SpaceX is now expanding the beta testing of its Starlink internet constellation out to the public. After a form was released by SpaceX in June to gauge interest, the thousands of Americans that signed up are now being offered the opportunity to test the satellite internet service. However, the early access comes at a high cost for internet.

Starlink is a satellite internet network that began development and construction by SpaceX in 2015. The goal of the immense project is to provide high-speed internet access to the entire planet by using a mega-constellation of small satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). For the last few months, SpaceX has conducted private beta testing with a select group of its employees before going public. Earlier this month, SpaceX launched a batch of sixty satellites putting the total count in orbit close to 900. CEO Elon Musk had previously said the amount of satellites needed to begin public beta testing would need to be between 500 and 800, so it's no wonder the company has now begun to contact interested consumers about signing up.

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According to a report from CNBC, SpaceX began sending emails on Monday to people who had previously expressed interest in trying out the service. Calling it the "Better Than Nothing Beta," the name offers levity for testers to keep expectations low as a mere fraction of Starlink's required satellite numbers enter LEO. According to the email, public beta testers can expect data speeds to vary anywhere between 50 and 150 Mbps and will experience zero connectivity at certain points as SpaceX tweaks its Starlink system over the next several months. While those data speeds are nothing to email home about, the potential to try out a revolutionary way of receiving internet from a constellation of satellites above might be enough to keep people interested. However, those who initially expressed enthusiasm may pass after they see the potential bill.

Revolutionary? Yes. Pricey? Absolutely. Dependable? Not Yet

Starlink logo over Earth viewed from space

According to CNBC's report, the initial Starlink service comes with a monthly fee of $99. On top of that, each customer testing the network must first purchase the Starlink kit which includes a user terminal (what connects to the satellites), a mounting tripod, and a Wi-Fi router. That kit costs an additional $499, which brings the total cost of signing up to $598 upfront, plus another $99 per month thereafter. That's a high price to pay for bulky beta equipment and spotty service that offers speeds no better than what current internet service providers (ISPs) are offering. Still, there is unique potential at play as beta testers get a chance to experience an internet network unlike any other.

Under the "Better Than Nothing Beta" program, Starlink's target for initial service is currently the U.S. and Canada. With that said, as SpaceX continues to successfully build and launch more satellites, the network will quickly expand toward global coverage. The company's goal is to have near global coverage by the end of next year. While the price for beta service is steep right now, it could mean the potential for high speed internet to people in isolated areas or rural communities where those sort of network speeds have not reached yet. In that sense, the ability to test and experience the Starlink network might be more appealing for those in North America who can't get high speed internet where they live from current ISPs. Either way, the cost to merely test this network is pretty steep given the "Better Than Nothing" expectation SpaceX currently has for it, but the potential as it inevitably expands in orbit is tremendous.

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Source: CNBC