To me they are similar but not the same at all. My Inreach can sit in my pocket and always be with me in an emergency. My Starlink is great for many things but is not for emergencies. If I fall and break my leg or back out hunting/fishing/camping/etc I’m not going to be breaking out a Starlink dish and power supply.
Do you have a cell phone? Because DTC is going to change everything. And is no different that having an inreach in your pocket. Mine is a garmin montana 700i
While I dont really disagree, the issue is all these legacy systems are going to be replaced with starlink DTC/iphone DTC. People are simply not going to spend $400+ for hardware that does one thing, plus another monthly subscription. For something that the $1500 cell phone they already bought can do, plus all the things it can do that the legacy ones cant. The biggest one being phone calling and depending on how good it is maybe video calling. Which will be a game changer for remote treatment prior to rescue.
All of which will drive the monthly cost of legacy systems up and up until they are simply shut down due to people not subscribing.
That also does not include that iphone, gamin and all the other legacy systems don't own or operate the satellites they use and are beholden to those that do (unless you go the sat phone route). Who are all being over shadowed by starlink.
While all this probably wont happen super fast, it will and is happening. You already can't go any where that you can drive too without seeing starlink. You cant say the same for inreach etc.
It also plays into human nature as well. What ever system you choose, is only helpful, if you bring it / have it with you and have the subscription active. No one forgets to pay their cell bill, or forgets their phone any more.
Shawn