Global Scans · Internet Communication · Weekly Summary

• [New] The sprawling SpaceX business will be split into three parts: the rocket-launching unit; the Starlink satellite broadband arm; and the AI company that includes X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. The Guardian
• [New] The rapid commercialization of 5G networks, with global 5G subscriptions expected to exceed five billion by 2030, is enabling real-time on-device AI processing at scale. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Using 5G more widely could add $9.3 billion to the Thai economy-about 10% of its GDP - by 2035. Roza.Pace@trade.gov
• [New] Juniper expects 6G to bring about a convergence of terrestrial and satellite communications networks, building on the progress already made with 5G. theregister
• [New] Some analysts are downright bullish about Starlink's prospects, predicting that SpaceX's broadband satellite service could flirt with 100 million subscribers by 2034 as it bulks up on capacity. Light Reading
• [New] Starlink could hit 100 million customers by 2034 as it continues to beef up capacity, New Street Research estimates in a report on SpaceX's broadband business. Light Reading
• [New] Satellite broadband is projected to account for 31.8% share in 2026 due to established procurement patterns and growing demand for high-capacity aviation data transmission. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] American Airlines announced today that it has tapped Starlink's satellite internet service to power inflight Wi-Fi starting in Q1 2027. 9to5Mac
• [New] Amazon will provide satellite-based Wi-Fi on flights in the future. 9to5Mac
• [New] In the year 2026, the number of 5G base stations in the world will exceed 3 million. Custom Market Insights
• [New] The Federal Communications Commission voted on Thursday to modernize its satellite spectrum-sharing rules, which could increase capacity for space-based broadband services by up to sevenfold. Gizmodo
• [New] Delta has contracted Leo for in-flight Wi-Fi across 500 aircraft starting in 2028, with free access available to SkyMiles members. The Next Web
• Even 5G - despite having reached half of the world's population in under five years - will eventually slow, as the gaps that remain become harder to close. World Intellectual Property Report 2026
• Rapid global urbanization, with 68% of the world's population projected to live in urban areas by 2050 (UN DESA), combined with 5G IoT deployment, AI-driven urban analytics, and government-mandated digital infrastructure investment programs are primary growth factors. Persistence Market Research
• Secure, carrier-grade 4G/5G connectivity on-board container vessels, delivering agentic AI-ready data, will improve cargo visibility and increase operational efficiency across the maritime industry, regardless of location on the world's oceans. Cision PR Newswire
• 5G communications technologies will transform entire industries around the world and are already a core element of the mobile communications and automotive ecosystems. Cambridge Core
• IoT connectivity in late 2026 will be more use-case specific, with BLE, Wi-Fi HaLow, Thread, LTE-M, and NB-IoT each finding different lanes. Titoma
• A further €35 billion is required to extend 5G coverage to the entire European population, while €38 billion will build greater network resilience and €28 billion will underpin AI-based services and innovation. GSMA Europe
• By 2027, 5G will overtake 4G as a dominant technology worldwide, but only after 9 years since its commercial debut. Global Business Outlook
• Expanding Low Earth Orbit satellite broadband could help narrow global connectivity gaps and generate substantial economic benefits by extending high-quality internet access to unserved and underserved communities. Oxford Economics
• Oxford Economics today released a report finding that expanded low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite broadband services could add between $32 billion and $863 billion to global GDP by 2035 and support between 800,000 and 21 million jobs worldwide by 2035. US Press Center
• LEO satellite broadband has the potential to become an important complement to terrestrial networks by extending internet access to communities that have long been underserved by traditional infrastructure. US Press Center

Last updated: 07 June 2026