Starlink reaches users in Hungary
Starlink is now available in Hungary through its official reseller Vannet Telekommunikációs Kft.
According to VG, Hungary’s internet connection is good, even by European standards. However, there are still areas of improvement in the industry.
In Hungary, the internet connection depend on cases and repeater towers that might not reach certain areas inside a home or business. As a result, companies or homes will subscribe to two internet providers, opening the way for Starlink services.
Article
What is Starlink?
Early Concept and Development (2015-2016)
The idea of Starlink was first conceptualized by Elon Musk in August 2015. At the time, Musk was looking for ways to provide global Internet access, particularly in rural and underserved areas. He envisioned a network of thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites that would work together to provide high-speed internet to anyone with a small satellite dish.
In 2016, SpaceX applied for FCC permission to launch a constellation of 1,440 satellites, which would provide internet access to the entire world. The application was initially denied due to concerns about the potential impact on existing satellite constellations and the need for additional spectrum.
Google Investment and Partnership (2016)
In 2016, SpaceX received a $90 million investment from Google to develop Starlink. This investment marked a significant turning point for the project, as it provided the necessary funding to move the development of Starlink from the experimental phase to the next level.
As part of the partnership, Google contributed to the development of Starlink's software and hardware, including the design of the satellite bus and the development of the ground station software.
First Prototype and Testing (2018-2019)
In 2018, SpaceX launched its first Starlink prototype, a small satellite called Starlink-1, into orbit. The prototype was designed to test the feasibility of the Starlink system and to gather data on its performance.
Over the next year, SpaceX conducted extensive testing of the prototype, which involved launching and re-entering the satellite multiple times. The company also tested the satellite's communication system, which used a combination of radio frequency (RF) and laser communication technologies.
Constellation Expansion (2019-2020)
In 2019, SpaceX began launching the first batch of Starlink satellites, which were designed to operate in a medium-Earth orbit. The company initially planned to launch 12 satellites per batch, with the goal of deploying the entire constellation by 2020.
However, the launch of the first batch of satellites was delayed due to technical issues and concerns about the potential impact on existing satellite constellations. The delay was later attributed to the need for additional testing and validation of the satellite system.
FCC Approval and Regulatory Challenges (2019-2020)
In 2019, SpaceX applied for permission to operate the Starlink constellation from the FCC. The application faced opposition from some lawmakers and satellite industry groups, who raised concerns about the potential impact on existing satellite constellations and the need for additional spectrum.
The opposition was fueled in part by concerns about the potential for interference with existing satellite systems, as well as concerns about the potential for the Starlink constellation to overwhelm the available spectrum.
Despite the opposition, SpaceX was ultimately able to obtain the necessary permits to operate the Starlink constellation. However, the company has continued to face regulatory challenges, including a lawsuit filed by a group of satellite industry groups that challenged the FCC's decision to permit the Starlink constellation.
Launch and Deployment (2020-present)
In May 2020, SpaceX successfully launched its first batch of 60 Starlink satellites, which marked a significant milestone for the project. The launch was followed by a series of additional launches, which have continued to deploy more satellites into orbit.
As of February 2022, SpaceX has launched over 1,500 Starlink satellites into orbit, which has brought the total number of satellites in the constellation to over 2,000.
Service Launch and Availability (2022-present)
In December 2021, SpaceX launched its Starlink consumer service, which allows individuals to purchase internet access using a small satellite dish installed at their residence. The service is available in several countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
The Starlink consumer service is designed to provide fast and reliable internet access to customers in rural and underserved areas, where traditional internet infrastructure may be limited or non-existent.
Expansion and Growth (2022-present)
In 2022, SpaceX announced plans to expand the Starlink constellation to 42,000 satellites, with the goal of providing internet access to over 500 million people worldwide. The company has also announced plans to launch Starlink satellites for commercial use, including for satellite-based telecommunications and navigation.
The expansion plans are part of a larger strategy to make Starlink a global internet service provider, with the goal of providing internet access to everyone on the planet.
Overall, the history of Starlink is a complex and challenging one, marked by significant technical, regulatory, and financial hurdles. However, the company has persevered and has made significant progress in its efforts to provide global internet access.
Who are the competitors to Starlink?
OneWeb
Amazon's Kuiper Systems
Telesat's Lightspeed
SES's O3b
Intelsat's EpicNG
Inmarsat's EpicNG
GlobalStar
Iridium Communications
These are just a few of the competitors to Starlink in the satellite internet market. There are many other players in the market, including fiber-optic internet providers, wireless internet providers, and fixed wireless internet providers.