SpaceX invited some users to join the public beta of the Starlink program , the offer of ultra-broadband connectivity directly from space which aims, thanks to tens of thousands of satellites, to offer Internet all over the world, even in the most remote areas. The beta test, called Better Than Nothing Beta , requires users to purchase at 499 dollars for the equipment needed to communicate with satellites and pay 99 dollars per month to use of the service.

In an email sent by SpaceX to the first beta users, we read (via The Verge) of a variable speed between 50 Mbps and 150 Mbps, with latencies from 20 to 40 milliseconds over the next few months as SpaceX will work to improve these values ​​by adding new satellites to the constellation and installing more ground stations to receive signals from satellites. “There will also be short periods of lack of connectivity”, underlines the company led by Elon Musk, adding that latency should drop to 16 – 19 ms in the 2021.

In order for Starlink to work in every area of ​​the planet, SpaceX intends to create a constellation of at least 12. 00 0 satellites in low earth orbit in order to guarantee uninterrupted ultrabroadband internet services. Such a large number of satellites is required for a satellite to be over any area of ​​the world at any one time. For now SpaceX has brought into orbit approximately 800 satellites, necessary to guarantee a beta service in a confined area, but the goal is to rise to tens of thousands within the decade.

Read also: SpaceX Starlink: do you want to try the ” satellite ” internet? Here is the site to pre-register!

To connect to the system users must buy a dish and a dedicated Wi-Fi router. SpaceX has also made an app available to allow users to configure their systems: through augmented reality, the app allows you to search for free areas of the sky in order to allow direct and uninterrupted communication between the dish and the satellites.