Caleb Henry and Justin Cadman of Quilty Space discuss their financial analysis of Starlink, covering topics like global subscribers, consumer vs. SOHO split, U.S. vs. international subscribers, challenges in financial analysis, competitive landscape of satellite internet market, pricing strategies, revenue sources, SpaceX's cost-saving methods, and evolution of satellite technology.
Starlink's financial success is attributed to its unique cost-efficient satellite components and subscriber growth surpassing industry standards.
Starlink's scalable model and innovative technology adoption led to projected profitability in 2023, marking a transition towards industry disruption.
Starlink's market expansion through direct-to-sell communication methods and focus on bridging global connectivity gaps solidify its pivotal role in the satellite industry.
Deep dives
Starlink's Surprising Growth Rate
Starlink's subscriber growth rate outpaces traditional satellite operators like Hughes and Viasat, reaching 3.7 to 3.8 million consumer subscribers by the end of the year. Despite being the first successful version of this new generation, Starlink's model remains an outlier in the industry, focusing on building satellites with unique cost-efficient components like solar arrays and laser links to minimize expenses.
Sustainability and Profitability
Starlink is deemed sustainable now but faced steep losses initially, with 2023 marking the first year of projected profitability. Their cost-efficient approach and voluminous satellite launches allow for scalability and ongoing growth, reflected in their innovative use of materials and technology surpassing industry standards.
Direct-to-Sell Market and Industry Transformation
Starlink's foray into the direct-to-sell market signals a significant industry shift, as communication methods transition to satellites in cell phones directly. By eliminating the need for user terminals and expanding the market exponentially, Starlink's presence in this sphere showcases disruptive potential and future market expansion.
Innovative Approach to R&D
Starlink's unique R&D strategy involves utilizing unconventional materials like lower quality silicon for solar arrays and exploring alternative propulsion methods with Krypton and Argon. By adopting a first principles approach and venturing beyond industry norms to reduce costs, Starlink maintains its status as an industry outlier.
Connectivity with Developing Countries and Bright Prospects
Starlink's significant impact on developing countries like Mexico and Brazil highlights its potential to bridge the connectivity gap. Their ability to offer affordable solutions, such as lowering terminal costs, positions them as a pivotal player in expanding global internet access, while their success sets the stage for a promising future in satellite communications and technology advancement.
Jake and Anthony are joined by Caleb Henry (Director of Research) and Justin Cadman (Co-CEO) of Quilty Space, to talk about their financial analysis of Starlink.
Quilty Space on X: “Happy National Space(X) day! Get a peek into our Starlink financial analysis. - ~2.7M global subscribers, ~95% consumer/SOHO. - 60% are U.S. based subscribers, with international growth surging.”