T · News · 20260915N

Direct-to-Device Satellite Venture

AT&T INC. · 2026-09-15 · Importance 7 · Surprise 6

AT&T CEO John Stankey said SpaceX’s Starlink service is less effective when buildings obstruct satellite signals. The comments indicate AT&T views Starlink as having a competitive disadvantage in built environments, where AT&T’s terrestrial wireless and fiber networks operate. Starlink remains a small fraction of AT&T’s scale, limiting its near-term competitive impact.

Key facts

• AT&T CEO John Stankey says Starlink doesn't do so well when buildings get in its way. source