Starlink Aviation and SpaceX hope to provide 350 Mbps satellite internet on aeroplanes.

Starlink Aviation and SpaceX hope to provide 350 Mbps satellite internet on aeroplanes.

SpaceX has published the formal specs of their Starlink satellite internet service for aviation, which offers up to 350 Mbps per plane. Delta CEO Ed Bastian revealed earlier this year that the airline performed “exploratory experiments” aboard its flights using Starlink’s internet equipment. Around the same time, Hawaiian Airlines announced that it will begin delivering Starlink internet with “select” planes in 2023. Following the introduction of Starlink for RVs, the Federal Communications Commission granted the firm permission to deliver satellite internet services to vehicles.

The formal specifics of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service for aviation have been disclosed, and it offers rates of up to 350 Mbps per plane. Delta CEO Ed Bastian acknowledged earlier this year that the airline performed “exploratory testing” of Starlink’s internet service on its flights. Hawaiian Airlines also stated that, around the same time, it will begin introducing Starlink internet with “select” planes in 2023. After developing Starlink for RVs, the Federal Communications Commission granted the business permission to deliver satellite internet services to vehicles.

If Starlink Aviation can live up to SpaceX’s promises, it will be far quicker than existing satellite solutions, which can only give rates of up to 100 Mbps per plane at best. According to the corporation, the service would allow customers to do things they couldn’t do in-flight, such as make video chats, play online games, and use VPN.

According to the FAQs, SpaceX is working on adding Starlink compatibility to a variety of private aircraft types, but the firm intends to expand the service to additional airframes in the future. Given that SpaceX already has a collaboration with Hawaiian Airlines and a possible cooperation with Delta, we may soon see other airlines offer Starlink as an in-flight WiFi option. Those interested must submit a $5,000 deposit to secure their spot: The Starlink Aviation Aero Terminal kits will be delivered beginning in 2023.