SpaceX demands $500 million upfront from Pentagon for Iran Direct-to-Cell service (gagadget.com)

• SpaceX demands $500M upfront + $100M monthly for Direct-to-Cell in Iran
• Starlink terminal price for LUCAS drones rose from $5K to $25K per month
• Pentagon accepted due to lack of alternatives
• SpaceX IPO valuation targeted at ~$1.75 trillion

"SpaceX proposed a $500 million upfront fee plus $100 million monthly to beam internet directly to Iranian smartphones via Direct-to-Cell satellites. Separately, the Pentagon agreed to a fivefold price increase for Starlink terminals used on LUCAS drones, from $5,000 to $25,000 per month, due to lack of alternatives. The dispute highlights U.S. military dependence on Starlink, which controls 60% of active satellites. SpaceX is approaching an IPO valued around $1.75 trillion."