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

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.

Business News

Walmart Is Laying Off 1,500 Corporate Employees: 'Reshaping Our Structure'

The layoffs affect Walmart's global technology, advertising, and e-commerce teams.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Marketing

How to Get Your First 1,000 Email Subscribers (The Smart Way)

Here's a step-by-step system for startup founders to build their first 1,000 engaged email subscribers — without guesswork or gimmicks.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Management

What No One Tells You About Becoming CEO — Or Guiding One

Leadership is hard, and transitions to CEO are even harder. Even great CEOs stumble if not supported by the board during their psychologically difficult transition.