📺 Stream EntrepreneurTV for Free 📺

Elon Musk's SpaceX Could Offer Global Starlink Satellite Internet Coverage by September, Its President Says Gwynne Shotwell said SpaceX had launched 1,800 Starlink satellites, enough for global coverage.

By Kate Duffy

entrepreneur daily

This story originally appeared on Business Insider

NurPhoto | Getty Images

SpaceX will be able to beam down Starlink satellite internet to the whole world by about September, the company's president, Gwynne Shotwell, said Tuesday.

"We've successfully deployed 1,800 or so satellites, and once all those satellites reach their operational orbit we will have continuous global coverage, so that should be like September timeframe," Shotwell said in a video conference with Macquarie Group, reported by Reuters.

Related: Elon Musk Confirms Ocean Launchpad

SpaceX's end goal is to launch about 42,000 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit by mid-2027.

SpaceX needs regulatory approval before operating in a given country, she said.

Starlink operates its beta in 11 countries, Shotwell said, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.

Related: Elon Musk's SpaceX Is Putting a 'Literal Dogecoin on the Literal Moon'

Global coverage of Starlink's service could allow more and more rural and underserved communities to get fast broadband.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in May that more than 500,000 people had placed an order for Starlink or put down a $99 deposit. Starlink currently costs $99 for a monthly subscription and a further $499 for the kit, which includes a tripod, WiFi router, and terminal to connect to the satellites.

Once the service is rolled out worldwide, users could expect internet speeds of up to 209.17 megabits per second, the fastest speed recorded by a beta-test subscriber.

In April, the Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX's request to fly Starlink satellites at a lower orbit, meaning the company can lower its satellites to 550 kilometers from 1,100 kilometers.

Related: Elon Musk Issues Dire Warning About Planned Mission to Mars

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

A First-of-Its-Kind Flamethrower Robot Dog That Blasts 30-Foot Flames Is Now Available to the Public

Thermonator builds on existing technology — with a fiery twist. What could go wrong?

Business Solutions

Expand Your Business' Reach with This AI E-Book Generator for $25

Powered by intuitive AI, this tech enables you to easily create e-books that could generate income online.

Leadership

We've Normalized Testing Our Employees. But Why Don't We Test Our Leaders?

Here's how leaders can grow and improve their leadership and management skills.

Living

This Wine Assortment Can be a Great Mother's Day Gift for $65

Treat your mom to an amazing selection of reds, whites, and a bottle of bubbly with this limited-time Mother's Day discount.