Satellite internet: opportunities, challenges, and its impact on businesses and consumers

With more than a third of the world’s population still lacking access to reliable internet, satellite services like Starlink are stepping into the spotlight, offering the promise of high-speed connectivity even in the most remote corners of the globe. Beaming internet from space may sound futuristic, but for businesses, consumers, and industries, it’s fast becoming a reality – changing how we connect, work, and operate.

However, while satellite internet holds immense promise, it also comes with challenges. In this article, we’ll explore its advantages and limitations, its potential to disrupt traditional broadband, and its wider implications for industries, sustainability, and global communications.

The advantages of satellite internet

1. global connectivity
   The most compelling benefit of satellite internet is its ability to provide universal access. Unlike fibre-optic and traditional broadband systems, which require expensive and time-consuming physical infrastructure, satellites can deliver internet to remote or underserved areas almost instantly. This is especially valuable for rural communities, nomadic lifestyles, and industries like agriculture, shipping, mining, and aviation, which have long struggled with connectivity challenges.
   Nomical has seen first-hand the difference satellite internet can make. In one case, when a customer struggled with inadequate upload speeds for video calls due to slow local broadband, Nomical recommended Starlink as a solution, but the process wasn’t entirely seamless. Access to the roof was required for optimal satellite positioning, and obtaining permission from landlords to install on rooftops can be a hurdle. These operational challenges are often overlooked but must be factored in when considering satellite installations.
2. remote work and digital nomadism
   As remote working continues to grow, satellite internet is enabling professionals to work from nearly any location. Digital nomads and businesses with remote offices can access high-speed internet without depending on fixed broadband lines, reshaping the way people work and live. The ability to remain connected, regardless of location, allows for a true work-life balance, where you can stay productive without being tied to urban centres.
3. business continuity and disaster recovery
   For businesses, satellite internet offers a crucial fallback during natural disasters or infrastructure failures. Traditional broadband is vulnerable to physical damage – whether from floods, storms, or fires – but satellite systems remain unaffected. This makes them an ideal solution for disaster recovery and business continuity planning. Industries that rely on 24/7 operations, such as healthcare, finance, or critical infrastructure, benefit from having satellite connectivity as part of their resilience strategy.
   Nomical has also leveraged satellite internet to help businesses open new sites faster. For some businesses, installing a new leased line can take up to four months. With satellite internet services like Starlink, companies can get online instantly, significantly reducing the time it takes to open a new location. This allows businesses to start generating revenue sooner, a clear advantage in today’s competitive market.
4. low latency and high speeds (in the right conditions)
   While previous satellite systems were hampered by slow speeds and high latency, modern low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, such as those used by Starlink, are changing that. These satellites operate much closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, significantly reducing latency and allowing for speeds comparable to terrestrial broadband in many areas.

The challenges of satellite internet

1. high initial costs
   A significant drawback is the cost of installation and equipment. Consumers and businesses alike must invest in satellite dishes, modems, and other hardware, which can be expensive. Integrating satellite internet into an existing IT network may also require additional upgrades or adjustments, adding to the total cost. While the long-term benefits may be high, these upfront costs can be a deterrent.
2. weather dependency
   Satellite signals are susceptible to interference from severe weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, and dense cloud cover can degrade the quality of service or cause temporary outages. For businesses or critical systems relying on a consistent, stable connection, this weather dependency can pose a serious issue.
3. challenges with installation and landlord permissions
   While satellite internet can be a quick and effective solution, securing permission to install it can pose challenges. Installing Starlink or similar systems requires a clear view of the sky, which often means mounting hardware on the roof. Obtaining permission from landlords to install the hardware required can be a sticking point, and not all buildings are suitable to mount to or offer restricted views of the sky.
4. environmental and regulatory concerns
   As the number of satellites in space multiplies, so do concerns about space debris and the environmental impact of satellite launches. Regulatory bodies must address issues like overcrowded orbits and potential collisions. In addition, companies must grapple with the environmental costs of manufacturing and launching thousands of satellites, even as they push for sustainable innovations like reusable rockets. By 2025, it’s estimated that there will be over 50,000 satellites orbiting the Earth, raising concerns about space traffic and debris.

The future of satellite internet: disruption and innovation

1. disruptive potential in business
   Satellite internet is set to disrupt industries that have long struggled with reliable connectivity. For sectors like shipping, aviation, agriculture, and mining – where operations often take place in geographically isolated locations – satellite connectivity could enable real-time monitoring, IoT integration, and remote operations management.
   Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas also stand to benefit. Satellite internet can give these businesses access to cloud-based tools, e-commerce platforms, and virtual communication technologies, allowing them to compete more effectively on a global scale.
2. the 5G-satellite hybrid
   As 5G networks expand, there is growing potential for a hybrid approach where satellite internet acts as a backhaul for 5G in remote or hard-to-reach areas. This convergence of technologies would enable seamless connectivity across regions where building out terrestrial 5G infrastructure is not feasible. Such a partnership could dramatically accelerate global high-speed internet access, particularly in emerging markets.
3. sustainability and the green potential of satellite internet
   Satellite internet may also contribute to sustainability goals. Unlike traditional broadband infrastructure, which often requires significant environmental disruption, satellite systems can be deployed with minimal impact on the ground. Moreover, advancements in space technology, such as reusable rockets, are helping reduce the carbon footprint of launching satellites.
   However, managing the long-term sustainability of space will be crucial. With thousands of satellites expected to launch in the coming years, space debris and satellite deorbiting will need careful oversight to ensure that the space environment remains sustainable.

Satellite internet and the future of IoT in smart cities

One of the most exciting applications of satellite internet is its potential to power IoT ecosystems within smart cities. In urban environments, IoT devices connected via satellite could help optimise energy consumption, reduce waste, and improve infrastructure management. Cities in developing countries, where terrestrial internet is limited, may leapfrog traditional networks and adopt satellite-based IoT solutions to manage everything from traffic systems to air quality monitoring.

As smart cities rely increasingly on data-driven insights, satellite internet will play a critical role in providing global reach for interconnected, eco-friendly urban solutions.