The internet is entering a new era, driven by the increasingly relevant presence of satellites. With rapid technological advances and the growing demand for connectivity anywhere in the world, satellite-based solutions promise to revolutionise the way we connect online, making internet access more comprehensive, efficient and affordable for everyone.
From remote regions to large urban centres, satellite internet has the potential to overcome geographical barriers, offering fast and reliable access where traditional infrastructures do not reach or fail.
This market is rapidly evolving and transforming. Companies such as Starlink, Amazon Kuiper and a number of innovative start-ups are leading this race, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G and satellite constellations in low orbits to guarantee continuous, high-quality connectivity.
The main technological revolution driving this new era of space internet is the transition from geostationary satellites, located at high altitudes and with high latency, to satellite constellations in low earth orbit (LEO). These networks, made up of thousands of smaller satellites orbiting much closer to the Earth, are able to drastically reduce response times (latency) to levels comparable to terrestrial connections, such as fibre optics. This makes latency-sensitive applications such as video calls, online games and cloud services viable.
Another significant advance is the possibility of satellite internet reaching smartphones directly. With systems such as Starlink’s ‘Direct to Cell’, satellites act as telecoms towers in space, transmitting data directly to ordinary LTE devices without the need for special hardware. Although this technology is still in the testing and accelerated development phase, it promises to expand mobile access in rural, oceanic and isolated areas, offering essential services such as messaging, calls and internet browsing.
The impact of this revolution goes far beyond improving internet speeds. Bringing broadband connectivity to rural and remote areas, where installing fibre optics is not economically viable, represents a qualitative leap for digital inclusion. This opens up new opportunities for sectors such as agriculture, mining, maritime transport and aviation, which often operate in isolated locations, enabling real-time monitoring, IoT (Internet of Things) integration and efficient remote management.
Despite the enormous potential, the road to a future dominated by satellite internet faces significant challenges. These include high initial costs for consumers, the need for specific equipment, current technological limitations and the interference of weather conditions, which can affect signal quality.
However, the projected growth of the market – estimated at more than 11 billion dollars by 2029 – and continued innovation indicate that satellite internet is destined to play an increasingly central role in global connectivity. With the recent launch of the first 27 Project Kuiper satellites by Amazon, which aims to rival SpaceX’s Starlink, this new era of space-based internet is becoming a tangible and near reality.
The future of the internet is getting closer and closer to the stars, promising truly global, inclusive connectivity capable of transforming the lives of millions of people around the world.