In recent days, discussions about satellite internet service Starlink have gained attention on X, particularly among entrepreneurs, technology workers, and digital creators who say reliable internet access is becoming a deciding factor in travel and business operations.
On Thursday, May 13, a post on X referenced comments by MrBeast (whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson). According to the widely shared post, the American YouTuber said he now prefers flights equipped with Starlink internet service.
“I will only book flights exclusively on planes with Starlink,” the post quoted him as saying. “I don’t care if it means an extra layover.”
The post, shared by the account “X Freeze,” had recorded more than 28 million views by Wednesday night.
Acquisition.com Co-founder Leila Hormozi also agreed, writing “100,000%.”
Donaldson reportedly described Starlink as essential to his international projects, including filming in Antarctica and supporting water projects in rural parts of Africa where conventional internet coverage is limited.
“Starlink is literally magic. It makes no sense,” he said in the quoted remarks.
Starlink is operated by SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The system uses thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide broadband internet access in regions where fiber or mobile networks are weak or unavailable.
Supporters of the technology say it is improving internet access in remote communities, on aircraft, on ships, and in disaster zones. Several users on X argued that the service could contribute to economic growth by expanding access to education, online business, and digital communication.
One X user, identified as “DeepBlueCrypto,” reposted earlier remarks attributed to Musk about internet access and economic development.
“If you don’t have access to the internet, or it’s too expensive or low bandwidth, you cannot access MIT lessons, you can’t access information, and you can’t sell your goods and services,” the post quoted Musk as saying.
Other users raised concerns about the growing influence of a privately controlled communications network. An X user identified as Benjamin Uzoma wrote: “One man controls too much of it.”
The user added that Musk had previously shown he could limit access in conflict areas based on company decisions, arguing that such power could become politically sensitive.
In Nigeria and other African countries, interest in Starlink has grown among technology entrepreneurs, remote workers, and small business owners seeking alternatives to unstable broadband and mobile internet services.
Meanwhile, Musk has also drawn attention in recent days for appearances at high-level business meetings linked to a United States delegation visiting China. Viral videos and photographs circulating online showed Musk attending events alongside executives from companies including Apple and NVIDIA.
As he left the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on May 14, Musk described the talks as:
“Wonderful.”
When reporters asked what had been achieved, he added:
“Many good things.”
His son, X Æ A-12, commonly called X, was also seen accompanying him at times during the visit, attracting attention on social media.
He also tweeted that his son was learning Mandarin.
