Why Elon Musk is really building Starlink

Lots of accurate info here, but would have been much more relevant to focus not on the global Internet connections (undersea cables), but rather the "last-mile" service provided to end users, something barely mentioned at all in this video. Starlink is primarily focuses on the latter, and indeed will still rely heavily on existing trunk-line connections (including transoceanic) to deliver Internet service.

As far as the downside of astronomical interference goes, yes...that's a concern. But as a person who finally just this week has gotten my Starlink service hooked up, after suffering for years with the slow and unreliable cellular-based wireless Internet that is otherwise the only available service where I am, I'll say that if there are people who want fewer satellites in the air, they need to work **hard** to change the way Internet service is deployed so that there are reasonable terrestrial options over 100% coverage.

Having an Internet connection is just far too important these days; as long as society doesn't make sure everyone's properly served without the use of satellites, there's going to be a market for satellite-based service and no legitimate argument to prevent it. Starlink is doing what they can to minimize the problem, and if that's not good enough for astronomers, they need to make their case as to why ground-based service needs to be expanded on the tax-payer's dime to cover everyone so that satellite service isn't needed. If they can't do that, then as frustrating as the occasional streak in their photos might be, the evidence will clearly indicate that their priorities aren't as important as providing each human with equitable access to the Internet.