>How is this supposed to be economical or scale compared to regular terrestrial networks?
I don't think it is. People think they're going to get unlimited data, gigabit connection, etc etc and I think they're all highly delusional.
Starlink is not meant to replace wired internet, it's meant to give HughesNet customers something that is actually usable. It's meant to give people in remote areas with no wired connection available something that actually allows them to meaningfully interact with the internet.
Realistically I see it like this:
I think the bulk of the customers will always be companies working in remote areas such as ships, oil rigs, mining operations, gas stations primarily serving semi trucks in rural areas along highways etc. Also, first responder agencies as it will be handy in grid-down natural disasters for command centers.
Then you'll have RV parks, camp sites, rest stops, EV charging locations in remote areas, etc reselling access by subscription or in time increments.
Then you'll have folks that just live in rural areas that want something better than HughesNet and possibly THOW/vanlife folks that work remotely and move frequently.
Then you'll have low-profit/served-at-cost customers that will be schools in developing nations, especially in rural areas.
I don't think it is. People think they're going to get unlimited data, gigabit connection, etc etc and I think they're all highly delusional.
Starlink is not meant to replace wired internet, it's meant to give HughesNet customers something that is actually usable. It's meant to give people in remote areas with no wired connection available something that actually allows them to meaningfully interact with the internet.
Realistically I see it like this:
I think the bulk of the customers will always be companies working in remote areas such as ships, oil rigs, mining operations, gas stations primarily serving semi trucks in rural areas along highways etc. Also, first responder agencies as it will be handy in grid-down natural disasters for command centers.
Then you'll have RV parks, camp sites, rest stops, EV charging locations in remote areas, etc reselling access by subscription or in time increments.
Then you'll have folks that just live in rural areas that want something better than HughesNet and possibly THOW/vanlife folks that work remotely and move frequently.
Then you'll have low-profit/served-at-cost customers that will be schools in developing nations, especially in rural areas.