Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, known for his extraordinary investments and his obsession with space, now seems to have another innovation on his mind. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX; Starlink announced that it wants to provide internet access to passenger planes with its broadband satellite network.
As part of the Starlink project, SpaceX’s internet network that provides high-speed connectivity to consumers in every corner of the world, 1,740 Starlink satellites have been sent into orbit so far. Starlink internet service; It has more than 100 thousand users participating in beta tests around the world for $ 99, that is, approximately 900 TL.
SpaceX’s talks with US Airlines continue
In a post on Twitter, Musk stated that SpaceX is in talks with US airlines in order to provide wireless internet to its customers during the flight, and asked his followers to ask the airlines for approval. Airlines already operate with satellite broadband providers; However, with Starlink satellites, which are in a much closer orbit to Earth, it is possible to increase the internet speed of passengers during their journey.
Noting that beta tests were carried out on Boeing 737, Airbus A320 and Gulfstream aircraft in the past months, as they serve the largest number of people, Musk said; He did not say anything about how much the in-flight wireless internet service, which usually has to be paid a certain fee, would cost passengers. SpaceX’s Vice President, Jonathan Hofeller, also stated in his previous statements that the company is in talks with several airlines for Starlink wireless internet service, and stated that they have an aviation product under development.
SpaceX, which wants to get approval to use Starlink satellites in cars, trucks, cargo ships and airplanes, applied to the Federal Communications Board last March.