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SpaceX set to launch the first...The global internet services industry is set to undergo massive changes in the coming years. The paradigm shift in the industry is set to happen not from a disruptive startup in Silicon Valley, but from an aerospace giant. SpaceX is all set to launch the first 60 of its 12,000 satellites into low earth orbit as part of its ambitious Starlink initiative and beam cheap broadband internet all over the globe. After a few delays, the satellites would be launched later today onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Anyone who wants to subscribe to the beamed internet would have to purchase a receiver.
Each of the satellites in the Starlink network would be interconnected with four others through lasers and all of them together would form a massive web of broadband connectivity. This project by SpaceX would be able to provide high-speed affordable internet access to people in poorer regions around the globe and contribute to their betterment. The internet is an excellent learning tool and could go a long way in providing quality education to underprivileged people through video conferencing, remote classroom and other distance learning facilities. Although the costs involved in bringing this vision to fruition is definitely in billions, SpaceX expects a manifold return in revenues through its space-based internet service.
But SpaceX isn’t the only player in this industry. Amazon, owned by the world’s richest man is also in the race and plans to launch its own group of over 3000 satellites. Additionally, OneWeb, a satellite broadband provider backed by the likes of SoftBank and Virgin Qualcomm also intends to launch its constellation of 640 internet beaming satellites. The next few years would decide who wins the space-based internet race.