Big Update: Starlink may use Vodafone spectrum to expand UK service
Sunday, October 24, 2021 | Chimniii Desk
Key Points
The partnership would expand its low-earth satellite broadband service. Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is considering partnering with Vodafone Group Plc to expand its satellite internet service in the UK, the Telegraph reported on Sunday. Starlink has been looking for ground station infrastructure and high-frequency spectrum, the article stated. On October 14, Musk tweeted that he was in talks with airlines about Starlink. SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet unit will launch 12,000 satellites.
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The partnership would expand its low-earth satellite broadband service.
Starlink, owned by Elon Musk, is considering partnering with Vodafone Group Plc to expand its satellite internet service in the UK, the Telegraph reported on Sunday.
Starlink has been looking for ground station infrastructure and high-frequency spectrum, the article stated.
Vodafone told the Telegraph: “We can confirm we are in talks with numerous operators about satellite spectrum. We're closing in on a deal.”
Starlink did not respond to a Telegraph query.
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According to a Vodafone file with UK industry regulator Ofcom, the business is open to inquiries from satellite companies interested in leasing its licenced spectrum for use in gateway links to their satellites.
To provide internet to individuals and businesses in areas where terrestrial fixed and wireless connections are unprofitable, Starlink is competing with OneWeb, supported by the UK. Both are looking for telecommunications companies to cooperate with. In September, OneWeb established a partnership with AT&T Inc. to provide broadband to companies in rural areas. Starlink has previously stated it has inked arrangements with two unnamed “major country” cellular operators as Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Corp. nears global coverage.
On October 14, Musk tweeted that he was in talks with airlines about Starlink.
Musk, famed for his witty tweets and frequent engagement with followers, gave no information about the meetings. When or whose airlines were approached was not immediately known.
SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet unit will launch 12,000 satellites. That's according to SpaceX's estimate.
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