2 other strategies currently being attempted: Pepper a bunch of pizza-box sized satellites out there (similar strategy as popping them on SpaceX satellites) and go for a giant mesh: https://lynk.world/how-lynk-proved-direct-two-way-satellite-...

Put gigantic satellites that unfold using the tech from snap-bracelets and compensate for distance with a gigantic antenna: https://ast-science.com/spacemobile-network/bluewalker-3/

With how many cell-phone providers and towers out there, I have no doubts they'll all be up to their eyeballs in work on this. Also, SpaceX just lost funding and might be trying to pick up some of the rural broadband funds Lynk and ASTS are going for: https://www.pcmag.com/news/spacex-loses-appeal-to-receive-88...