Rakshith Shetty, Ashwin Prasad
The benefits of satellite internet access would be far-reaching, with improved connectivity enhancing education and healthcare delivery
Recent events in India highlight the growing prevalence of satellite-based internet technologies. In the Northeast state of Manipur, Indian security forces recovered a Starlink dish and router with weapons during a raid. This is not an isolated occurrence; another Starlink device was recently found in a drug-bust off the Andaman coast. Authorities suspect that these devices were smuggled in from Myanmar, where Starlink is reportedly active despite lacking regulatory approval. It is likely being used to circumvent government-imposed internet restrictions there. These incidents highlight the potential as well as the penetration of space-based technologies like satellite internet.
Massive Potential
Satellite internet provides a global alternative to the traditional internet infrastructure. While traditional internet services rely on localised terrestrial infrastructure and are easier to monitor and disrupt, satellite internet provides coverage from space, reaching remote areas where difficult terrain or sparse populations make terrestrial networks impractical.
The demand for high-speed internet connectivity has surged worldwide, driven by increasing smartphone use and the growth of digital services. Streaming platforms, cloud services, and video conferencing have become essential tools in modern life. In areas with poor terrestrial coverage, users are willing to adopt satellite internet despite higher costs. As the technology matures and competition increases among providers, falling prices are expected to further accelerate adoption rates worldwide.
The global satellite internet market was valued between $5.33bn and $9.24bn in 2023. It is projected to reach $29.7-37.64bn by 2034. SpaceX's Starlink exemplifies this rapid growth, operating 6,800 low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and serving over 4mn subscribers across more than 100 countries.
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