Satellite Internet is a potential solution to bridge the digital divide.

As the world moves into the digital age, studies show that around 65% of the global population has access to the internet through land-based fibre optic cables, undersea cables or mobile broadband connections. However, the challenge of reaching remote areas remains, leaving more than three billion people without internet access. Satellite internet has emerged as a potential solution to bridge the digital gap and connect those who have never had access to the internet.

The development of satellite technology

The development of satellite technology has revolutionized the way many industries are trying to improve connectivity. Satellites have played a vital role in redefining the way we communicate and overcoming connectivity challenges, especially in remote areas around the world.

In 1957, the launch of the Sputnik-1 artificial satellite developed by the Soviet Union is considered the beginning of the history of satellite technology. This was the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, opening the so-called “space race” between the world’s industrial leaders. It was the success of Sputnik-1 that laid the foundation for a new era of communication and connectivity.

After Sputnik-1, the development of communications satellites became an important application. In 1962, the American Telstar-1 became the world's first operational communications satellite, enabling live television transmission across the Atlantic for the first time. By demonstrating the ability of satellite technology to overcome geographical barriers and connect people around the world, this achievement successfully confirmed its promise.

Developing global communication network

Satellite internet is a method of accessing the internet via satellites orbiting the Earth. While underground and land cables are still the traditional options, satellite internet opens up a new direction, using radio waves instead of cables to connect to remote areas, at sea, on oil rigs, or remote islands. This flexibility makes satellite internet an essential solution in places where traditional infrastructure is weak.

The development of satellite technology has enabled a global communications network that transmits data in real time, broadcasts television, and connects people to the internet. One of the key components of this network is the geostationary satellite, which remains in a fixed position in Earth orbit.

In addition to geostationary satellites, there is also a type of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite that offers the advantage of low latency and faster data transmission speeds. Companies such as SpaceX of the US and OneWeb of the UK are deploying LEO satellites with the goal of bringing high-speed internet to every corner of the world, demonstrating the role of satellite technology in bridging the digital divide.

Accordingly, SpaceX's Starlink low-orbit satellite constellation has now deployed more than 4,500 satellites in Earth orbit. By the end of 2023, Starlink will have more than 2 million active customers and is present in all continents and more than 60 countries around the world.

Starlink is expected to continue expanding its coverage in the coming years. SpaceX plans to deploy 4,500 more Starlink satellites by 2024. This will give Starlink coverage across the globe, including remote and isolated areas.

Starlink has received significant interest from governments and businesses around the world. The technology has the potential to bring high-speed internet to areas that have traditionally been inaccessible.

Advantages of deploying satellite technology

Satellite technology offers a variety of benefits that contribute significantly to improving the digital landscape. Recent technological breakthroughs have led to significant improvements in satellite internet speeds. These include the deployment of very high bandwidth satellites (VHTS) and the expansion of LEO satellites. These developments have increased internet speeds from 25Mbps to 150Mbps, providing a competitive and viable alternative to conventional internet services.

Furthermore, the reliability of satellite internet is demonstrated by its ability to overcome the physical limitations of traditional cable systems. In the aftermath of a natural disaster, it can act as a reliable backup, ensuring communication is maintained even if the ground system fails.

The Sentinel satellites, operated by the European Space Agency, are another notable example of the benefits of satellite technology. The Sentinel series provides a comprehensive view of the Earth's environment, contributing to applications such as agricultural monitoring, natural disaster response, and urban planning.

In addition to their use in communications, satellites have also evolved into useful tools for Earth observation. Remote sensing satellites are equipped with sophisticated sensors to help collect information about different climate zones, weather patterns, deforestation, and natural disasters.

Some advantages of satellite Internet over other solutions include:

Wide coverage:Satellite Internet can provide Internet connectivity to areas that are difficult to reach with traditional telecommunications infrastructure, such as areas with rugged terrain, remote areas, or areas with low population density.

High access speed:Satellite Internet can provide high access speed, enough to meet people's Internet usage needs, including studying, working, entertaining,...

Reasonable cost:The cost of using satellite Internet is decreasing, suitable for many people's budget.

The development of satellite technology has revolutionized the way we connect and communicate. From the early days of communications satellites to the constellations of low-orbit satellites that circle the Earth today, satellites have evolved dramatically, playing an increasingly important role in shaping the way industries operate.

Even as technological advances continue, satellites will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping how industries operate. There are projects underway that promise to further enhance the capabilities of satellite technology, demonstrating the commitment of industry leaders to improving connectivity and closing the digital divide.

In general, satellite Internet is a potential technological solution to narrow the digital divide. With outstanding advantages such as wide coverage, high access speed and reasonable cost, satellite Internet can help bring Internet to many people in hard-to-reach areas, contributing to promoting socio-economic development.

For satellite Internet to be able to maximize its effectiveness in narrowing the digital divide, there needs to be synchronous investment and development from service providers, governments and people. Service providers need to improve service quality, minimize latency and energy consumption. Governments need to have policies to support and encourage the development of satellite Internet. People need to raise awareness of the benefits of the Internet and use the Internet effectively.