. Just fill in your details and review the amount and Terms Of Service and Privacy Policy.
4. Click “Place Order” and wait! The site indicates an estimated shipping time of 2-3 weeks from order.
• Starlink Business Customers Application
Businesses can also apply. Starlink provided that “business customers can order as many Starlinks as needed, manage all service locations from a single account dashboard, and access 24/7 priority customer support.” You can check it here: https://www.starlink.com/business
• Fees
Service: PHP2,700.00/mo
Hardware: PHP 29,320.00
Shipping & Handling Fee: Dependent on your address
• Installation
According to Starlink, their technology “is the first commercially available phased array antenna. Your Starlink Kit arrives with everything you need to get online in minutes including your Starlink, WiFi router, cables and base.” Boasting it as “self-orienting”, you can connect to the service in just minutes.
“Starlink can withstand extreme cold, heat, hail, sleet, heavy rain, gale force winds, and even rocket engines.”, the website added.
• Other features of the satellites (according to their website)
o Singular solar array that simplifies the satellite system and easier to integrate in the manufacturing process
o Ion propulsion systems creates more efficient thrusters to maneuver in space
o Less mass, more compact flat-panel design to allow its rocket to reach full potential
o Optical space lasers that transmits data without local ground stations, providing for a more global coverage
o Uses four powerful phased array atennas and two parabolic antennas that provide increased capacities
o Custom-built navigation sensors allows it to survey the stars and determine each satellite’s location, altitude, and orientation to precisely locate placement of broadband throughput
o Autonomous collision avoidance that effectively maneuvers the satellites away from orbital debris and other spacecrafts.
In an interview with CNN Philippines, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John Uy said that “The number of satellites sent up there initially covers the northern hemisphere, but in my recent meeting with their representative here, they assured me that by middle of next year, they’ll have full 100% coverage for the Philippines.”#
