Analysts: Starlink threatens telecoms indirectly, not by replacing networks

Strand Consult and Dell'Oro examined SpaceX's hybrid strategy: satellites won't replace terrestrial networks, but could erode operator revenue in profitable segments. Strand estimates next-gen satellite capacity in rural areas is 10–55 times lower than terrestrial, while Dell'Oro expects terrestrial RAN to carry 98% of traffic by 2030.

• Strand: satellite capacity in rural areas is 10–55 times lower than terrestrial
• Dell'Oro: terrestrial RAN will carry 98% of traffic by 2030
• SpaceX holds up to 14 MHz of 800 MHz spectrum and plans small cells
• Main risk to operators is pricing and capex pressure, not traffic share