How low-earth-orbit satellite technology can bring the previously disconnected together

• Satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) can help link the disconnected and close the digital divide.
  
• The competition to develop LEO satellite constellations is becoming increasingly intense, and delivering inclusive connectivity will necessitate multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• The World Economic Forum's EDISON Alliance is bringing together a worldwide movement of public and commercial sector leaders who are making digital inclusion a priority.

Satellites in low-earth orbit (LEO) are said to be the technology that will transform the internet. With more than a third of the world still without access to the internet, this satellite constellation can assist in connecting the disconnected and bridging the digital divide that is separating isolated and rural populations.

What are the benefits of investing in LEO satellite technology for governments and businesses?

The European Union recently revealed plans for a €6 billion LEO satellite system. This satellite fleet seeks to provide secure communications and improved internet access to the region, while also enhancing EU members' cybersecurity and resilience.

From 2022 to 2027, the EU will spend €2.4 billion of its budget, with the balance coming from member states and industry. The plan is part of an effort to reduce the EU's reliance on foreign corporations while still safeguarding essential communications systems and surveillance data from outside manipulation.

The EU is joining a space internet competition in which tech behemoths are investing billions of dollars in low-earth orbit satellite technology to solve global connectivity gaps. Elon Musk's satellite internet company, Space X's Starlink, has approximately 2,000 satellites in orbit and has sought for licences to launch over 40,000 satellites. Their service is now accessible in a select countries for $99 per month plus $499 for home equipment on a first-come, first-served basis.

Amazon has revealed plans to launch Project Kuiper, a similar programme that would deploy over 3,000 satellites later this year. OneWeb, a LEO firm backed by the UK government, India's Bharti Enterprises, and France's Eutelsat, currently has over 350 satellites in orbit and wants to increase that number.

As more governments and organisations investigate the possibilities of LEO satellite technology to bring high-speed internet over the world, competition is heating up. However, with great power comes great responsibility in addressing the issues that this new technology brings.

Can LEO satellites truly aid in the attainment of universal connectivity?

High-speed internet is no longer merely convenient; it has become a modern need. Despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has hastened global digitization, 2.9 billion people still do not have access to the internet. The biggest impediments to connectivity remain access and pricing.

To close connectivity gaps, it's vital to build a strong digital infrastructure that can reach everyone, everywhere. Broadband requires a long network of subterranean connections, and satellite-based access may be the only choice in some of the world's most distant locations. LEO satellites can provide high-speed internet to individuals in areas where traditional ground infrastructure is difficult to access, making them a viable option for closing the rural connection gap.

LEO satellites orbit substantially closer to the Earth than regular geostationary satellites (approximately 36,000 km above earth's surface). They work in a rotating network that requires numerous satellites to offer internet access. This enables them to maintain connectivity when flying and even in the middle of the ocean. However, as more firms put tens of thousands of satellites into orbit around the globe, space has become more crowded than ever before.

When studying LEO satellite communication, the issue of increased space traffic and space debris, as well as astronomers' concerns about light pollution obscuring views of the night sky, must all be taken into account.

How can we ensure that this technology benefits everyone?

As the world becomes more digitised, it is critical to address the technology cost barrier in order to eliminate existing digital inequities and expand possibilities for all.

Although satellite communication is costly, if the goal is to truly connect the disconnected, LEO-based internet must be inexpensive first and foremost. While satellite broadband systems are in various stages of development, whenever they are ready to launch, service affordability must be a fundamental component of worldwide rollout strategy.

The competition to develop LEO satellite constellations is becoming increasingly intense, and delivering inclusive connectivity will necessitate multi-stakeholder collaboration. There is no way for a single government or enterprise to cross the digital divide on its own. Partnerships that invest in the internet's future are critical for connecting the world's unserved and underserved areas.

The World Economic Forum's EDISON Alliance is bringing together a worldwide movement of public and commercial sector leaders who are making digital inclusion a priority. The EDISON Alliance is leveraging government and business pledges to improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2025 by providing inexpensive and accessible digital solutions in healthcare, financial services, and education.