Perspectives: Using Low Earth Orbit Satellites for Internet Access.

There’s a space race happening right now to connect the world to the Internet. Companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, Amazon, and Telesat, are racing to launch large constellations of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide Internet access. They could help bridge the digital divide, particularly in rural regions, but they could also introduce new security and privacy concerns. Will these LEO satellite systems help us connect the unconnected and build an open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy Internet for everyone?

At the Internet Society, we see considerable potential in the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellites for Internet access for unserved or under-served communities, especially where other ways of delivering Internet access are not viable. We also see potential for Internet access to communities affected by natural or human disaster, and to increase the overall resilience of Internet connectivity. But as of late 2022, most LEO constellations are in early stages of deployment and there are still many unknowns.

As the LEO-based industry matures over the next few years, there is an opportunity to guide the discussion and shape the future of this new form of Internet access.

This document identifies some of the opportunities and the issues that need to be addressed and is intended to start conversations that lead to sensible decisions that advance Internet access for everyone, whether ground-based or space-based or both.

The document begins with some background about satellite Internet access in general, and some of the terminology and components of satellite Internet systems. It then explores the many opportunities for individuals, communities, organizations, and governments.

Next, we outline some issues to be considered, such as the affordability, spectrum allocations, space debris, interoperability, security, privacy, and the use of open standards. We follow that with some of the questions we just cannot know, yet we think need to be thought about, including the overall market, sustainability of business models, and environmental concerns.

Finally, we provide some recommendations we see as necessary so that LEO-based systems can help achieve our vision to bring the Internet to everyone, everywhere.

Read more on the Internet Society Website on LEO Satellites and get to download factsheets.