Elon Musk’s satellite network Starlink is on track to reach a huge new milestone in satellite internet coverage by August
Elon Musk says SpaceX’s satellite network Starlink is on track to beam broadband internet across the entire planet (bar the arctics) by August, with half a million users within a year.
“We’re on our way to having a few hundred thousand users, possibly over 500,000 users within 12 months,” he said. SpaceX has already launched over 1500 satellites, with Starlink operational in about a dozen countries.
There is the internal goal if things go right, which needs to be aggressive. Obviously, some things will not go right internally & there will be external issues too.
That said, I think we can stack an orbital ship on an orbital booster in July.
Musk considers Starlink to be “complementary” to existing 5G providers rather than directly competing with them.
“You can think of Starlink as filling in the gaps between 5G and fiber and really getting to the parts of the world that are the hardest to reach,” he said
SpaceX aims to offer broadband to parts of the world where conventional fibre and wireless networks can’t reach. The company plans to offer its technology to customers in rural areas, as well as governments seeking better internet connection.
Highlight's from Elon Musk's MWC keynote so far: – Starlink has 69,420+ (ha) active users. Expecting 500K+ in 12 months – Terminals cost $1K but sell for $500. Working on a cheaper "next generation" terminal – Will attempt orbital Starship launch within the next few launches
Musk said he’s signed two deals with “major country” telecom operators
While he couldn’t name the operators yet, he said he’s also in discussions with more. Starlink is currently is its beta stage of development.
While costs are high, with many individual users are paying $99 per month, or $499 for a bundle including a self-aligning Starlink dish and Wi-Fi router.
Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.
In Short:
– Apple has introduced the new iPhone Air, priced at £999, to attract customers and update its smartphone line.
– The Air features innovations like a battery accessory, while Apple faces competition in AI capabilities.
Apple has launched a new “iPhone Air” model, marking its first significant smartphone release in years.
The new device, priced at $999, aims to attract customers following difficulties in delivering AI features.
This model replaces the Plus line and initiates a refresh since the iPhone X.
The iPhone Air is designed to pave the way for a potential foldable iPhone next year, indicating Apple’s commitment to creating thinner devices. Analysts highlight challenges with foldable technology, expressing optimism about Apple’s advancements.
The iPhone 17’s base price remains at $799, with the cheapest Pro model starting at $1,099.
Tariffs will be avoided as Apple sources most iPhones from India. The company introduced a battery accessory to enhance the Air’s life, although it adds bulk.
Design Innovations
Apple has also introduced new AirPods Pro featuring a heart monitor and an Apple Watch that can detect high blood pressure.
However, the company faces criticism for lagging AI capabilities compared to competitors like Google. Investor sentiment remains positive following a strong sales quarter and positive developments regarding trade tariffs.
Futurum Group CEO Daniel Newman said that the iPhone 17 launch comes at a “really tough” moment for Apple.
“The problem with Apple is that everything that’s showing up today is, in fact, pretty incremental,” he told CNBC’s “Power Lunch.” “Yes, the phone is thinner, and yes, it looks great. We haven’t had a big supercycle in four years.”
Other devices
The new AirPods Pro 3 boast improved audio quality and noise cancellation. A new feature is real-time translation of conversations in foreign languages. They cost $249, the same as their predecessor.
Apple released three new Apple Watch models: the Series 11, which includes updates to the low-end SE and high-end Ultra models. Prices remain unchanged. Apple has added a new health feature to the devices, using machine learning to assess the risk of high blood pressure.
Apple’s iOS 26 will be available as a free software update on Monday.
AirPods Pro 3, the new Apple Watch lineup, iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, and the all-new iPhone Air—here’s everything we just announced! pic.twitter.com/EDPNjpoUW8
In Short:
– Tim Cook strengthened Apple’s U.S. investment with a $100 billion commitment despite tariff pressures.
– Analysts predict iPhone price rises due to increased component costs and enhanced features.
Apple CEO Tim Cook has successfully managed the company’s relationship with the White House amid tariffs.
Cook presented President Donald Trump with a gold plaque while announcing a $100 billion U.S. investment.
This was part of a broader commitment to spend $600 billion in the U.S. over the next five years.
Despite these efforts, analysts predict Apple may raise iPhone prices due to ongoing tariff pressures.
CounterPoint’s Jeff Fieldhack noted speculation about a potential increase. While Apple has managed the impact of tariffs better than anticipated, it has incurred costs amounting to $800 million recently.
Pricing Trends
Apple has a history of cautious pricing strategies.
While it has not raised prices significantly in recent years, component costs have increased. Analysts expect upcoming iPhones to boast enhanced features, which could justify a price rise.
Additionally, reports suggest an entry-level Pro model may be eliminated, leading consumers to face higher starting prices for new devices. Cook previously stated that there were no immediate price changes to announce.
In Short:
– U.S. Judge Mehta ruled Google can’t have exclusive search deals, allowing ongoing distribution payments.
– The decision supports collaboration with Apple and reflects changing market dynamics amid AI advancements.
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google cannot secure exclusive search engine deals, allowing distribution payments to continue.
According to The Wall Street Journal, the judge acknowledged the potential harm to partners like Apple if such agreements were prohibited.The ruling follows Mehta’s previous finding that Google maintained a 90% search market share through illegal practices.
Mehta explained the changing market dynamics, particularly due to AI technology, arguing against drastic interventions that could disrupt competition.
The decision is viewed positively by Wall Street analysts, as it allows Google to continue its $20 billion annual payment to Apple for being the default search provider.
This arrangement could further foster collaboration on AI services.
Future Innovations
The ruling impacts Google’s ability to create exclusive agreements and requires data-sharing to boost competition.
Critics argue the remedies are insufficient, with calls for an appeal regarding Mehta’s perceived leniency toward Google.
In related news, Google stated the judgement reflects industry changes, affirming that competition remains robust. The Justice Department plans to review the ruling’s implications for restoring competition in the search market.