Lyra Martin Tech 07.08.2022 08:Jul AM EDT

Tesla's Starlink Satellite Installation Expands at Supercharger Locations

The Supercharger network currently offers the most positive electric car charging experience, and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has promised Wi-Fi connection at the stations to improve the Supercharger experience.

Tesla recently shortened the trial period for premium connection, pushing more owners to decide between paying the price of forgoing the benefits.

Elon Musk Pledged to Provide Wi-Fi at Supercharger Stations

As the satellite dish becomes visible at a new station, Tesla looks like eyeing to expand Starlink satellite internet infrastructure deployment at Supercharger stations.

The Supercharger network now provides the most satisfactory electric vehicle charging experience without a doubt. However, Tesla's early investment in delivering a fantastic free charging experience has paid off. Other charging networks are narrowing the gap.

Although it is usually the intention to keep charging periods brief, it is nonetheless common for Tesla customers to spend more than 30 minutes at the stations.

Although the carmaker has been developing an experience inside the vehicle while charging, it's usually an excellent time for a snack or a toilet break. Tesla has been creating in-car entertainment applications, such as Tesla Theater, which has Netflix, Youtube, Twitch, and other streaming apps, and Tesla Arcade, which features a number of video games.

Tesla's LTE cellular connection allows owners with premium connectivity-a $10 monthly subscription for data-intensive apps-to enjoy those services.

Tesla recently limited the premium connectivity trial time, forcing more owners to choose between paying the price or giving up the perks. Such who decide not to purchase it may still utilize those services if their automobiles are Wi-Fi-enabled.

CEO Elon Musk has promised to provide Wi-Fi access at the stations to enhance the Supercharger experience.

The CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, has suggested leveraging Starlink's internet network to provide internet at Supercharger stations.

At a Supercharger station in Lake City, Florida, the first Starlink satellite dish was seen being installed the previous year.

SpaceX can Now Install Starlink Satellite Internet in Vehicles, Says FCC

The Federal Communications Commission gave SpaceX permission to provide Starlink satellite internet to moving vehicles, which is a crucial step for Elon Musk's business to continue growing the service.

FCC international bureau chief Tom Sullivan wrote in the authorization posted on Thursday. According to him, approving a new class of customer terminals for SpaceX's satellite system will increase the range of broadband capabilities to meet the growing user demands that now require connectivity while on the move.

In response to CNBC's request for comment over the FCC ruling, SpaceX did not immediately answer.

In order to provide high-speed internet to every location on the planet, SpaceX has created the Starlink network of satellites in low Earth orbit. SpaceX has launched about 2,700 satellites to serve the worldwide network, with a standard subscription fee of $110 per month for consumers. SpaceX informed the FCC that Starlink had more than 400,000 members as of May.

SpaceX has already made early agreements with commercial airlines in anticipation of this choice. It has contracts to deliver Wi-Fi on flights with Hawaiian Airlines and semiprivate charter company JSX. Since the aviation Wi-Fi industry is "ready for an upgrade," SpaceX has only been permitted to undertake a small amount of inflight testing so far.

The FCC's approval also permits connections to semi-trucks and recreational vehicles, and SpaceX has asked to expand its service to stationary clients.

Starlink for RVs, a variant of SpaceX's service with an extra portability cost, has previously been made available. However, the FCC's ruling now permits mobility is not the same as portability.

The Starlink service was subject to restrictions imposed by the FCC. Any interference from approved services, both present and prospective, must be accepted by SpaceX, and any new investment in Starlink will come with the possibility that the FCC may impose additional restrictions or constraints on the service's ability to operate.