Get All Access for $5/mo

Elon Musk's SpaceX Could Offer Global Starlink Satellite Internet Coverage by September, Its President Says Gwynne Shotwell said SpaceX had launched 1,800 Starlink satellites, enough for global coverage.

By Kate Duffy

This story originally appeared on Business Insider

NurPhoto | Getty Images

SpaceX will be able to beam down Starlink satellite internet to the whole world by about September, the company's president, Gwynne Shotwell, said Tuesday.

"We've successfully deployed 1,800 or so satellites, and once all those satellites reach their operational orbit we will have continuous global coverage, so that should be like September timeframe," Shotwell said in a video conference with Macquarie Group, reported by Reuters.

Related: Elon Musk Confirms Ocean Launchpad

SpaceX's end goal is to launch about 42,000 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit by mid-2027.

SpaceX needs regulatory approval before operating in a given country, she said.

Starlink operates its beta in 11 countries, Shotwell said, including the US, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe.

Related: Elon Musk's SpaceX Is Putting a 'Literal Dogecoin on the Literal Moon'

Global coverage of Starlink's service could allow more and more rural and underserved communities to get fast broadband.

SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in May that more than 500,000 people had placed an order for Starlink or put down a $99 deposit. Starlink currently costs $99 for a monthly subscription and a further $499 for the kit, which includes a tripod, WiFi router, and terminal to connect to the satellites.

Once the service is rolled out worldwide, users could expect internet speeds of up to 209.17 megabits per second, the fastest speed recorded by a beta-test subscriber.

In April, the Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX's request to fly Starlink satellites at a lower orbit, meaning the company can lower its satellites to 550 kilometers from 1,100 kilometers.

Related: Elon Musk Issues Dire Warning About Planned Mission to Mars

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Starting a Business

He Started a Business That Surpassed $100 Million in Under 3 Years: 'Consistent Revenue Right Out of the Gate'

Ryan Close, founder and CEO of Bartesian, had run a few small businesses on the side — but none of them excited him as much as the idea for a home cocktail machine.

Growing a Business

5 Reasons Why Time-Tracking Can Put Your Business in a Chokehold

More and more businesses are adopting time-tracking software to manage their operations, but is it all it's cracked out to be?

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

Business News

Looking for a Remote Job? Here Are the Most In-Demand Skills to Have on Your Resume, According to Employers.

Employers are looking for interpersonal skills like teamwork as well as specific coding skills.

Franchise

The Top 10 Coffee Franchises in 2024

From a classic cup of joe to a creamy latte, grab your favorite mug and get ready to brew up success with the best coffee franchises.

Business News

'Do You Sell Cars?': Tesla CEO Elon Musk Trolls Jaguar Rebrand on X

The team running Jaguar's X account was working hard on social media this week.