Where the HELL is Hughes Net and ViaSat that have been providing satellite internet for DECADES??
Not only is Elon GIVING AWAY vitally needed equipment, he is giving a month of free service - out of the kindness of his heart. And paying STAFF to fly and set up this equipment.
HughesNet and ViaSat are a different beast. You have to have a tech come out, install the dish then align it. With StarLink, you set the equipment up then launch an app on your phone to align the dish and complete the set up.
HughesNet and ViaSat are also slow. You have a 600ms latency. With Starlink, the latency is under 100ms.
StarLink just become an American STANDARD
Where the HELL is Hughes Net and ViaSat that have been providing satellite internet for DECADES??
Not only is Elon GIVING AWAY vitally needed equipment, he is giving a month of free service - out of the kindness of his heart. And paying STAFF to fly and set up this equipment.
HughesNet and ViaSat are a different beast. You have to have a tech come out, install the dish then align it. With StarLink, you set the equipment up then launch an app on your phone to align the dish and complete the set up.
HughesNet and ViaSat are also slow. You have a 600ms latency. With Starlink, the latency is under 100ms.
Do not disagree with the technical issues, having installed more than a couple DirectTV satellite dishes in my life. Not quick, easy or fast.
But, when you have NOTHING - these are possible for emergencies. And these companies made the decision to do nothing.