Starlink, OneWeb, Amazon or Telesat, more and more companies want to create their own satellite internet network. A thousand users are already testing Elon Musk’s (Starlink) project, while other companies are just getting into this experiment. However, this proliferation of networks has big drawbacks that companies do not seem to have thought of.
Satellite internet networks have enormous advantages. They allow people living in rural areas to get a connection, even where terrestrial networks cannot pass. This is particularly the case of Luke McOmie, who lives in the mountains of Colorado and who thanks to Starlink can finally have a decent internet connection. The satellite dish on its roof gives it access to a download speed of 120 megabits per second, according to the Wall Street Journal, even in the most difficult winter conditions.
These satellite networks are a big step towards a much more accessible internet. They could reduce the digital divide experienced by the most remote populations.
Growing problems
Today, only one satellite Internet network is accessible to the public: that of Starlink, the company founded by Elon Musk. 2000 satellites have been launched, but we are still far from the 12,000 planned by the company. A thousand households, spread across Canada, the United States and parts of Europe, however, already have internet access thanks to the beta version of Starlink.
Now, satellites are still a long way from covering the entire Earth. The reason: they are sent to a “low earth orbit” to help limit the latency in sending data between the satellite and the dish. However, because of this, it covers a smaller area than satellites placed in much higher orbits.
In addition, this low orbit is going to pose more and more problems as companies send satellites over it. On the one hand, this space region is going to be increasingly crowded. Very quickly, there might not be many places left. The first to launch their satellites will be the big winners, slower companies may not fully realize their project for lack of … space.
The British company OneWeb sent 110 satellites out of the 648 planned. Amazon, with its Kuiper project, is expected to launch 1,600 by 2026. Telesat, which already has satellites for television channels in higher orbits, plans to add 298, but in low orbit. The area is very likely to become congested, especially since it will be necessary to leave space for the rockets to reach the ISS, the Moon, Mars or even other unexplored regions of our galaxy.
Blue Origin, the company of Jeff Bezos, has already accused Starlink of wanting to grab space. Elon Musk would indeed have already asked to be able to send his satellites into an even lower orbit. But this is the tape requested by Jeff Bezos.
Pollution
All these satellites also pose another problem: that of space waste. There is currently no solution to recover satellites that are out of use. So they end up wandering in space waiting for one day, maybe, to come and get them. Satellite internet networks will therefore further increase the amount of waste in space, thus further obstructing access to space. Because if low Earth orbit is very congested, rockets will no longer be able to access the ISS, the Moon, Mars or other unexplored regions of our galaxy.
This is why Elon Musk wants to send his next satellites to a lower orbit. He hopes he can bring them back to Earth with the help of Earth’s pull. However, this is currently the only proposal from companies wanting to create satellite internet networks to fight against space pollution.
The price
Currently, a connection to the Starlink network costs $ 499 for the basic kit, then $ 99 per month. According to Chris Quilty, who analyzes the space industry from a financial perspective, that price is clearly not enough to cover the $ 2,000 to $ 2,500 that the antennas cost on the ground. The viability of these companies, even if they benefit from public subsidies, is not yet possible. They will absolutely have to lower the cost of installations.
In addition, while the price today is right for the speed of the connection, it does not say that when everyone who wants it has access to the network, the connection will always be so fast. Interest in satellite internet could therefore wane more quickly than expected, especially in areas where a terrestrial connection remains easily accessible. The remote regions would then be the only ones to pay the heavy price for these huge projects.
The internet signal must travel 22,000 miles to reach a satellite and back to Earth, there may be a delay or lag between requesting data and receiving a response. The average latency period for satellite internet is between 500 and 900 milliseconds – much slower than a dial-up connection. This is tolerable when you just need basic internet activities such as reading and sending e-mails or surfing the web. However, it can be too slow for applications that require real-time access, such as video conferencing, Internet gaming, voice chats, and VoIP phone calls.
Satellite Internet is more expensive than terrestrial links. On average, in 2010, it costs two or three times more than DSL service. Equipment needed for satellite internet, such as satellite modem and satellite dish, ranges from $ 600 to $ 2000.
Weather disturbance
Satellite internet can be affected by weather disturbances. Rain will not block any streams or signals, but can trigger an interference called the “rain curtain,” which can cause much slower download and upload speeds, and an erratic Internet connection.
Third advantage, attractive offers
Opting for a satellite connection has many advantages, especially for the family. In addition to the high-speed internet connection, the user can also benefit from a fixed telephone line and the reception of many satellite television programs, but its offers vary depending on your provider. Go through the sites as the first subscription to find the perfect deal that meets your needs. This type of site lists all the offers offered by the various internet service providers available in France. Whether SFR, Bouygues, or even Orange, you have a lot of choice. These different ISPs offer various offers intended to meet each of the needs of their customers. It is up to you to define your requirements in relation to the internet connection, which you will need for your family, for your business or for your studies. Some offers are available with TV, while others offer a no-obligation plan. Internet connection by satellite, optical fiber or ADSL, everyone will find something to suit their needs.
