The Indicator from Planet Money Can Starlink stay ahead in satellite internet?
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Jun 30, 2025 Elon Musk’s Starlink dominates the satellite internet market, controlling a staggering 90% of traffic. The discussion dives into how it maintains this lead amid growing competition from the EU and China. Insights reveal the challenges of providing global high-speed internet and the complexities of satellite communication. The podcast also addresses concerns about Starlink's monopolistic tendencies and the implications it has on pricing and regulation, along with Musk's influence in international conflicts affecting service availability.
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Starlink's Dominance in Satellite Internet
- Starlink carries 90% of the world's satellite internet data traffic, making it dominant.
- It has driven prices down closer to broadband costs, impacting the industry significantly.
Starlink Enhances Remote Entertainment
- Many RVs at a Southern California campground used Starlink to watch the Super Bowl remotely.
- Satellite internet enriches experiences even in nature by bridging connectivity gaps.
High Fixed Costs Create Natural Monopolies
- Satellite internet requires high fixed costs from licenses, satellite building, testing, and terminals.
- These upfront costs make the industry prone to natural monopolies since adding customers costs less.