4 ms·

Not sure what you mean about ambient spectrum, but Starlink has better theoretical latency than fibre over large distances once they have inter-satellite laser

by dkarp 5y ago

Not sure what you mean about ambient spectrum, but Starlink has better theoretical latency than fibre over large distances once they have inter-satellite laser links. There are also huge areas of the Earth's surface that are hard to or not worth running fibre to. E.g. very remote areas or moving bodies like ships, motor homes and aircraft. Those members of society wanting to live a more rural life will benefit directly. Those in countries without expensive infrastructure will also benefit.

totalZero 5y ago
Fiber optics obviously use light so I didn’t want to use the term ‘spectrum’ exclusively. The idea I want to communicate is that shared wireless channels have to be regulated by the FCC and similar groups. Starlink presently has real-world latency that is comparable to VDSL in the best of cases. It is superior to other satellite-based networks that operate at higher altitudes, but not to terrestrial fiber optics if you compare like for like (ie, a comparison of theoretical maxima). Obviously a ship would not be a good candidate for a fiber line. That said, many developing and/or rural communities will eventually get fiber anyway, so we as a society and as voters should push for a concerted effort to do it sooner rather than later. A good beachhead would be fiber to 5G base stations in remote areas. Latin America and Africa have surprisingly strong wireless data infrastructure. The existing market for distributing phones and wireless services (often a kiosk in a shopping center or a SIM card from a corner store) can also be used to distribute modems, no satellite dishes involved. That’s not to say Starlink lacks utility, but it wouldn’t be my first suggestion for rural or developing areas. (For what it’s worth, I have lived in both.)

4 ms·

Not sure what you mean about ambient spectrum, but Starlink has better theoretical latency than fibre over large distances once they have inter-satellite laser

by dkarp 5y ago

totalZero 5y ago
Fiber optics obviously use light so I didn’t want to use the term ‘spectrum’ exclusively. The idea I want to communicate is that shared wireless channels have to be regulated by the FCC and similar groups. Starlink presently has real-world latency that is comparable to VDSL in the best of cases. It is superior to other satellite-based networks that operate at higher altitudes, but not to terrestrial fiber optics if you compare like for like (ie, a comparison of theoretical maxima). Obviously a ship would not be a good candidate for a fiber line. That said, many developing and/or rural communities will eventually get fiber anyway, so we as a society and as voters should push for a concerted effort to do it sooner rather than later. A good beachhead would be fiber to 5G base stations in remote areas. Latin America and Africa have surprisingly strong wireless data infrastructure. The existing market for distributing phones and wireless services (often a kiosk in a shopping center or a SIM card from a corner store) can also be used to distribute modems, no satellite dishes involved. That’s not to say Starlink lacks utility, but it wouldn’t be my first suggestion for rural or developing areas. (For what it’s worth, I have lived in both.)