Ukrainian drones lose some speed after SpaceX imposes sudden…

What BBN said about it

1. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorUkrainian drones are flying slower this afternoon after SpaceX put sudden limits on how its Starlink service can be used.

2. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOrrin Tabachnik runs a feed store in Iowa and relies on Starlink himself.

3. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOrrin, one company's settings can slow down a war. What goes through your mind when you hear that?

4. OT

   Orrin TabachnikMa'am, that is my whole Tuesday. Mine buffers when it clouds up, and nobody has ever sent me a letter about it.

5. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo you see a pattern, where a very powerful signal is controlled by a very private company.

6. OT

   Orrin TabachnikSure do. The terms say they can change things anytime. I have not read the terms, but I hear they say that.

7. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorYou haven't read them?

8. OT

   Orrin TabachnikNobody has, Vera. I tap this receipt pad whenever somebody says fine print, and it is worn flat.

9. 

   Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorBut there is a serious point here. A drone pilot's connection now depends on a company's mood, and that should worry everybody.

10. OT

    Orrin TabachnikThen somebody ought to restart the router. That fixes mine nine times out of ten, and the tenth time I yell at it.

11. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorAnd if the whole war is buffering, who gets the call, you or the company?

12. OT

    Orrin TabachnikWell, allegedly three neighbors of mine share my plan, so I'd be the one to call. The terms say that's fine. Probably.

13. 

    Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorOrrin, I think you may have just discovered why a feed store owner knows more about corporate power than most regulators, and also a very awkward letter from legal.

14. OT

    Orrin TabachnikMa'am, the terms say whatever they say, and I can promise you not one soul on earth has read them.