United Airlines To Offer Starlink WiFi On Regional Jets

A United Airlines plane taxis down the runway under a clear, sunny sky. Credit: Unsplash

United Airlines is rolling out free Starlink WiFi on its regional jets this spring. This is a huge advancement in the world of transportation and tech. Starlink, a network of low-orbit satellites, founded by Elon Musk, offers free, reliable internet; perfect for in-flight use. By the end of the year, United's two-cabin regional fleet will be equipped with this feature, and the entire fleet will soon follow. Mileage Plus members will enjoy free browsing and streaming. This move puts United alongside other airlines like Delta and JetBlue in offering complimentary WiFi. Starlink's presence in the airline industry is growing, promising better connectivity for travelers.

How exactly does Starlink work?

Starlink is a satellite-powered internet service that utilizes a fully operational network (consisting of thousands) of small, interconnected satellites orbiting relatively close to the Earth, to transmit data across the planet. The Starlink satellites use navigation sensors to pinpoint usage locations. This way, they can transmit the data to that specific place. Starlink satellites orbit especially close to the surface at a latitude of 300 miles because this reduces latency and improves connectivity. The satellites are constantly communicating and sending information in between their network to form a global internet mesh. Starlink satellites are also equipped with antennas (both phased array and dual-band types) to provide better internet speeds. The satellites also have thrusters for the purpose of maneuvering around in space, which allows them to find the perfect position to transmit data. This allows Starlink to supply internet connections to virtually any location on the planet.