Sklar Technology Partners - October 2020

INTERNET FROM ABOVE Elon Musk’s Starlink Satellite Network Takes Shape

According to Sky & Telescope magazine, each Starlink satellite weighs 500 pounds and is the size of an average four-person dinner table. Musk believes satellites make more sense than traditional means of delivering internet. For one, there is no need to lay down cables, which can be costly, especially when installing in rural or underdeveloped areas. In some rural areas in the U.S., laying cable is outright cost-prohibitive, as the bill may fall to one person or family who wants internet access on their property. The Starlink network is far from being completed, and coverage is currently extremely limited. Musk anticipates the network will be able to deliver “moderate” coverage once it reaches about 800 satellites in orbit. SpaceX has previously stated that they expect to start offering broadband services in the U.S. and Canada in late 2020. As the network grows in 2021, the company will start offering its satellite internet service globally.

Musk’s initial goal was to create a network of 4,000 satellites, but that number later grew to 12,000. In May 2019, Starlink launched its first 60 internet satellites into orbit. The mission was a success, and the satellites made it into orbit at an altitude of 340 miles, which is much closer than satellites from other internet providers. This means the eventual users of the new network can expect relatively high speeds. As of this writing, there are 422 Starlink satellites in orbit. Until this project came online, satellite internet was notorious for being slow. This is due, in part, to the locations of traditional provider’s satellites. One current provider’s satellites are orbiting 22,236 miles from Earth. This distance helps maximize coverage, at the expense of speed, and it was established when there were relatively few internet satellites. Because there will be so many Starlink satellites, they can be closer to Earth to eliminate coverage gaps. The satellites are fairly small and efficient.

Known for his ambitious plans, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is now trying to bring internet to the entire world. In 2018, SpaceX launched its first test rockets into orbit under the project called Starlink. The goal was to assess the continued feasibility of launching thousands of satellites into low-Earth orbit, which would deliver internet across the globe and make it accessible — eventually — to just about everyone.

Roasted Rosemary Brussels Sprouts and Potatoes

... continued from Cover

actually looked at the situation, agreed that what happened to me was not okay, and credited me for the entire bill.

Ingredients •

IF YOU CAN’T HELP SOMEONE, YOUR COMPETITION WILL

1 3/4 lbs fingerling potatoes, halved lengthwise 3 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

I know I’m not the only person who’s been told by a customer service rep that they can’t help me. It’s a bad feeling. I never want any of my clients to hear that there’s nothing my team can do to help them. Instead, I want them to be proactive and look for ways to solve a problem, rather than immediately shut clients down. This kind of service starts with empowering your employees to want to take care of customers. Ritz-Carlton, the luxury hotel company, is famous for their $2,000 rule. Basically, employees are allowed to spend up to $2,000 to solve any customer’s problem without needing approval from a manager. This is a pretty big number, but considering the fact that the average Ritz-Carlton customer will spend $250,000 in their lifetime, it’s worth it to help keep customers happy. The easier it is for your employees to help your customers, the happier the customers will be if there’s ever a problem.

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3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp fresh rosemary, minced

4 tsp olive oil 1 1/2 tsp sugar 1 tsp sea salt 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Toss until the Brussels sprouts and fingerlings are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. 3. Spread the mixture on the baking sheet, then bake 35–38 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add more salt and pepper as desired, then serve!

–Randy Sklar

Security. Availability. Support .................................................................................... 804-730-2628 • 3 Inspired by “The Oh She Glows Cookbook”

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