privately owned space companies that have plans sending people to Mars

[QuantumG]

I think the statements by Elon Musk were quite clear.

I do too.. which is why I'm asking how you came to your strange conclusion that somehow 5 years from now SpaceX is going to be rolling in money when they've only just got their network going.

And how is a satellite network that even when in its infancy with 400 or 800 satellites is already larger than any other planned network barely functional?

That's what he said. Can you read?

But I think its best we agree to disagree.

I think it would be best if you just admit you were wrong.

[JasonAW3]

I think the statements by Elon Musk were quite clear.

I do too.. which is why I'm asking how you came to your strange conclusion that somehow 5 years from now SpaceX is going to be rolling in money when they've only just got their network going.

And how is a satellite network that even when in its infancy with 400 or 800 satellites is already larger than any other planned network barely functional?

That's what he said. Can you read?

But I think its best we agree to disagree.

I think it would be best if you just admit you were wrong.

You're pretty much dead on about your initial statement, a 400 to 800 sat network is going to require a HUGE outlay of cash, however, as the system becomes more and more co,plete, and more and more users come online with it, the costs should start recooping themselves fairly quickly, as major corporate investments go. 

     Mind you, this is assuming the use of more advanced telecommunication devices that can take full advantage of a nearly unlimited broadband capibility, be it Phones, streaming video, computer access, etc. One could expect an ROI within ten to fifteen years or less, depending on how quickly products using the new system can be rolled out, and what pricing structure is established for access to this network.

     As to the network being in it's infancy, that, to an extent, is also true.  While computer simulations can give initial estimates as to how well this network will work, it's really no substitute for actual hardware in place.  As I understand it, the initial hardware, while advanced as it may be, will be only Phase 1 equipment, which, as technologies advance, will be replaced by Phase 2 and Phase 3 equipment, which will be upgrades that will be established on the sats as technology improves and more is learned about the implementation of this network. 

     This too will require substantile funding, but as this will improve coverage, reliability and bandwidth, my initial estimate styill stands, so long as the combined final consumer costs are, on an individual basis, less than or equal to most people's current cell phone bills.  Again, we are talking about a system that could compete favorably with current broadband carriers, phone companies, cable TV and Satillite TV companies, with a fairly low outlay of money on an individual basis.

[guckyfan]

I think the statements by Elon Musk were quite clear.

I do too.. which is why I'm asking how you came to your strange conclusion that somehow 5 years from now SpaceX is going to be rolling in money when they've only just got their network going.

Of course the money will be rolling in as soon as they have their initial network running. They won't recoup their investment by that time. But the discussion was never about when they recoup the investment.

[Lar]

SpaceX satellite network discussion has other threads already. And is off topic for this one. Which seems fairly limited in scope anyway.