November 3, 2023 Zimmerman/Batchelor podcast
Readers!
My annual February birthday fund-raising drive for Behind the Black is now over. Thank you to everyone who donated or subscribed. While not a record-setter, the donations were more than sufficient and slightly above average.
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For those readers who like my work here at Behind the Black and haven't contributed so far, please consider donating or subscribing. My analysis of space, politics, and culture, taken from the perspective of an historian, is almost always on the money and ahead of the game. For example, in 2020 I correctly predicted that the COVID panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Every one of those 2020 conclusions has turned out right.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
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Readers!
My annual February birthday fund-raising drive for Behind the Black is now over. Thank you to everyone who donated or subscribed. While not a record-setter, the donations were more than sufficient and slightly above average.
As I have said many times before, I can’t express what it means to me to get such support, especially as no one is required to pay anything to read my work. Thank you all again!
For those readers who like my work here at Behind the Black and haven't contributed so far, please consider donating or subscribing. My analysis of space, politics, and culture, taken from the perspective of an historian, is almost always on the money and ahead of the game. For example, in 2020 I correctly predicted that the COVID panic was unnecessary, that the virus was apparently simply a variation of the flu, that masks were not simply pointless but if worn incorrectly were a health threat, that the lockdowns were a disaster and did nothing to stop the spread of COVID. Every one of those 2020 conclusions has turned out right.
Your help allows me to do this kind of intelligent analysis. I take no advertising or sponsors, so my reporting isn't influenced by donations by established space or drug companies. Instead, I rely entirely on donations and subscriptions from my readers, which gives me the freedom to write what I think, unencumbered by outside influences.
You can support me either by giving a one-time contribution or a regular subscription. There are four ways of doing so:
1. Zelle: This is the only internet method that charges no fees. All you have to do is use the Zelle link at your internet bank and give my name and email address (zimmerman at nasw dot org). What you donate is what I get.
2. Patreon: Go to my website there and pick one of five monthly subscription amounts, or by making a one-time donation.
3. A Paypal Donation or subscription:
4. Donate by check, payable to Robert Zimmerman and mailed to
Behind The Black
c/o Robert Zimmerman
P.O.Box 1262
Cortaro, AZ 85652
You can also support me by buying one of my books, as noted in the boxes interspersed throughout the webpage or shown in the menu above.
Starlink achieved breakeven cash flow.
I am seeing lots of discounts on Starlink equipment. Is that a sign of reaching breakeven cash flow or a concern? I was thinking that it might be a concern if Starlink was reducing costs because demand has been slowing.
I think they are making enough of them now that the cost is cheaper. I know there are a few guys on here who have it like I. I have the second run of the antennas- “Dishy”, and there is a newer antenna for homes, one for RVs, and one for boats.
Also, another factor is there is no more wait list with Starlink in the USA. That was announced last month.
Last year I did see a bootleg copy that was made in China. I wonder when we will start to see them on Amazon and Ebay.
Kevin-
see Jay’s comment.
electronics become substantially less expensive at volume, and early adopters always pay premium prices. (and generally become loyal customers)
Jay–
good stuff.
Question- any government taxes added onto your Starlink bill?
Wayne,
SHHH! Don’t say that too loud. Your just giving the government ideas. Bezos will probably lobby congress for a tax on Starlink because he is feeling a little “Blue”.
Joking aside-
I do pay the flat price like everyone else, but the terms and agreement say that they can charge taxes state, local, and otherwise. I do not see a break down in the bill with FCC fees, but I am willing to bet there is one or more. Just like the days of old with phone lines, half of my bill was FCC taxes (aka microwave tower link taxes).
I live in Canada. I purchased a disk at full price ($650 CDN) and there was a 3 month wait list but that was in April 2022. I paid provincial and federal sales tax on my monthly subscription.
I have seen sales as low as $99 for service addresses in “rural” Canada, but that expired a few months ago. Right now the price is $499 CDN.
I sold my property with the Starlink this spring and will need a new Starlink in 2024 when I move into a new home.
Does anyone know how long you have to activate service after purchasing the dish? I will keep watching for sales between now and when I need it next year
Jay–
Thanks.
(I still have a land-line phone, various Fed & State taxes amount to 28% of the total bill.)