Satellite internet could have global impact

Subject

Satellite internet.

Significance

Plans are moving ahead fast to launch ‘mega-constellations’ consisting of thousands of satellites that will provide high-speed internet access worldwide. These constellations have the potential to bring millions, if not billions, more people online around the world.

Impacts

• The ground systems for use with internet mega-constellations could emerge as a huge new market.
• Polar coverage could help open up the Arctic to shipping, resource exploitation and other uses.
• Disaster response efforts would benefit from global mobile broadband access.
• Competition from low-priced, high-speed satellite broadband could severely disrupt the business of terrestrial providers.