Just last week, Starlink removed access to precise location data from its Application Programming Interface (API), affecting many third-party applications and devices that relied on Starlink's native global positioning data.
Customers used this as an alternative to the US Government-run GPS system to provide precise location data, and it was especially important in regions where GPS jamming and spoofing are common, such as parts of the Middle East.
It was also handy for adding GPS functionality to devices that don't have it, such as Peplink's popular B One router line.
Well, now Starlink has reversed this to a limited extent. Access to this feature of the Starlink API is being added back, but only for users of Starlink's Priority plans.
As reported by PCMag, the change has been confirmed by several users, but at press time, it isn't yet reflected in Starlink's official documentation.
On the one hand, it's nice that Starlink partially rolled back this change, but the limitation to Priority plans is still a big downside for many in our audience who need or want Starlink's precise location data but don't want to run a Priority plan full-time.
For other geeky users who are comfortable with API's, it's worth noting that there is still some location information available in the API for non-Priority plan customers, utilizing less precise information that can locate within what's called an H3 Cell.
An H3 Cell ID identifies a hexagonal region on the Earth, not the dish’s exact physical location, and the size of the H3 Cell can vary.
While not nearly as useful or precise as a precise location fix, using H3 Cell for location may still be useful for nomads in some situations. Details are in this Peplink forum thread.
Key Mobile Internet Related Considerations:
- Starlink now allows precise location via Starlink's system as an alternative to GPS, but only for Priority plan customers.
- Customers on other plans will need to use actual GPS or find another solution to obtain precise location data.
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