Starlink is a satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX, the private aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The goal of Starlink is to provide global internet coverage by deploying thousands of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Can your organization benefit?
The project's ambition is to offer internet access to virtually every corner of the globe, including remote and rural regions where traditional infrastructure is challenging to deploy. This is potentially a paradigm shift in HR sourcing. Skilled workers are scarce and even more difficult to find in one specific geographical area. Similar to 5G networks Starlink connects talent with employers.
There is a benefit for unskilled workers looking to change direction? In the US about 30% of students are taking online classes. Some 52% of college students in the US feel their online experience is more beneficial than classroom education. In the US online learning is growing at a rate of 9% and in Europe, online learning is growing at a rate of 8.5 %. What is clear is that the location of learning is becoming less relevant and training is available for potential workers who otherwise would not have the opportunity to participate. Starlink brings training to remote areas without requiring infrastructure investment.
The benefits of region-wide internet coverage are nothing new and have been known for years. Africa is building its internet infrastructure around mobile networks bypassing cable completely. Starlink competes with the mobile data space very well. Both technologies stand to improve the world as we know it without question. Tapping into a labor pool underserved is a business opportunity for sure.
But who does Starlink server? As the technology leader of your organization, you may be thinking it is time to open a discussion with the HR director about offering Starlink terminals as a benefit. Not so fast.
Starlink satellites operate in the lower orbit. This is because of known limitations with radio transmission deeper into space. As a consequence, Starlink satellites will crash into the earth every four years. New ones get launched into space as replacements. Hence SpaceX comes into play. As a result, it is not likely the general population will support something that one day may drop a fragment of satellite on their heads. This is where 5G has the advantage with some initial infrastructure investment.
What is Starlink good at then? It is good at providing internet to any remote area difficult to access. From a commercial perspective, it competes with 5G for sure, but let's look at it from another perspective. What if a Special Ops team needs internet services in a remote part of the world as soon as they land on the ground? Starlink is a perfect solution for the scenario. What if a military is deployed to an undeveloped area and needs to communicate with intelligence centers? Starlink again is the perfect solution. When common scenarios are compared it becomes clear that 5G networks better serve the consumer space while Starlink is more geared toward military applications.
Many great technologies have evolved out of military projects. As the technology leader of your organization understanding who Starlink serves is important to understanding the benefit of the service.
