When mobile phones started becoming more accessible and common in the mid-1990s, having or not having coverage could determine the choice of one device over another and also influence our choice of network provider. In fact, being able to make and receive calls without interruptions was a key selling and marketing argument. At that time, the GSM infrastructure was being rolled out just as these bulky devices were reaching the average user. Communication was experiencing a sort of “awakening.”

But the years have passed, and we’ve leapt from GSM to 5G and high-speed mobile Internet on smart devices. Access to what was once called the “information superhighway” is no longer a curiosity or a temporary convenience. Having fast, low-latency, stable, and secure Internet access is the dividing line between being part of the world or not. It’s about isolation or integration. This is why satellite access is so crucial today.

What are low terrestrial coverage (LTC) zones?

We refer to LTC zones as those geographic areas where traditional communication infrastructure does not meet basic needs or is insufficient. This may be due to incomplete deployment, geographical challenges that hinder effective implementation, or the fact that these areas are still in the process of economic development, facing various obstacles associated with it. Typically, regions that exhibit one or more of these characteristics, if not all, are in rural contexts—where satellite connectivity can become a winning solution.

Mastering satellite internet access through LEO technology

Today, having a communication satellite is quite cost-effective and accessible. It is no longer necessary to be a large corporation or a country with a leading economy to have smaller, cheaper, and equally functional satellites compared to traditional ones. How? Through Low Earth Orbit technology, also known as LEO. These satellites operate at much lower altitudes than traditional geostationary satellites, approximately 1,200 km from the Earth’s surface, allowing them to provide fast and stable connectivity.

LEO satellites orbit the Earth at high speed, covering different areas of the planet within minutes. Unlike geostationary satellites, which remain fixed over a specific position, LEO satellites are part of what is known as a “constellation”—a group of several satellites working in a coordinated and simultaneous manner to ensure consistent global coverage.

Benefits of satellite connectivity for overcoming coverage issues

Thanks to the lower costs of LEO satellites, various private companies and even entire governments can consider offering Internet connectivity services in areas where coverage has been a “nightmare.” Keep in mind that not having access to the Internet today means hindering opportunities for development, investment, entrepreneurship, research, and economic and social growth in often vast regions. With satellite Internet access, it is possible to benefit from:

• Lower latency: Being closer to the Earth, Low Earth Orbit satellites offer significantly lower latency compared to traditional satellites. This translates into a faster and more efficient browsing experience, ideal for video calls, online gaming, and other services that require immediate response.
• Global coverage: Thanks to satellite constellations, Low Earth Orbit satellite access can reach any corner of the planet, even in regions with low terrestrial coverage.
• Scalability: As the demand for Internet services grows, more satellites can be added to the constellation, enabling higher transmission capacity and better services.

Thanks to the investment from telecommunications companies committed to the challenge of complete global connectivity, satellites can contribute to a long-cherished dream: solid, continuous coverage across 100% of the planet.