Satellite operator Iridium is calling its new Iridium Go Exec device a “satellite access companion.” The device is designed to act more like a Wi-Fi hotspot in comparison with the previous generation device called simply Iridium Go. The new device…
Satellite Broadband
Eyes on the Skies: FCC Space Bureau Will Increase Satellite Division 38%
Space is an increasingly busy place, and the FCC released an order that will create the Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs to keep pace with those changes. The Space Bureau and Office of International Affairs will replace the…
Microsoft Expands Rural Broadband Ambitions, Tapping Viasat for Airband Initiative
Microsoft said today that it will partner with Viasat to provide Internet access to 10 million people in different parts of the world who do not have the Internet available to them today. The partnership will be part of the…
When Nationwide Service is Key: Granite Expands Coverage Via Viasat Deal
Viasat will provide satellite-based Internet services to Granite Telecommunications, a reseller that serves multi-location businesses and governmental agencies. Granite provides services to gas stations, food chains and other organizations that have locations all over the country. The company resells services…
Amazon Building Broadband Satellite Facility to Support Project Kuiper
Amazon will build a 172,000 square foot broadband satellite production facility in Kirkland, Washington, to support Project Kuiper. The facility will have the capacity to build as many as four satellites a day. Project Kuiper is one of several low…
Satellite Broadband Effort Project Kuiper Lines Up Prototype Launch
Amazon’s Project Kuiper is planning to launch two prototypes as it nears the full rollout of its ambitious satellite broadband service in early 2023. Project Kuiper plans to launch 3,236 low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites to blanket the planet with connectivity….
Speedtest: Starlink Slows in U.S., Worldwide
SpaceX Starlink download speeds decreased between the second quarter of 2021 and the second quarter of 2022 in every country assessed — including the U.S. — according to Ookla’s Speedtest. However, the satellite service’s median download speed in North America…
HughesNet Fusion Claims Lower Latency Service
Hughes Network Systems says that is making its HughesNet Fusion offering that will reduce latency in satellite communications available in select markets. HughesNet Fusion combines geostationary (GEO) satellites and wireless technology to work around latency issues. In some cases, low…
Despite FCC Rejection, SpaceX Still Wants its RDOF Funding
SpaceX, the provider of Starlink low earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband, isn’t accepting the FCC’s decision to reject the company’s winning bid in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) program without a fight. On Friday, the company filed an application…
SpaceX Starlink Appears to Have Suffered Network Outage
The satellite broadband service Starlink, operated by SpaceX, appeared to have suffered a potential global outage. Reports started flowing last night about a degradation or no service at all. It appears that the service has been mostly restored as of…
5Gfor12GHz Coalition Fires Back at SpaceX Over “Misinformation Campaign”
The 5Gfor12GHz Coalition fired back at SpaceX today in response to what the coalition called a “misinformation campaign” about SpaceX Starlink satellite broadband service. The coalition also critiqued a recent SpaceX report that argues that a proposed rule change for…
SpaceX Recruits Customers in Battle Over 12 GHz Spectrum Use for 5G
SpaceX is enlisting customers that use its Starlink low earth orbit satellite broadband service in the battle over the future of the 12 GHz spectrum band. The company has asked Starlink customers to urge their elected officials and the FCC…
