AT&T and Verizon's Mischievous Coup to Topple Elon's Cellular Network Dreams...

Well in other news that doesn’t surprise me at all, AT&T and Verizon hate Elon so much, they would probably spit on his grave if given the chance. 

(Source: Giphy) 

You see, according to reports on this fine Sunday, while these two telecom giants are riding shotgun with Wall Street Bets on the AST SpaceMobile parade, they’ve officially taken it upon themselves to get daddy FCC (Federal Communications Commision) to do their dirty bidding for them - as they’re now urging the agency to reject a crucial waiver that would restrict SpaceX to operate it’s satellites (Starlink) beyond established radio frequency parameters. 

(Source: PC Mag) 

Translation: Elon is on the cuffs of bringing cell service to areas where wireless communications are about as rare as a friggin unicorn (*cough* cough* like Montana). 

However, even though this may seem like a low blow way to keep competition from becoming more of a threat than it already is (Because, you know, it’s Elon of course), AT&T’s tech wizards claim a potential 18% drop in network speed if SpaceX gets its way. 

(Source: Microsoft News) 

Probably legit, buuut, definitely sounds like a random stat to keep SpaceX from stealing customers, amirite? 

(Source: Giphy) 

But again, with that said, it’s not just AT&T throwing a hissy fit over this. Verizon isn’t missing out either as they’ve claimed that Elon’s plans will wreck the FCC’s mission to protect existing networks - all while Verizon is currently looking to do the same thing as Elon with their partnership in AST SpaceMobile. Meaning this is probably one of the best “pot calling the kettle black” scenarios I’ve seen in a while. 

(Source: The Verge) 

Interestingly enough, with Elon and SpaceX on the other side of this fiasco, they are surprisingly playing it cool (so far anyway). The response has clearly stated that the Starlink satellites won’t cause any reduction in speed and will only boost coverage, especially for first responders. Additionally, in good persuasive language, SpaceX argues that putting limits on their satellites will only hurt consumers going forward. 

Yet, when it comes to money, greed, and dominance, AT&T and Verizon aren’t buying the robinhood mantra SpaceX is bringing to the table. 

(Source: Giphy) 

But again, this legit comes at the same time AT&T and Verizon’s thoroughbred AST SpaceMobile, is not only set to launch its new “Bluebird” satellites by December, but the stock itself exploded north of 48% over the past five days. 

(Source: Market Watch) 

So clearly, AST Spacemobile and its major partnerships are already setting up to give Elon and SpaceX/Starlink a run for their money. Which is why, this new movement to block SpaceX satellites is a bit “sus” as it basically hints a touch of low confidence that $ASTS can actually pull things off. See: Plan B initiated. 

(Source: Giphy) 

Now of course, I know it may seem like I’m throwing shade at AT&T and Verizon's new move to mitigate SpaceX, but let me be clear, I’m not the only one thinking that. I mean sure, interference worries are valid, but the whiff of big companies trying to kneecap competition is real AF with this one. 

Which is why Bill Ray (not Cyrus) from Garnter has stated: “Legitimate concerns exist, but we’re seeing a lot of regulatory maneuvering to block rivals.” In other words: These tech giants are trying to keep Elon from breaking their achy breaky hearts from lost market share. 

(Source: Allsides) 

However, as of now, the FCC hasn’t responded to the AT&T and Verizon’s “Luca Brasi” call - yet, it’s obvious that their decision will not only impact SpaceX’s future plans, but it’ll simply reshape the whole satellite-to-cellular scene in the process (possibly hindering AST SpaceMobile as it continues to innovate and expand). 

(Source: Giphy) 

So in the end, while the FCC mulls its decision over, especially after giving AST SpaceMobile the honorary thumbs up to launch the “BlueBirds” - all eyes are on what will come next. Only time will tell of course, but regardless of what happens - as we’ve seen in recent events, Elon doesn’t F’ around, especially when it comes to his businesses. (Sorry, Global Alliance for Responsible Media). 

(Source: Giphy) 

And while I’m not saying Elon will put $ASTS, Verizon, or AT&T out of business, the guy definitely has tricks up his sleeve, and even if the FCC throws the hammer down - no one is safe when it comes to Musk’s next moves. 

In the meantime though, as Elon oils up to slip out of this situation, I hope everyone has a wonderful and relaxing Saturday. Stay safe and stay frosty friends…  

(Source: Giphy)

Stocks.News holds positions in Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile as mentioned in the article.