TESMANIAN by Evelyn Arevalo January 11, 2021
Alaska Teacher’s letter may have convinced FCC to approve SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites into Polar Orbit
SpaceX is deploying internet-beaming Starlink satellites to offer high-speed broadband internet connection globally. The company’s primary focus is to provide service to rural communities where internet is unreliable, unavailable, or too expensive to set-up due to geography. One of those places is Alaska, where communities deal with the slowest internet in America. Building terrestrial internet networks in rural areas is very expensive due to population density -one customer every couple miles. And in rural areas that do have access to internet service, there are often just one or two internet providers that offer service at a high cost. Space-based internet like SpaceX’s Starlink constellation can offer a more affordable solution.
The Coronavirus pandemic highlighted the need for more reliable internet and communications services in Alaska because many students do not have access to it at home to participate in online learning. SpaceX aims to bridge the digital divide in Alaska, however, the company has faced challenges to obtain the necessary regulatory approvals to begin offering service in the area. Competitors are against SpaceX plans to connect the region because SpaceX is showing they can deliver access to these areas faster. An Alaska school teacher’s letter may have convinced the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to approve SpaceX launch of Starlink satellites into Polar Orbit, despite of competitors' pushback.
“Dear Ms. Dortch [FCC Secretary] My name is Jacob Calderwood. I am a music teacher at a public elementary school in rural Alaska. I have 680 students, the majority of whom are Iñupiaq - Alaska Native,†he wrote to the FCC Secretary, “Since the pandemic shut our school down in March, approximately 3% of my students have been able to participate in online learning in some format. We have found that the primary reason for such low participation is internet access equity. In our town Utqiaġvik, Alaska internet is a luxury that many are barred from using. Being the farthest north city in the United States presents many challenges to access. Everything is expensive here from $10 per gallon milk to internet bills in the hundreds. My own bill […] runs in excess of $300 for 10 megabit speed and the cost varies depending on usage,†Calderwood wrote. “Since hearing about SpaceX’s plan to offer affordable internet to the most rural areas of the world I have held out hope that relief may be coming for many in our community. Especially that my students might all have equitable access to education during this time," he said. SpaceX is offering high-speed internet at a lower monthly price, $100 USD.
More:
https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/starlink-alaska-teacher
