This is likely another layer of security that they didn't break through:
To prevent chat apps from consuming lots of bandwidth typically your connection is severely bandwidth restricted until you pay. If they didn't then someone could simply stream movies from their chat apps.
I don't think so, compared to transcontinental, which lately (before Starlink) has been using the cell towers on the ground + satellite backhaul -- even paying would probably still result in a garbage experience.
To prevent chat apps from consuming lots of bandwidth typically your connection is severely bandwidth restricted until you pay. If they didn't then someone could simply stream movies from their chat apps.