It was also a great move because they could take more risks launching their own Starlink satellites and prove out the reliability of the Falcon 9 to others. They also are very had to compete with when they build, launch, and deploy the system all in house.
Was thinking this too. It reminds me of how TSMC's fab has a lot more volume than Intel's, because TSMC has outside customers and high-volume is what is needed to perfect a chip fabrication process (getting many more chances to fix any problems, and once you finally do, have the volume necessary to make it profitable). What a great idea it was:)
