Satellite internet is gaining popularity as a means of providing internet connectivity in remote places. While some portions of the world continue to lack internet access, low-earth orbit satellites (LEOs) are projected to link the disconnected and bridge the digital gap.
For a smooth user experience, modern digital apps need fast broadband and a latency of around 65 milliseconds. Rural businesses definitely lag behind their metropolitan counterparts in terms of fiber-optic connections in today’s fast-moving networked environment. Fortunately, satellite-based internet will get a major upgrade in 2023.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the satellite internet’s future, particularly its future plans. However, you must first be aware of the challenges that satellite internet faces. Let’s dive in!
Challenges of Satellite Internet
The economy, our way of working, and how we relate to one another globally have all been impacted by the growth of globalization and digitization. There is no doubt that this has had an impact on satellite services as well. The way we connect has revealed new challenges for satellite service providers to meet the demands and expectations of clients around the world. The challenges with satellite internet are as follows:
- Space Trash Will Get Worse As More Satellites Are Launched.
The problem of space trash is becoming more and more severe in this crowded area of space, and it has been feared that adding many more satellites will only worsen the issue. These satellites run the risk of colliding with one another or with any of the tens of thousands of bits of orbital trash around the planet.
- Politics and Regulatory Requirements Are Uncertain.
Regulatory regulations may present additional difficulties for companies in this sector. Among the potential barriers that could come under regulatory scrutiny in the years to come are issues with space debris, the reflection of brilliant light, and the restriction or obstruction of launches of other space-bound vehicles or shuttles.
- Satellite Deployment and Maintenance Involve a High Level of Risk.
LEO satellites usually only have a 5-7 year operational life. They are at risk of losing their license if any launches fail to fulfill mandatory requirements, which not only results in potentially expensive expenses for routine launches and maintenance.
The Comeback of Satellites
Space-based satellites have been the pillar of satellite internet for the past few decades. It’s good to learn that older satellite-based internet service providers are also undergoing change. To keep up with the most recent technological developments and provide clients with fast satellite internet speeds, satellite internet providers unveiled their future plans.
- Viasat’s Satellite Expansion
Viasat is an almost four-decade-old geostationary satellite network. Don Buchman, a Viasat official, announced that the business intends to introduce a new, next-generation satellite in the first half of this year and that yet another two will operate in the next 12 months. Each new satellite may carry at least a terabyte of data per second, and the expansion is expected to expand the company’s capacity by 600%.
- Globalstar’s New Satellite Service for iPhone 14 Models
Globalstar is a Low-Earth orbiting satellite network established in 1991. Apple collaborated with Globalstar to launch a new satellite service in order to provide emergency services since other cellular networks aren’t available on iPhone 14 models.
- Iridium’s Satellite-Based Connectivity for Android Phones
A deal between Qualcomm and Iridium will enable satellite-based connectivity for the upcoming generation of premium Android devices. This offers the chance to extend two-way satellite emergency messaging beyond smartphones to other devices that require the ability to send international messages.
The Emergence of New Satellite Internet Providers
Space internet will become more prevalent in our daily lives this year due to the anticipated boom in new satellites. In the new space competition, it is difficult to distinguish which corporations perform which tasks. Some companies want to offer internet access, while others want to launch satellites, build satellites, or do a combination of all of those things. Here is a list of the newest satellite internet service providers:
- SpaceX Starlink
Starlink and Starship are two significant initiatives being worked on by SpaceX, the rocket firm founded by Elon Musk. The project for its satellite constellation is called Starlink — a project called Starship aims to reach Mars.
Two satellites were successfully launched into low-earth orbit by SpaceX in February 2018. The company had 21 successful launches in 2018 and aimed to surpass that number in the following years.
- Amazon’s Project Kuiper
Amazon’s LEO satellite internet provider is called Project Kuiper. Although the service isn’t yet operational, it intends to do so over the next six years after developing a complete satellite constellation. One of its goals is to provide internet connection in remote locations.
- OneWeb
OneWeb is a joint effort to deliver internet access across the globe. HughesNet Internet, Virgin, Qualcomm, Airbus, and other companies are among its partners. OneWeb produces its own satellites and intends to launch 900 LEO spacecraft.
Final Thoughts
Internet connectivity in faraway locations is made possible through satellite, which presents exciting new options. With the growing economic impact of digital technology, inclusive development may be secured while also bridging the digital divide. The use of space internet services is restricted by several issues. But these problems can be solved due to the advancement of technology. Many industry professionals believe satellite internet is the way of the future.
