星鏈已稱霸衛星互聯網，它能否在地面市場顛覆AT&T和Verizon？

SpaceX’s Starlink is exploring a move into the terrestrial mobile market, challenging established players like AT&T and Verizon.

星鏈進軍地面電信市場

SpaceX’s Starlink division is reportedly exploring the possibility of building a terrestrial network to offer mobile communication services.
Discussions have involved combining ground systems with satellites to enter the mobile market.
SpaceX has previously considered partnering with a U.S. telecom company with ground infrastructure or developing its own ground system.
A prototype phone has been developed and shown to investors, fueling speculation about direct satellite-connected phones.
This move is in its early stages, and SpaceX faces significant challenges from established carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile US with their strong brand recognition and extensive ground infrastructure.

Starlink is SpaceX’s financial engine, funding its ambitious projects.
As of March, Starlink had over 10,000 satellites and more than 10 million home broadband subscribers.
The core business has been home broadband, popular in rural areas lacking fiber networks, with growing applications in maritime and aviation connectivity.
Starlink is developing mobile services, with agreements to provide limited satellite connectivity to partner carriers’ users in remote areas (e.g., with T-Mobile US in the U.S.).
Engineers are developing upgraded Starlink satellites for mobile connectivity.
SpaceX is actively acquiring wireless spectrum, including $8.5 mi ll i o n f or tw oce ll u l a r n e tw or k l i ce n ses inan FCC a u c t i o nan d a$ 20 billion deal to acquire spectrum from another satellite company.

SpaceX’s leadership believes the mobile market opportunity is even larger than home Wi-Fi.
Gwynne Shotwell stated that over half the world’s population has a mobile phone, and Starlink mobile users could significantly exceed broadband users.
Traditional telecom providers rely on cell towers and fiber optics, offering lower costs and high bandwidth for frequent users.
Analysts suggest SpaceX needs ground networks to provide connectivity in areas where satellite signals are weak, such as inside buildings or tunnels.
Verizon CEO Dan Schulman highlighted the superiority of ground infrastructure in network connectivity and speed.
SpaceX’s disruption of the rocket launch industry and expansion of satellite communications have already caused anxiety among competitors.
Investors anticipate similar disruption in the telecom sector, with Starlink’s expansion causing volatility in satellite stocks.

Elon Musk is known for entering industries he perceives as stagnant or lacking innovation.
The transformation of the rocket launch industry by SpaceX serves as a precedent.
Analyst Walt Piecyk compared SpaceX’s approach to Tesla, stating they build their own components if they can’t find suitable ones from suppliers.