SpaceX's Starlink satellite dishes are excessively powerful, as per CEO Elon Musk, claiming that people "could buy one and just stick it on the car." That said, a California motorist did so, but the cops were unimpressed.
Starlink is a broadband internet service that vows to provide a low latency network to rural or remote areas.
Musk announced during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last June 19 that the coverage of his connectivity company is expanding globally in August.
SpaceX's Starlink Sattelite Dish on Top of a Car
Meanwhile, a man tried to mount a Starlink satellite atop the hood of his Toyota Prius, which got him in trouble with a California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer, Gizmodo reported.
The Califonia cop ticketed the man behind the wheel of the Prius with a satellite blocking his windshield for specifically violating the California Vehicle Code.
Upon pulling over the obscure vehicle, the cop asked the driver if the Starlink satellite is not blocking his view as he strolls along the paved roads.
CHP said that the driver admitted that it does, saying "only when I make right turns."
According to CNBC, a CHP representative told the outlet that the man, who placed a satellite on his vehicle, explained that he needed internet access for business purposes.
Other Obstructions
The California police took the opportunity to clarify which objects are likewise considered obstructions when mounted on cars.
Aside from a satellite dish, the cops included GPS devices or smartphones sticking to the windshield is also illegal. Additionally, hanging things over the rearview mirror is apparently against the vehicle code of the state.
So, if you are scrambling to get a reliable internet connection while on the road, it turns out that slapping a Starlink satellite dish is not the best way to go by.
Starlink Satellite on Cars, Musk's Idea?
The Verge dug Musk's pronouncements way back in 2020 when the Starlink boss flaunted that the Starlink terminals' size is as big as a pizza.
To prove and further illustrate the expanse of the satellite, he claimed that people could "technically" place it on a car.
Meanwhile, Gizmodo noted in the same report that it does not mean that folks out there should do it just because Musk says that it is possible, as proven by the latest incident.
Elsewhere, here's how to get a Starlink sattelite dish, which as mentioned is illegal to mount on a car.
Related Article : SpaceX's Starlink to Power and Improve In-Flight WiFi, Talks with 'Several' Airlines - Aviation Satellite-Powered Internet Coming?
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Written by Teejay Boris
