South Bay While extremely costly to deploy, satellite technology can provide internet for people who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach. The technology can also be a critical backstop when hurricanes or other natural disasters disrupt communication. Musk said on Jan. 15 that SpaceX had 1,469 Starlink satellites active and 272 moving to operational orbits soon. Before you go ... Thank you for believing in local news. By reading Times of San Diego you're helping build a more informed San Diego. But there's another way you can help. San Diego is home to over 100 distinctive neighborhoods, each with its own personality, charm and challenges. We want to add more reporters and expand into even more neighborhoods to help tell their stories – and bring you more journalism that matters to you and your neighbors. That’s why we’re asking for your readership – and your support. Can you help us reach our $20,000 spring fundraising goal with a donation today? One-time