While the deployment of 5G is not complete on the island, Reunion should soon have another means of accessing the Internet. The constellation of satellites developed by billionaire Elon Musk could soon benefit Reunionese.
Already available in France, Starlink provides high-speed, low-latency Internet access in various regions of the world. Reunion is on the list of regions “pending service coverage or regulatory approval” and the site announces the marketing of the satellite connection service by 2023.
Elon Musk’s network of constellations can allow people in areas poorly served by telecom operators’ fixed and mobile networks to have access to high-speed internet.
Starlink’s thousands of small satellites, circulating in low orbit (mostly 550 kilometers) around the Earth, could help expand connectivity in “white areas that are mobile or poorly served by fiber networks”, indicated the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution (Arcep).
Access to Starlink requires the purchase of a specific kit sold for more than 600 euros, and a subscription of nearly 50 euros per month.
Open to users since 2020, the Starlink service now has more than 700,000 subscribers worldwide, including 6,500 in France according to the alternative Internet service provider.
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