Breaking Chains with Sky-High Internet: The Rise of Satellite Providers in Europe
Intensifying rivalry in the satellite internet market arises as Starlink faces increasing competition - Rising rivalry in the Starlink market
Hailing from the heartland or tucked away in a rural village, stable internet connection - a modern-day necessity - is often a rarity. Promises of fiber optics and 5G remain distant dreams for many, even in bustling cities. The race is on to conquer this silence from the cosmos, providing space-age solutions for earthbound internet troubles. Satellites are taking center stage, beaming signals from the heavens, promising an end to the terrestrial monopoly on digital connectivity.
The concept might sound otherworldly, but it's no longer just a pipedream. The renowned players, led by SpaceX's game-changing Starlink, have taken the first leap into the stratosphere. Interested individuals can grab a small satellite dish for their garden or balcony today, promising as reliable a connection as streaming that late-night comedy show or working from home without delays. The 50-100 euro/month subscription fee comes close to its land-based counterparts, and most importantly, without the need for explicit construction work or lengthy wait times.
Amazon is dropping its hat in the ring with the "Kuiper" project. Set to launch thousands of satellites into orbit by 2026, Amazon aims to serve rural regions and remote locations better. Already successful tests have been conducted, hinting at a customer launch in late 2025. With the e-commerce giant's reach spanning across cloud services and logistics, the satellite venture could open up yet another revenue stream.
The increasing number of players underscores the global ambition of constellating the skies. China's plans for its GuoWang mega constellation, reported by industry portal "Golem", includes over 13,000 satellites, both civilian and military. Russia is pursuing a similar goal, albeit facing some delays, due to international sanctions and technological challenges.
Europe Steps Up
The Old Continent won't miss out on this revolution. The Franco-British firm Eutelsat-OneWeb promises to deliver its own satellite-based network, catering to the needs of enterprises, schools, aid organizations, and government agencies. While private customers can also get in on the action, primarily through intermediaries such as SkyDSL, starting at around 17 euros/month. Michael O'Leary, Ryanair's CEO, has expressed interest in making it available onboard flights[1].
The EU is also building its own satellite constellation called "IRIS2," designed with European data security and autonomy in mind[2].
The biggest advantage of satellite internet lies in its universality. Unlike many traditional providers, it promises uninterrupted coverage across the globe, irrespective of population density. This could be a game-changer for people in remote areas, commuters, campers, or freelancers working from home.
Compared to conventional internet providers, satellite internet is surprisingly competitive. While some rural households might still pay upwards of 40 euros/month for speeds as low as 16 Mbit/s, Starlink or soon Kuiper offers speeds of up to 100 Mbit/s or more, at a similar or even lower price point[3]. It's essential to note that while these offers might not comply with all customer protection rights under telecommunications law[4].
In brief: The internet landscape is evolving, moving toward a more open, democratic space. Satellite internet is no longer an afterthought but a serious contender to DSL, cable, or LTE. The technology offers speed, flexibility, and - in many cases - value for money. People living in underserved regions should keep a close eye on the new offerings. The first generation is already here; the next is fast approaching.
- Starlink
- Satellite internet
- Eutelsat-OneWeb
- Kuiper
- Europe
- Amazon
- Satellites
[1] https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/18/ryanair-ceo-michael-o-leary-explains-why-he-backed-spacex-starlink.html[2] https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-digital-era/connectivity_en[3] https://www.reuters.com/business/space/elon-musks-starlink-brings-high-speed-internet-rural-americans-2021-03-02/[4] https://www.verbraucherzentrale-bund.de/themen/hochgeschwindigkeits-netze/drahtlose-breitbandnetze/[5] https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/iris2-project-help-europe-compete-united-states-on-5g-2021-04-21/
- The European Data Protection Supervisor, in light of the rising satellite internet providers, may need to address privacy concerns and data protection regulations in this new digital territory, ensuring compliance with telecommunications law for the benefit of consumers.
- As the science of satellite technology progresses, Europe can capitalize on opportunities in finance, business, and technology by investing in ventures such as Eutelsat-OneWeb and the EU's own constellation, IRIS2, ensuring data sovereignty and autonomy for European citizens.
- With the emergence of Starlink, Kuiper, and other satellite-based internet providers in Europe, it's crucial to recognize the potential impact on space-and-astronomy research, as increased satellite deployment could lead to potential space debris and other environmental concerns requiring innovative solutions and strategies.
