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| SpaceX launches a service for aircraft from the satellite Internet Starlink |
SpaceX has launched a flight service through its Starlink satellite internet service.
The company said it would charge $150,000 for the hardware needed to connect the plane to the Starlink software, while satellite communications would cost between $12,500 and $25,000 a month.
SpaceX says deliveries to Starlink Aviation subscribers will begin in mid-2023, and pre-orders cost $5,000 up front.
The company, owned by the world's richest man, Elon Musk, added that it would provide "global coverage" through flat-screen antennas mounted on top of planes.
SpaceX is seeking FAA certification for a variety of aircraft, most of which are owned and operated as private jets.
In terms of quality of service, Starlink Aviation customers can expect speeds of up to 350Mbps, according to SpaceX, allowing all passengers to watch the video streaming service at the same time.
"Passengers can engage in activities previously unavailable on board, including: video calling, online gaming, access to VPNs, and other data-intensive activities," SpaceX said on the Starlink website.
The company said it would not install the antennas itself, noting that "customers should arrange installation with their service provider." The new service doesn't require long-term contracts, however, as the company says: "All plans include unlimited data, so as long as you sign up for the service, the device remains under warranty.
SpaceX signed early deals with commercial airlines, and struck deals with Hawaiian Airlines and semi-private leasing provider JSX to provide in-flight Wi-Fi. So far, SpaceX has been approved for a limited number of flight tests.
Starlink is SpaceX's plan to build an interconnected internet network of thousands of satellites designed to deliver high-speed internet anywhere on Earth.
The company has orbited nearly 3,500 Starlink satellites and the service had nearly 500,000 users as of June.