That these initial satellite internet providers, provide service to both our DOD and the civilian market, is proof the market is there.
And thanks to our free market environment and competition, which drive costs lower and customer satisfaction higher, SpaceX is poised to take the market and broadband access for all, to another level.
You dodged my point. That DOD keeps many businesses employed for national security needs is completely independent of the internet business case. DOD can and does contract bandwidth from low cost providers when it needs it. But floating a “commercial” company with taxpayer dollars is not the same. Show me the national security NEED for a space based internet provider beyond what military comms we already operate, then you can justify a business plan that depends on DOD. I am doubting the national security need for space based internet, and I am doubting the cost efficiency of space based internet for commercial needs. I cite iridium and globalstar and others example cases. If you want a business case that works you have to look at geo providers. Your argument is entirely speculative.
And it bothers me that you are so cavalier about spending tax payer dollars on so called commercial enterprises. Do you drive a Tesla?