SpaceX’s Starlink service has been a target for multiple companies hoping to not see it move in as a competitor. Companies like Dish Network, have enjoyed being one of the few options beyond cellular that customers have access to during travel. Providing both internet and TV to users on the go, just like it does for those at home.
Dish even tried to petition the FCC to force Starlink into deactivating accounts of users trying to use its service within “moving vehicles” as Starlink hadn’t yet received regulatory approval for this feature/service. However, this battle has officially come to an end as Starlink has received approval from FCC to start offering this as a service.
The proper term for this service is “ESIM” (Earth Stations in Motion). Allowing users to remain connected to Starlink’s satellites, even while in motion. Which means that users can now use them with RVs, boats, planes, and more. Which is a major win for SpaceX, as well as other companies looking to get into this area of the market.
SpaceX has already been working to partner with airlines to offer internet services to passengers via Starlink. Not only developing strong commercial relationships but potentially showing off its capabilities to potential future customers.
Tesla is also looking into the possibility of upgrading its vehicles to support Starlink instead of cellular for on-board connectivity. It would require an upgrade to the vehicles installed modem. However, it is unknown how complex such an upgrade would have to be given that users have to make use of dishes in order to connect to the network. So it may go beyond a simple modification to the modem and also require another piece of hardware being integrated into the vehicle somehow.
