Satellite Internet services company Starlink has officially launched its new service that will allow people to connect to the Internet almost anywhere on Earth.
Starlink, which is owned by SpaceX, is calling the new service Starlink Roam and says it will cost $159 per month for regional use and $200 per month for global use.
Starlink ROM is reported to be a relaunch of the existing service (Starlink RV), and like the latter, users can choose a $599 portable antenna or a $2,500 antenna for mobile use.
Previously, users could only travel within the same continent as their home using a Dishy satellite dish.
Starlink markets the new subscription as a way for customers to use satellite internet "in locations where the connection is unreliable or not available at all." You can also suspend and reactivate subscriptions at any time.
The service uses Starlink (also known as space laser) inter-satellite communications, but there is an important caveat, as the company has previously warned that high-speed internet and low latency are typically expected, but brief periods of poor connectivity have been experienced. Or sign out completely. However, I promise you, things will improve dramatically over time.
The Starlink Room FAQ page states that "Global service can only be ordered in countries listed on the Starlink availability map". As a result, it is not clear how the company will fulfill its promise to deliver the global internet, as it is still awaiting regulatory approval in different countries and will not be available in others.
Starlink reminds users outside the United States that they are responsible for importing the hardware, which means that in addition to paying import duties and taxes, they must also ensure that the hardware complies with local laws and regulations.