The Rise of Satellite Internet: A New Era for Connectivity in Europe
Intensifying rivals emerging in the Starlink sector - Escalating rivalry in Starlink's sphere of influence
Hey there! It's clear you've been dealing with less-than-ideal internet service in rural areas, and we're here to share some exciting news. The future of internet connectivity is taking to the skies, aiming to provide high-speed internet independent of cables and mobile towers right from the heavens.
Currently leading the charge is SpaceX's Starlink. If you're up for it, you can grab a small satellite dish for your garden or balcony today. Offering stable, fast connection speeds ideal for streaming and working from home, Starlink is a viable option for many, with prices ranging from 50 to 100 euros per month - similar to fiber optic connections but without the digging and waiting.
Amazon isn't far behind with its Kuiper project, planning to launch thousands of satellites by 2026 to provide internet for rural regions and remote areas. Although still in the testing phase, Amazon could open up a new revenue stream and enhance its existing infrastructure, such as cloud services and logistics.
Europe is also jumping on the satellite internet bandwagon. The French-British company Eutelsat-OneWeb is collaborating to supply businesses, schools, aid organizations, and authorities with its own network, while SkyDSL offers packages for private customers starting at around 17 euros per month. The EU is also planning a joint satellite project called "IRIS2," with a focus on security and protecting European data streams.
One of the main advantages is that satellite services could provide real alternatives, particularly in areas shun by traditional providers. Unlike many classic internet services, satellite internet promises seamless coverage – worldwide, regardless of population density. This could revolutionize the lives of people in remote areas, commuters, campers, and freelancers working from home.
Compared to traditional internet providers, satellite internet is now surprisingly competitive. While rural areas might still pay around 40 euros per month for 16 Mbit/s, Starlink or soon Kuiper offer up to 100 Mbit/s or more – at similar or even lower prices. However, it's important to note that such offers may not include all the customer protection rights provided by telecommunications law, as the Consumer Protection Center has highlighted.
So, what's the latest? Well, there's a partnership between Hughes Europe and Eutelsat that has launched a new Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service across Europe. They offer high-speed, low-latency connectivity through electronically steerable flat-panel antennas (ESAs) and "white glove" installation and support services.
Additionally, the EU's Iris2 project intends to deploy a secure multi-orbit constellation of 290 satellites (LEO and MEO) by 2030, aiming to provide ultra-secure, low-latency satellite internet across member states. Although several years away, this project promises state-of-the-art satellite connectivity for Europeans.
In summary, satellite internet is no longer a last resort but a legitimate alternative to DSL, cable, or LTE. It's fast, flexible, often cheaper than outdated copper lines, and an exciting opportunity for people in poorly served regions. The first generation is already available, with the next one launching in a few months. Keep an eye out for these promising developments!
- Satellite
- Starlink
- Amazon
- SpaceX
- Streaming
- Satellite internet
- Europe
Sources:[1] European Satellite Operator Eutelsat Selects Hughes' Ground Stations for Joint OneWeb LEO Service, Hughes Network Systems, [https://www.hughes.com/news/2022/07/european-satellite-operator-eutelsat-selects-hughes-ground-stations-joint-oneweb-leo-service][2] A Global Constellation of 20-30 Gbits/s Geostationary Satellites: European and American Future Applications, Alfredo Figueroa Romero, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350254360_A_Global_constellation_of_20-30_Gbitsps_Geostationary_Satellites_European_and_American_Future_Applications][3] EU kicks off Green Connected Cloud project, focused on secure broadband infrastructures, Astrid Geiger, [https://www.telecoms.com/567181/eu-take-off-green-connected-cloud-project-focused-on-secure-broadband-infrastructures/][4] Broadband Competence Offices, European Commission, [https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/BCO_Network_Kick_Off][5] EC adopts €7.5bn connectivity boost to enhance European broadband, Potential for satellite faster rollout in less-served areas, European Commission Press Release, [https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_1318]
- The Commission has also adopted a proposal for a regulation on the establishment of a European Data Protection Supervisor, aiming to safeguard privacy and security in the context of the rising satellite internet industry.
- In addition to competing with traditional internet providers, satellite companies like SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Kuiper project are also seen as potential partners for businesses in the science, finance, space-and-astronomy, and technology sectors, particularly for data transfer and analysis.
- Satellite coverage could potentially benefit freelancers working remotely, providing seamless and stable internet connection options regardless of their physical location within the European population.
- With the emergence of satellite internet, traditional satellite companies are exploring new opportunities such as Hughes Europe and Eutelsat's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite broadband service, which offers high-speed, low-latency connectivity to various industries across Europe.
- As the EU's Iris2 project moves forward, it is expected to strengthen Europe's position in the global satellite industry, offering ultra-secure, low-latency satellite internet services to further boost the continent's digital connectivity.
