SpaceX’s Starlink division has submitted a formal request to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for authorization to make significant enhancements to its satellite broadband service, Starlink. This move is aimed at achieving gigabit-per-second internet speeds, a goal that was initially set in 2016. The proposed upgrades would mark a substantial leap from the current 100Mbps speeds to 1Gbps.
In its application, SpaceX outlined that the proposed changes and upgrades to the Gen2 system are designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband and mobile connectivity. This service expansion is intended not only for all Americans but also for the billions of individuals worldwide who currently lack sufficient broadband access.
Furthermore, SpaceX has plans to optimize the Starlink satellite constellation by reducing the orbital altitudes to 480 km, 485 km, and 475 km. Elon Musk, SpaceX’s CEO, has indicated that the next-generation Starlink satellites are significantly larger and will require the Starship launch vehicle to deploy them into orbit. These advanced satellites are expected to deliver a tenfold increase in bandwidth capacity and, due to their lower orbit, offer even faster latency times.
Starlink has made its way into several African nations, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, overcoming various bans and regulatory hurdles. Mali is the latest country to temporarily lift its ban on Starlink, allowing a six-month trial period. The expansion of Starlink into these markets introduces formidable competition for existing internet service providers (ISPs) in the region.
In Kenya, within just one year of operations, Starlink has become the country’s tenth-largest ISP, securing over 8,000 users and capturing a 0.5 percent market share by June 30, 2024. Additionally, Starlink has introduced a more affordable service plan in Kenya to attract customers.
In response to Starlink’s efforts to ramp up its network speeds, Kenyan ISP Safaricom has upgraded its fiber internet speeds, positioning itself as a strong competitor to the satellite-based service. Safaricom has also announced plans in 2023 to launch its own satellite internet services, aiming to directly challenge SpaceX’s market presence.
In Zimbabwe, the telecommunications company NetOne has responded to Starlink’s entry by rolling out 5G base stations, aiming to enhance internet speeds and cater to the growing demand for fast and reliable internet services. NetOne is also dedicated to expanding high-speed data connectivity to both urban and rural areas.
Cameroon’s authorities have raised concerns regarding the potential impact of Starlink’s market entry on Camtel, the national telecommunications and ISP of the country, fearing it could pose a threat to the incumbent provider.
Additionally, Starlink is pursuing a series of “small-but-meaningful” revisions to its Gen2 space station authorization. These updates are intended to advance space sustainability and enable more efficient spectrum sharing with other operators. Starlink also seeks to adjust the elevation angles of its satellites, which is expected to further improve network performance and enhance the quality of connectivity for customers.
