Avellon Williams
JAMAICA- The largest constellation of broadband satellites in the world is operated by SpaceX. On a weekly basis, the company launches internet-beaming Starlink satellites into Low Earth Orbit atop flight-proven Falcon 9 rockets.
A total of 3,399 satellites have been launched since 2019, providing internet service to more than half a million people across 44 countries across all seven continents.
The Starlink service is being rolled out across the Caribbean steadily by SpaceX. In July this year, the Dominican Republic became the first Caribbean country to gain access to the Starlink satellite constellation.
As of September, Starlink was available on Martinique and Guadeloupe, two French islands. SpaceX announced Monday, October 24, that Jamaicans will now be able to access Starlink Internet service.
Earlier this week, Jamaica’s Technology Minister Daryl Vaz informed the public that SpaceX’s Starlink had applied for a telecommunications license to begin operations.
Upon approval, Starlink provided people with an alternative internet service option for their homes and businesses. It is important to note that two major telecoms operate in Jamaica – Flow and Digicel – which provide internet, phone, and digital TV cable services through fiber-optic connections.
Rural Jamaicans lack reliable access to high-speed internet at home to the tune of about 40%. Due to SpaceX’s satellites beaming data directly to user Starlink antennas, the Starlink network will benefit underserved rural and remote regions across the island.
In rural areas with low population density, fiber-optic cable infrastructure is difficult and expensive to build. As a result of Starlink, rural communities in Jamaica will experience a “game-changing transformation“, Vaz said.
The number of Starlink satellites operating in low earth orbit is approximately 3,300 at present.
