Starlink’s growing influence has one big point of failure

The latest decision by Starlink to restrict critical access for the Ukrainian military highlights the danger of relying on superfast, satellite-based internet that’s controlled by a single entity.

The entity in question is Elon Musk, whose satellite-delivered internet business has mostly been a hit with the public, many of whom may now have to rethink their position.

Musk claims he had nothing to do with hobbling the speeds on Starlink, instead saying that any interference most likely came at the behest of the US military and its commander-in-chief, Donald Trump.

But Musk’s SpaceX, which owns and operates Starlink, already has a track record of leaving the Ukrainians in the lurch, by denying them access to the service in 2023. And the lesson for the broader society – from airlines to rural and regional users – is clear. Maybe putting all your broadband needs in the hands of Starlink isn’t such a good idea.

The aviation industry is grappling with that very issue in earnest. Many carriers have rushed to adopt Starlink for high-speed in-flight broadband – including all major US carriers, save one: Delta Air Lines. And Delta’s decision to say no to Starlink and Musk is revealing.

Delta prefers to manage its own customer relationships directly rather than outsource them to the whims of a mercurial mogul.

And the airline’s caution points to a larger question that extends far beyond commercial aviation: how does society cope when immense technological power is concentrated in so few hands?

What makes things truly worrying is that an early mover on breakthrough technology (think: Google with search, Microsoft with Windows and Uber with ridesharing) becoming a monopoly provider of the service is almost an article of faith in Silicon Valley.

The aviation industry’s blossoming relationship with Starlink is a test case. The experience of Starlink on planes is transformative: people can stream sports live, play video games, conduct Teams meetings, or as I recently did, spend time working on the plane.

So the service is great, but monopoly has its downsides – for the users – and privileges – for the owner. In July, Starlink doubled its prices across the board for aviation customers – both service and hardware.

SpaceX, meanwhile, has also been approved by US regulators to deploy satellites to support a direct satellite-to-mobile phone service. So Starlink could soon be competing with mobile phone providers.

And what will price negotiations look like for airlines, businesses, and consumers using Starlink when the provider has the option of simply flipping off the switch as a bargaining tactic.

Once a business or consumer becomes reliant on the product, what option do they have but to pay?

The monopoly power also extends into the political sphere.

Beyond the military context, Musk’s companies have repeatedly defied government authority when it suits his interests – clashing with the Federal Aviation Administration over launches – or, in cases like the DOGE smash-and-grab (and-audit-and-streamline) of US public data, stepped in to reshape government from within.

More recently, Musk’s massive spending during US Midterm elections reflects a growing leverage over democratic processes.

Musk’s actions point to a broader shift: the growing tension between Silicon Valley’s libertarian figureheads and the strategic agreements they strike with sovereign governments.

Who exactly benefits? By accepting the digital convenience, what are we giving up?

In the 20th century, public attitudes toward technology were mixed. Despite destructive inventions like the atomic bomb, technological advancements raised the general standard of living (think: washing machines, vacuum cleaners, jet travel), reinforcing the belief that technology equalled progress.

By contrast, 21st-century monopolies demonstrate how critical infrastructure can operate counter to the public good. Access can be granted or revoked arbitrarily by a single point.

This is technology divorced from social progress.

For all the personal convenience, in the broader picture it’s actually a little bit more like, well…high-tech tyranny. Just ask the Ukrainians.

The only question is now whether Starlink itself suffers brand damage? And how much it is willing to bear. Maybe, something to consider the next time you connect to in-flight Wi-Fi on your next flight.

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