WHAT IS STARLINK AND WHY ITS A BIG DEAL

Starlink is the world’s first and largest satellite constellation. It is the brainchild of tech billionaire, Elon Musk.

The Starlink project intends to deliver high-speed broadband internet connectivity to underserved and unserved places worldwide, including distant and rural areas where traditional internet infrastructure is constrained or nonexistent.

Users on the ground can access the internet through Starlink thanks to a network of thousands of tiny, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. Lower latency and higher internet speeds are possible thanks to the fact that these satellites are placed in orbits that are significantly closer to Earth than those of conventional geostationary satellites.

Traditional wifi uses cables that run at the bottom of the ocean. These cables are expensive to install and maintain.

Starlink can offer internet connection in remote locations without fiber optic infrastructure, but there are a number of things that can impact how well it works.

For instance, the extra latency introduced by the distance that data must travel from the user to the satellite and back might affect real-time applications like online gaming or video conferencing. Additionally, numerous users in a particular location may share Starlink’s available capacity, which could possibly affect the speeds during periods of high usage.

Starlink has the ability to completely change how Ugandans access the internet. With its affordable, low-latency internet, the nation’s digital infrastructure may receive a much-needed boost, enabling more people to use the internet. The country could be greatly affected by this, creating new prospects for communication, business, and education.

Previously inaccessible educational resources, such as online lectures, and tutorials, will now be available to teachers and students in rural locations. Additionally, pupils could be able to access large items like videos or software that are not viable with current internet connections thanks to the faster download speeds.

Small business owners in Uganda will gain a lot from this improved internet connection. Businesses can make online transactions, manage their finances, and interact with customers more effectively at quicker and more dependable speeds. As a result, firms will be able to boost their marketability and growth potential. Additionally, businesses will be able to use the internet to access previously inaccessible new markets and opportunities.

The company is expected to apply for a license and become operational inUganda in 2024.