Abstract: This week, Starlink finished launching its first commercial constellation of direct-to-cell (DTC) satellites. Concerns about the long-term viability of LEO satellite have been an obstacle to using LEO satellite for universal regional and remote communications. However, financial analysis suggests that Starlink is already cashflow positive. 

This achievement opens the way to integrating satellite-based services into the policy framework, but the next step is to address the reliability of global satellite partners. This means ensuring that they take the related obligations seriously, and are prepared to be bound by localised regulation and requirements.