A new SpaceX document outlines Starlink's plans to provide phone service, voice calls even in the absence of power, and cheaper plans for low-income people through the government's Lifeline program.
For details, see Starlink's petition to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to be designated as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) under the Communications Act. SpaceX has said it needs this legal status in some states where it has received public funding to roll out broadband in underdeveloped areas. ETC status is also required to receive a refund from the FCC Lifeline program for providing discounts on telecommunications services to people with low incomes.
The Starlink satellite internet service is currently in beta and costs $99 per month plus a one-time fee of $499 for the terminal, antenna and router. The SpaceX documentation also states that Starlink now has over 10 users in the US and abroad. The company is going to connect several million customers in the US alone in the future: it now has permission to deploy up to 000 million terminals (that is, satellite dishes). The company has requested permission from the FCC to increase the maximum level to 1 million terminals.
Although the beta version of Starlink only includes broadband, SpaceX said it will eventually sell VoIP services that include: “a) voice access to the public switched telephone network or its functional equivalent; b) a package of free minutes for calling users to local subscribers; c) access to emergency services; and e) discounted rate services for verified low-income subscribers.”
SpaceX said the voice service will be sold separately at prices comparable to existing city rates. The company added that consumers will have the option to use a regular third-party SIP phone or an IP phone from a list of certified models. SpaceX is also exploring other phone service options. Like other VoIP providers, Starlink is also going to sell versions of terminals with battery backup, which will provide voice communication for at least 24 hours even in the absence of power in the event of an emergency.
SpaceX also wrote: “The Starlink service does not currently have Lifeline customers because only operators with ETC status can participate in this program. But once SpaceX achieves ETC status, it is going to provide Lifeline discounts to low-income consumers and will advertise the related service to attract interested people.” Lifeline currently provides a subsidy of $9,25 per month for low-income households for broadband or $5,25 for phone service. What discount Starlink is going to offer is not specified.
Source: 3dnews.ru