SpaceX’s laser system for Starlink is delivering over 42 petabytes of data for customers per day, an engineer revealed today. That translates into 42 million gigabytes. Each of the 9,000 lasers in the network is capable of transmitting at 100Gbps, and satellites can form ad-hoc mesh networks to complete long-haul transmissions when there are no ground towers nearby (like when they’re going across oceans).
I use Starlink because I only have one other satellite competitor in my area, which I used to rely on. Previously, I had a 500GB limit and only 15-25mbps on any given day. Now, I have unlimited data and get 35mbps-70mpbs on any given day. Often above 50mbps.
It’s cheaper, it’s faster, and it’s easier to manage/setup/move/etc.
I think Elon is an idiot. I don’t even like that I have to use satellite internet. America used to have programs to build infrastructure like fiber optics across the nation for everyone. Our ability to service each other has diminished so greatly that it’s easier for me to connect to a satellite than it is to crowd source laying cables in my area.
It’s way faster, cheaper, and reliable to just dig trenches and lay cable. But Starlink provides me with something I can use for remote work, entertainment, and communication. It’s a decent product. I just think it’s like solving a drought by melting the ice caps.