Starlink expands to Kosrae State and United Airlines

Starlink services are now in Kosrae state of the Federated States of Micronesia, expanding the satellite-based internet provider.

FSMT Cable Corp completed the installation of the Starlink Gateway System on Feb. 21. FSM Vice President Aren Palik and Gov. Tulensa Palik, of Kosrae, were on hand for the launch ceremony.

FSM Telecom Kosrae is now connected to the system, according to a press release from the Office of the President. This means residents and visitors of Kosrae can enjoy faster internet connectivity than was previously available. This important project was made possible by funding from the World Bank.

This is the most recent addition to Starlink’s growing customer base, which includes Guam, Saipan, and more recently, United Airlines. The satellite-based internet company currently has about 4,000 customers in Guam and about 500 in Saipan. (See Starlink services are now available in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands) There has also been discussions about Starlink in the Marshall Islands. (See Starlink to offer internet services to islands in 2023)

Starlink is attractive because it offers high-speed internet without the need for a physical connection, such as a fiber line that connects a home or business to the internet service provider center.   

The service is particularly attractive for those in remote areas where other reliable internet options are limited. It also boasts low latency thanks to a constellation of satellites orbiting closer to Earth, allowing for faster data transmission and a more responsive connection; making it ideal for activities like streaming, gaming, and video calls. By comparison, traditional satellite internet providers’ satellite systems orbit at higher altitudes and connectivity can be limited.

Users in Guam have shared their experiences. One shared the results of a speed test, saying these are the speeds “on a bad day”: Download 139.80 mbps and 15.38 mbps for uploads.

Another user who lives in Yigo said there’s a waiting list for parts of the island and recommended people check to see if its available in their villages before purchasing them.

Another user said their Starlink gets around 200-300 mbps daily and supports playing videos games “without a problem.”

Yet other users say while it could be because of the area they’re in, Starlink can go offline and while they can brief the otherwise minor blips are enough to interfere with online gaming activities.

United announced on March 7 its first regional aircraft outfitted with Starlink.

Earlier this year, the airline said it plans to outfit its entire two-cabin regional fleet by the end of the year.

It’s unclear when planes used for flights to and from Guam, which serves as a hub, will be outfitted but ultimately, United will add Starlink to its entire fleet.

The airline expects to outfit 40+ regional aircraft each month beginning in May through the end of 2025 – average Starlink install time is about 8 hours, excluding any de-installation of existing equipment, testing or aircraft modification, approximately 10 times faster than installing non-Starlink equipment.

"Starlink has been a terrific partner – our combined spirit of innovation and collaboration will enable us to hit our goal of more than 300 regional aircraft installations before the end of this year,” said Grant Milstead, United's VP of Digital Technology.

Airline officials boasted that Starlink will unlock an “incredible onboard experience for United customers”, calling it the fastest Wi-Fi in the sky with new onboard entertainment options. It also enables a more streamlined install, maintenance and overall operation, primarily because of its lightweight kit at 85 pounds compared to other providers that have equipment of up to 300 pounds.

The kit makes it easier and faster to install, meaning less down time for the plane, less install time for technicians, and less weight also means increased fuel efficiency for the plane.

The system is also weather proofed and takes advantage of Starlink’s large, low-earth orbit constellation of satellites to ensure reliable onboard wi-fi.  United say customers onboard Starlink-equipped regional aircraft can expect Wi-Fi speeds up to 250 megabits per second (Mbps), which is 50 times faster than current regional aircraft speeds.

Starlink access will be free for all MileagePlus® customers and include game-changing inflight entertainment experiences like streaming services, shopping, gaming and more. Membership to MileagePlus is also free and people can sign-up at united.com/starlink. mbj