It almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s finally here! Starlink, the satellite internet provider from Elon Musk’s Space X, has just announced its newest service—Global Roaming. For a flat fee of $200 per month, it promises worldwide access to high-speed, super-reliable internet connections without the need to signup for multiple services.
The service works by using a mesh network of over 12,000 satellites in low Earth orbit. In theory, that means that, by the end of 2021, customers will be able to access this service anywhere on the planet, regardless of location. What’s more, because there’s no need to switch providers or signup for additional services, users can expect consistent performance and speeds, no matter where they are.
But that’s not all. In addition to the expected speed and reliability, Starlink Global Roaming also includes unlimited data usage and speeds of up to 300 megabits per second (mbps). That’s approximately 10 times faster than a traditional DSL connection that many of us are still relying on. This makes it an ideal choice for people who work from home, travel a lot, or just need a reliable connection no matter when or where they are.
Furthermore, because this is a satellite-based connection, it can be used in more remote areas that don’t have reliable traditional ground-based access. So, Global Roaming could be a boon for rural communities that currently don’t have access to high-speed internet.
Make no mistake—Starlink Global Roaming isn’t perfect. Its reliance on satellites means that, sometimes, the connection might be a bit slower or weaker than what’s available in big cities. Still, it’s hard to argue against the convenience and affordability that this type of roaming internet offers, especially when you consider what the alternatives usually cost.
Despite its imperfections, Starlink’s Global Roaming really is a game-changer in the world of high-speed internet service. No longer will people need to worry about where they are located in order to get reliable internet access—Global Roaming has made that a thing of the past.
