- Starlink is testing a new offer that tries to provide global coverage
- However, performance may not be there, compared to the classic Starlink subscription which is not officially available in many countries in Africa, Asia and some countries in South America.
- A temporary solution while waiting for real global coverage?
SpaceX continues to diversify its satellite connection offer. And after the subscription for boats and that for motorhomes, Elon Musk’s company is testing a new product called Starlink Global Roaming. As its name suggests, the particularity of this new service is the worldwide coverage. At least, that’s SpaceX’s goal.
Starlink Global Roaming costs 200 dollars per month and at the moment it is only a test, but not a real launch. In any case, SpaceX has already informed some users. Unlike the classic subscription, which is only available in certain countries (Europe, America, Australia, Japan, etc.), Global Roaming uses links between satellites to provide Internet connectivity anywhere in the world.
But the quality of service will be different from that which can be expected from a classic Starlink connection. In its message, SpaceX warns that the user can expect to enjoy a normal connection speed, a good quality service alternated by episodes of weak connection, or “nothing at all”.
NEWS: Starlink is testing a new “Global Roaming Service” for $200/mo, plus the standard $599 for Hardware. Will they offer this as an add-on for $65/mo like portability? @RealTeslaNorth @MarcusTuck3 https://t.co/c2vQhtOUL8 pic.twitter.com/kiLMsMkhDY
— Nathan Owens (@VirtuallyNathan) February 17, 2023
Starlink is still unavailable in many countries
In essence, you may not have an optimal connection. Starlink nevertheless promises that this will improve over time. In the long term, this offer can accelerate the global deployment of Starlink in developing countries, such as in Africa. Recently, SpaceX announced the deployment of Starlink in Nigeria. The service has also arrived in Rwanda.
Starlink coverage map. © Starlink
Starlink states in their message that if someone outside the United States orders the Starlink kit for $599 (the order must be in the United States), they are responsible for importing this kit and paying the different taxes. The person can then test the connection for 30 days, and request a refund if they are not satisfied. Before testing this offer, which is only available by invitation, it is also important to ask questions about local telecommunications regulations.
