We’re launching Lyria 3.5 in Google Flow Music, with advances across musicality, lyrics, vocals, and creative control
deepmind.google·6d ago
AI Engineering
Hacker News·25d ago·5 min read
SpaceX wants to launch 100k more Starlink satellites – for 100x the bandwidth
TL;DR
SpaceX has applied to the FCC to launch 100,000 new Starlink satellites, aiming to provide ultra-low-latency multi-gigabit internet. Current Starlink speeds are significantly lower than advertised, with real-world performance often around 145-170 Mbps.
✦ Why It Matters
Engineers should consider developing applications that can utilize higher bandwidth and lower latency once the Gen3 satellites are operational.
Key Takeaways
- Monitor FCC updates on Starlink's Gen3 application.
- Explore satellite communication technologies for rural connectivity.
- Evaluate current internet performance metrics for comparison.
- Develop applications that can leverage high-speed satellite internet.
Full Summary
SpaceX is seeking approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to deploy 100,000 third-generation (Gen3) Starlink satellites. This ambitious plan aims to enhance internet bandwidth by 100 times, promising users ultra-low-latency multi-gigabit symmetrical broadband.
Currently, Starlink's advertised speeds of 300-400 Mbps often fall short in practice, with typical download speeds around 145-170 Mbps and upload speeds under 40 Mbps. In contrast, fiber internet can deliver speeds exceeding 2 Gbps, highlighting the need for improved satellite internet in rural areas.
For users like those in rural Idaho, Starlink is a vital service, making this expansion critical for bridging the digital divide. If successful, the Gen3 satellites could significantly improve connectivity for millions.