It looks like Elon Musk is thinking beyond 1 percent like the new SpaceX The request from the Federal Communications Commission aims to offer cheaper phone plans for people on lower incomes through Starlink. In the petition, Starlink seeks the designation of Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) under the communications law.
For now, Starlink beta only includes broadband, but SpaceX specified in the presentation that it plans to sell voice over IP (VoIP) services that include “(a) voice access to the public switched telephone network (‘PSTN’) or its functional equivalent, (b) minutes of use for the local service provided at no additional cost to end users, (c) access to emergency services, and (d) toll limitation services to qualified consumers of low income. “
The presentation also reveals that Starlink now has more than 10,000 customers in the U.S. and abroad. However, the company should have capacity for several million customers, as the company has permission to deploy up to one million satellite dishes.
“Founded and created by SpaceX, Starlink Services will offer the world’s first high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service, coordinating the world’s largest satellite fleet to deliver consistent service to the most remote areas. disconnected from the world, including the United States, “SpaceX writes ambitiously in its petition.
The firm also adds that it is the world’s leading provider of high-speed, low-latency satellite internet. Currently, a Starlink subscription costs $ 99 a month. It also includes an initial fee of $ 499 for the user terminal, mounting tripod and router.
Needless to say, this amount should be significantly reduced for low-income households. SpaceX mentioned a Lifeline plan that would cost $ 9.25 a month for broadband and $ 5.25 a month for telephone service.
However, he added that it currently has no Lifeline customers, as “only operators designated as ETCs can participate in the Lifeline program.” I guess we’ll just have to wait and see what offers will be available in case the order passes.