Starlink, founded by Elon Musk's SpaceX in 2019, is known to offer satellite internet services for global connectivity using a vast constellation of low Earth orbit satellites. Despite being available across the European continent, excluding the Western Balkans, Starlink's highly anticipated expansion is about to reach the southeastern part of Europe: Cyprus.

According to the official Starlink website, satellite internet services are scheduled to be accessible in the country in the third quarter of this year, in other words sometime between July and September. This significant development will provide Republic of Cyprus’ residents with the option to access satellite internet, both in their homes and businesses.

This advancement not only enhances Cyprus’ connectivity but also creates new opportunities for the Cypriot state itself. Government bodies and institutions may potentially benefit from leveraging the services offered by Starlink. However, it is important to note that there have been no official statements from the Ministry of Communications or the Deputy Ministry of Digital Policy regarding this matter.

The official company website provides an informative graph outlining Starlink’s "availability." Notably, the graph indicates that Starlink will not extend its coverage to the Turkish Cypriot community.

Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by SpaceX, offers high-speed broadband connectivity in remote and rural areas worldwide. With over 3,000 satellites deployed since its launch in 2019, the service aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet access to multiple countries around the world. 

With its expansive constellation of satellites, Starlink is continuously expanding its coverage. The company launched an additional 54 satellites in September 2022, and it claims to be available on all continents. As of now, Starlink is accessible in more than 40 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Greece, Germany, and France. 

Starlink's reach is not limited to fixed locations. The company is actively expanding its services to mobile sites and vehicles, such as recreational vehicles (RVs) and boats. Additionally, SpaceX is partnering with airlines like Hawaiian Airlines to provide Starlink connectivity on flights.

In terms of speed, Starlink's performance has shown some variation. In the second quarter of 2022, the median download speed in the US was around 62 Mbps, as measured by Ookla. While this is still sufficient for streaming and other internet activities, it represents a decrease compared to the previous year. Starlink's upload speed also slowed globally in the same period, while latency remained relatively stable.

To access Starlink's services, customers can purchase a Starlink kit that includes a satellite dish, WiFi router/power supply, cables, and a base. The self-orienting satellite dish connects to the Starlink network, providing internet connectivity. Starlink's advantage over traditional satellite internet services lies in its LEO satellite constellation, which reduces latency due to the proximity of the satellites.

Starlink has gained significant popularity, with over 400,000 global subscribers reported in May 2022. The Starlink app has also gained traction, ranking among the top 100 most downloaded iPhone apps in the US. Since January 2021, the app has been downloaded approximately 2.3 million times worldwide, according to estimates.

As of September 2022, Starlink offers its residential service in the US starting at $110 per month, with a one-time hardware cost of $599. There are no long-term contracts, data caps, or exclusivity requirements. Starlink also provides specialized services for RVs and maritime use, with pricing options tailored to those applications.

In summary, Starlink, operated by SpaceX, is a satellite internet service that aims to provide high-speed broadband access in remote areas. With its growing satellite constellation, Starlink is expanding its coverage globally and has gained popularity among users. Despite some fluctuations in speed, Starlink continues to offer competitive connectivity options and is actively exploring new applications for its services. Starlink, welcome to Cyprus!