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This new method complements the existing ones to provide optimal coverage. Indeed, traditional means have their limits:
- Some places are not accessible to the parking of truks.
- 3G/4G coverage is insufficient in some areas to guarantee a reliable link.
- Places that are heavily frequented during an event make the 3G/4G network inaccessible (typically a sports event, a trade show).
Starlink offers a broadband connection everywhere and all the time in France in addition to the following advantages:
- Compact: the kit is light and space-saving.
- Easy to use: once the antenna is installed, the Starlink application available on smartphone and easy to use allows to make the settings automatically. The antenna is connected to a TVU or Aviwest box, two solutions well known to FranceTV teams.
- Autonomous: the kit includes a battery with an autonomy of 2 hours and a solar panel that can last up to 9 hours.
France Télévisions has initially set up 4 antennas for this test phase. Several centres have already tried them out, including Caen, Lille, Toulouse, Montpellier, Clermont Ferrand and Antibes:
In Toulouse, during the passage of the Tour de France on 22 July, Starlink allowed a live broadcast from Castelnau-Maognac in the regional edition. On 22 September, a live recording was made from Banyuls.
In Montpellier, during the month of July, TV reports were sent from the Cévennes with ease, unlike with 3G/4G where time is lost in finding areas with a satisfactory signal (you have to travel miles for that). Starlink was also used for the Joutes de Sète in August and the Clermont-Ferrand antenna used it to secure a link to the Gergovie museum.
The teams on site gave positive feedback, both on the set-up and the reliability of the transmission.
Starlink has also been used for national news: Ukraine, Colonna's funeral, 14 July and more recently Elizabeth II's funeral.
