Starlink Maritime Launches: High-Speed Internet at Sea

SpaceX on Thursday announced Starlink Maritime, a new branch of the company’s satellite internet service that provides “high-speed, low-latency internet with up to 350 Mbps download while at sea” — reports Tesla North.

The launch comes a week after SpaceX received FCC approval to operate Starlink on moving boats, planes, and more. Before approval, Starlink was reportedly tested at sea aboard select cruise ships.

“From merchant vessels to oil rigs to premium yachts, Starlink Maritime allows you to connect from the most remote waters across the world, just like you would in the office or at home,” SpaceX said. According to the company, Starlink Maritime coverage will be available at sea around the globe.

Check out a full coverage map of Starlink Maritime below:

SpaceX said its Starlink terminals will fare well aboard boats, noting they are “rugged enough to withstand rocket landings.”

Starlink terminals are weatherproof and can survive harsh conditions at sea, according to the company. “In addition to withstanding extreme cold, heat, hail, sleet, heavy rain, and gale force winds, Starlink also holds up against rocket engines.”

SpaceX also touted Starlink Maritime’s ease of installation, saying it only requires “minimal above deck space, and comes with an easy-to-install mount.” Other than that, all you need is an unobstructed view of the sky.

The Starlink app will even provide details about blockage zones and “determine the best install location on your vessel.”

“Customers will have the option to upgrade to a flat panel Starlink and mounting hardware in Q4 2022,” SpaceX added.

Starlink deployments on ships are also easy to manage. SpaceX lets users remotely monitor and configure multiple terminals from a single portal.

Starlink Maritime is taking orders now in areas where it is available. Orders will start shipping in two weeks, and each kit includes two high-performance Starlink terminals and pipe adapter mounts.

The service costs $10,000 USD upfront for the hardware, plus $100 USD for shipping and handling. Service costs $5,000 USD per month, making it pretty clear that Starlink Maritime is meant for businesses and those with deep wallets.

Like Starlink for RVs, Starlink Maritime is a pay-as-you-go service, meaning that customers can simply pause and un-pause service at any time in monthly increments.

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