Musk lands six ground stations in England as Starlink expands broadband network

ELON MUSK’S Starlink has been given the green light for six ground stations that will connect to broadband satellites as they pass through space over the UK.

The “earth stations” in southern England will expand his satellite broadband network, offering greater internet coverage in rural areas.

Regulator Ofcom has granted licences for the large dishes, which will connect orbiting satellites to the fibre network, allowing them to beam internet services to the ground.

The dishes will be located in Bedford; Bristol; Fawley, Hants; Hoo, Kent; Morn Hill, Hants; Wherstead, Suffolk; and Woodwalton, Cambs.

Last year, Starlink struck a deal with Arqiva to use ground infrastructure provided by the telecoms mast company for its communications.

Ofcom also said it has extended spectrum access for satellite broadband companies, doubling the capacity for transmitting data.

The measures will come as a boost to Starlink, part of Mr Musk’s Spacex group, as it expands its network across Britain.

Starlink offers internet connections to consumers and businesses in hardto-reach rural areas, as well as on trains, in the air and at sea.

The Starlink network currently has about 2,800 small satellites in orbit and is planning to launch as many as 12,000.

Customers in Britian usually pay £89 per month for a subscription, as well as £529 for the satellite dish.

Starlink’s trial services in the UK have so far been found to provide speeds of between 100 and 200 megabits a second.

Ofcom also granted Canadian rival Telesat its first licence for its Lightspeed constellation, meaning it will be able to offer satellite connectivity in Britain for the first time.

David Willis, spectrum group director at Ofcom, said: “You can’t see or feel radio spectrum, but wireless communication depends on it.

Incredible new services are being developed, meaning demand for spectrum is growing.

“This is particularly true in space, where satellite technology offers faster and more reliable internet services for those living in remote areas, as well as planes and ships.

“Today is one small step in our work to make sure everyone can benefit from these giant leaps in innovation.”