The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorised Elon Musk’s SpaceX to use its Starlink satellite internet system on moving vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, and planes
Along with SpaceX, the FCC has approved Kepler Communications, paving the way for a new class of user terminals that can connect to broadband-beaming satellites while moving, according to the Verge.
“Authorising a new class of terminals for SpaceX’s satellite system will expand the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move, whether driving an RV (recreational vehicle) across the country, moving a freighter from Europe to a US port, or while on a domestic or international flight,” FCC international bureau chief Tom Sullivan, said in a statement on Thursday.
It will be nice for Musk to provide free Starlink internet service to airplanes so then they can begin providing free wifi on flights to passengers.
I read that United has already sat down with them. Flew back to Canada on an Airbus A350 and the internet was spotty, but neat to have. Didn't work over the pole, tho, mainly only worked in Europe actually. Ping was 650ms, so, geosynchronous, which wouldn't be much for anything but chat and basic browsing.