Both 2020 and 2021 will be remembered for major leaps forward in terms of digital transfer, connectivity and the impact of technology on society. As the 5G rollout continues apace, satellite Internet is also being positioned as a strong option when it comes to achieving full connectivity, regardless of geographic location.

Besides facilitating access to the network in places far removed from the big urban population centres, satellite Internet also allows high-speed connections to be achieved on the go, even when that means moving at 800km/h – Internet connections on commercial flights being just a step away.

Starlink is the satellite Internet division of SpaceX, the aerospace company founded by Elon Musk. The company’s vice president, Jonathan Hofeller, recently explained they’re having “conversations with a number of airlines. We have our own aviation product in development and have already carried out some demonstrations. We hope this product will be ready for installation on aircraft in the very near future”. High-speed Internet connections on commercial flights look very likely to be feasible by the end of the current year.

Satellite Internet faster than fibre optic

Alongside increasing its reach and facilitating 24/7 connectivity, satellite Internet is seeing significant improvements in both efficiency and performance. In a recent speed test, Internet via satellite technology demonstrated download speeds in excess of 500Mbps, with latency coming in at under 10 milliseconds.

Though we’re still in the preliminary testing stages and speeds can vary depending on an innumerable range of factors, according to experts, growth estimates are very promising. In fact, current figures put satellite Internet speeds above 200Mbps and are expected to reach 300 by the end of 2021. That means access to the Internet in rural or isolated spots won’t just be possible, but will in fact rival FTTH in terms of performance.

Partnerships popularising the use of satellite Internet

Many companies in the technology sector are entering into agreements with companies and suppliers to deepen and accelerate the development of satellite Internet. Starlink and Google are working hard to take advantage of the former’s technological infrastructure alongside the latter’s ‘in-the-cloud’ framework, which will benefit both parties and make it easier for users to enjoy satellite Internet.

For their part, neutral operators like lyntia are also building strategic partnerships in order to continuously improve their VSAT services through agreements around national infrastructure with Hispasat and Europe’s Eutelsat, as well as covering the Asian continent thanks to Asiasat and Chinasat.

Just as work is continuing on the economic recovery process for businesses underpinned by technologies like fibre optic, the opportunities offered by satellite Internet for global connectivity, efficient, safe and high capacities in response to high transmission demands cannot be ignored. All connectivity developments, from 5G mobile to fibre optic cables, not forgetting Internet via satellite, will need to face the challenges of making progress in a coordinated and balanced way.