On Friday, November 6, 2026, Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, posted on X about the future capabilities of Starlink. Musk stated that a vast constellation of satellites, equipped with advanced laser technology, could outperform existing global data infrastructure. He wrote, "~100 lasers per satellite, each operating above 10 Tb/s, with over 100k satellites should be able to outcompete undersea cables. Speed of light in space is ~40% faster than cable and the path is direct, instead of following the outline of land masses."
Musk’s comments highlight the ongoing race for faster, more efficient data transmission, a critical component for the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence sector. Recent Gokhshtein Media coverage has focused on the increasing demand for high-performance computing, with reports on CoreWeave's bond yield indicating margin pressures for Nvidia and TSMC exploring 3D DRAM to meet memory supply needs. The push for improved data infrastructure underpins the growth seen in sectors like AI and high-speed computing.
Musk's statement implies a significant technological leap for Starlink, positioning it as a direct competitor to established fiber optic networks that form the backbone of global internet. His view suggests that the speed of light advantage in space, coupled with a more direct transmission path, could offer superior performance. This could lead to a re-evaluation of long-term investments in traditional undersea cable infrastructure, potentially shifting capital towards satellite-based alternatives.
