SpaceX’s Starlink is taking another small step towards expanding the public beta test by opening pre-orders for emerging customers. While you were previously able to register your interest for the chance to sign up for the satellite internet service, you can now pay a $ 99 deposit to enter your details. You will then get a target date of 2021 or 2022 based on your location, along with the ability to pay by credit card (there is no Bitcoin here, we are afraid).
Additional costs include $ 499 for the Starlink Kit, including a Wi-Fi router and dishes, and extras for shipping and taxes. The small print indicates that pre-orders are fully refundable and can take longer than six months to fulfill, adding that a deposit does not guarantee service. ‘
Starlink’s public beta test began late last year for people in the US, Canada and the UK, with more than 10,000 customers using the service within three months, according to a SpaceX FCC submission. The same document, which the company wants to designate as a suitable telecommunications carrier, also revealed that SpaceX has more than 1,000 satellites in orbit. The aim is to build a network of small satellites that can radiate broadband internet to hard-to-reach places where proper speeds can be difficult due to a lack of ground infrastructure.
Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, stressed that the cost-intensive project could be singled out via an IPO in his own entity. Given Musk’s high valuation of Tesla as a public company, a market power can give the satellite firm the ability to better finance its operations. But first, Starlink must complete the arduous task of putting together its constellation, which means that an IPO can still be a way.
SpaceX has to go through a deep chasm of negative cash flow over the next year or so to make Starlink financially viable. Every new satellite constellation in history has gone bankrupt. We hope to be the first to do so.
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2021
Once we can predict the cash flow fairly well, Starlink will make a listing
– Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2021
“SpaceX must go through a deep chasm of negative cash flow over the next year or so to make Starlink financially viable,” Musk said in a recent tweet. ‘Every new satellite constellation in history has gone bankrupt. We hope to be the first to do so. ”
He continued in a separate tweet: “Once we can predict cash flow fairly well, Starlink will give a listing.”