I can’t be the only one who’s noticed, but it seems like every few weeks there’s a new article about Starlink. And no, I’m not talking about the ones where Musk is doing something ridiculous (though those are plentiful too). This time, it’s about how David Schwartz, Ripple's CTO, is using it to connect while on the road. But as I dug deeper into the topic, I realized there's more to it than just Schwartz's personal use case.
The Basics of Starlink
For those who don’t know, Starlink is a satellite internet service developed by SpaceX. It aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved areas across the globe. Since its launch in 2019, Starlink has deployed thousands of satellites and currently serves over 4 million customers. Many of these users live in regions where traditional internet options are either nonexistent or painfully slow.
Schwartz gave a pretty cool demo of how he uses Starlink to connect while on the move. He literally places the dish on his car dashboard and drives off! The guy even joins Zoom calls with it. That’s some next-level tech use right there.
The Good and Bad of Fintech Partnerships
But here’s where things get interesting: fintech companies partnering with satellite providers like Starlink could change everything when it comes to financial inclusion.
On one hand, you have:
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Expanded Coverage: Satellite internet can reach places traditional networks can't.
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Direct-to-Device: New tech allows mobile phones to connect directly without special hardware.
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Cost Efficiency: Launching satellites is cheaper now, making this model more affordable.
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Enhanced Security: If ground networks fail (think natural disasters), satellites can still operate.
But let’s not kid ourselves; there are challenges too:
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Traditional Telecom Threatened: Companies relying on ground infrastructure might be in trouble.
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Regulatory Issues: New technologies often challenge existing laws and norms.
Final Thoughts
So yeah, despite Schwartz's mixed feelings about Musk's other ventures (he called most overrated), there's no denying that Starlink is making waves—or should I say "making orbits"?
As for me? I'm still skeptical but curious about how this all plays out. Will traditional telecom adapt? Or will they go the way of Blockbuster?
