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> Depending on how well they can productize long-term (miniature receivers embedded in laptops, tablets etc.) Does SpaceX even have to do that? Can't they jus
by joshmarlow 9y ago
> Depending on how well they can productize long-term (miniature receivers embedded in laptops, tablets etc.)
Does SpaceX even have to do that? Can't they just open source all the designs and let anyone with an account use their network? Leave the construction, sale and support for receivers up 3rd parties.
- shanghaiaway 9y agoWhy do you think they would do this?
- bluGill 9y agoBecause they need the manufactures to put the radio in everything. If the radio is cheap enough everybody will have it by default so it is a no brainer for a large number of people to subscribe and use it. If the it isn't installed by default everywhere that shuts out a lot of potential market.
- jrowley 9y agoOn the other hand, if SpaceX's product is vastly superior, they could capture market share considerably, then at a later time open source to get the rest.
- joshmarlow 9y agoIf their business model is built around revenue from the network service itself, the more customers/devices connected the better - by opening up specs and patents, it opens up other companies to build those devices. Better to sell gasoline than to build gasoline engines :)