The first customers who have shown their interest in the Starlink network’s satellite internet have received their kit. They test a new form of connectivity, rather powerful, to read them. But do you really have to choose such technological solutions, especially since the prices are not really more advantageous?
Let’s start with performance. “Currently, and according to my observations, internet download speeds of around 40 Mbits/sec are largely sufficient for 80% of our population,” estimates Pascal Emery of Distribution Satellite SA.
Two months of waiting
“In my case, being certainly among the first in Switzerland to use it, I had to wait, less than 2 months to receive the equipment, I tested it under different configurations that I personalized; Multi-point Wi-Fi, RJ45 networks, coaxial network, WhatsApp type messaging, Netflix, emails, and web surfing, etc… all at the same time… no problem! there is even some reserve,” continues Mr. Emery.
“The basic version originally delivered is very easy to assemble for some self-taught people, in 30 minutes you have your own Wi-Fi, for slightly more complicated versions (networking), I would advise taking advice from a well-informed professional”, further believes this professional of satellite systems.
Switch to Starlink?
Of course, as already mentioned in this note, this solution offered at 94 francs per month for an initial investment of just over 500 francs for the equipment can be very interesting where our operators do not consider it a priority to draw optical fiber or install 5G antennas . We know a few “spots”, in particular in Gruyère…
There remains the question of the technology used requiring constellations of tens of thousands of satellites, that is to say potentially a lot of possible debris, even if Starlink wants to be reassuring on the matter…. These deployments also induce nuisances in the sky and light pollution decried by astronomers. Starlink, like Tesla, is the triumph of energy waste and window dressing which, incidentally, sometimes hits the bull’s eye with pseudoscience enthusiasts!
Xavier Studer
For further:
The global appeal of astronomers against Strarlink
The appeal of the International Astronomical Union
SpaceX loses 40 Starlink satellites to solar storm – Sky & Space, February 9, 2022
Why the Starlink Constellation Threatens the Ozone Layer – Futura Science, June 25, 2021
Starlink Constellation: Elon Musk’s “Space Pollution” – La Tribune, September 5, 2020
Space under threat from satellite megaconstellations – Le Monde, February 18, 2020
No, the electric car is not ecological, Reporterre, September 1, 2020
Tesla and ecology: a trap, La Liberté, December 29, 2020
Are electric cars environmentally friendly? — For Science, October 31, 2018
Two or three answers on the energy market on the AFIS website