Starlink might be less of a threat to mobile operators than Elon Musk claims

Date:
Fri, 07 Aug 2026 10:43:58 +0000

Description:
Elon Musk claims that Starlink could soon deliver a better service than the USs mobile operators, but T-Mobiles CEO disagrees.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Musk has recently been bullish about Starlink's potential as a rival to T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T However, T-Mobile's CEO sees satellite connectivity as complementary to conventional coverage As such, they think that Starlink's threat to mobile operators has been exaggerated If you believe Elon Musk, then Starlink could soon pose a major threat to the USs mobile operators, but the CEO of T-Mobile disagrees.

According to Musk in a recent earnings call, Starlinks terrestrial cellular network will probably offer better connectivity and higher bandwidth than cellular providers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T. In fact, Musk even went so far as to say that he envisions Starlink will ultimately "deliver a majority of the world's internet." As a result, Gwynne Shotwell, the
president and chief operating officer of SpaceX (which owns Starlink), added that she expects the company to acquire quite a few customers from those mobile networks. Latest Videos From TechRadar Watch full video here:

But in an interview with the Financial Times , T-Mobiles CEO Srini Gopalan argued that youve got to ask the question of what is the gap in the market that theyre looking to serve?, adding I always prefer starting these conversations back from the customer: why would a customer buy a new cellular service? Where do they go? Whats their differentiation? Its clearly not
having a broad network. An alternative or an addition? T-Mobile has already partnered with Starlink (Image credit: T-Mobile Starlink) Of course, Musk has arguably already answered the question of differentiation with his claims of Starlink having higher bandwidth and better connectivity, and indeed T-Mobile already leverages Starlink satellites to boost its rural coverage. You may like Elon Musk: 'At some point, Starlink will deliver a majority of the world's internet' but how? SpaceX could be planning to offer a Starlink mobile network for consumers Starlink sends the telecoms world off in a spin, but what is the big picture?

But Gopalan suggests that this is how things should be, with satellite connectivity being complementary to existing networks.

So it remains to be seen who is right here. A lot might come down to price, and whether Starlink continues giving the likes of T-Mobile access to its satellites once it has launched a rival service. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

That service isnt expected until the end of 2027, though, so T-Mobile and the USs other mobile operators have some time to make sure they remain competitive. Today's best phone deals Contract Deals Sim Free gift Google Pixel 10 Pro 24 months Unlimited mins Unlimited texts 200GB data 50 upfront
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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/phones/network-providers/starlink-might-be-less-of-a -threat-to-mobile-operators-than-elon-musk-claims


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