The SpaceX internet from space initiative Starlink has unveiled the new rectangular dish, that interested customers can buy to tap into the company growing satellite constellation in low Earth Orbit. It is thinner and lighter weight option than the circular dish, that Starlink beta users have been testing over the last year.
The Starlink in SpaceX satellite internet project which aims to launch the nearly 12,000 satellites into the Low Earth Orbit, where they can provide broad band internet coverage to people on the ground. So many satellites in low orbit at once the idea is to have at least one satellite in view over every patch of the earth and providing near continuous internet coverage to users.
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NEW APPLICATION WITH THE FCC FOR SMALLER DISH
SpaceX launched the Beta version of Starlink in October 2020 and it allowing the users in certain geographical areas of US to purchase the company starter kit and which includes, 23 inch wider circular user terminal, or dish, the mounting equipment, a WIFI router and all the cables one would need. The cost was $499 for the kit and then $99 month for coverage. Users also have the option to buy this new rectangular dish instead and which is just 12 inches wide and 19 inches long.
The new application with Federal communications commission for the smaller dish and which has received approval. 12 inch width notably matches the diameter of the antenna that rival internet satellite initiative, the project Kuiper and is hoping to build. The website of the company notes that, the rectangular dish comes with the new 3^3 MU MIMO in Ethernet port like its predecessor. It is offering an Ethernet adapter for purchase however, for those looking to hook up their devices via cables.
The star link claimed that: The rectangular star link is currently available for all new orders fulfilled in the United States. It might be while before customers actually see their dishes. Additionally the company states that the silicon shortages have delayed production which as impacted our ability to fulfill orders.
