Satellite broadband is a significant alternative to traditional network connections for businesses and consumers. Systems like Starlink offer a new approach, particularly in areas where conventional telecom operators cannot provide reliable network coverage. This disruptive solution offers several advantages that can revolutionize understanding and Internet use.
A Network Where the Needs Are
Traditional telecom networks are often regionally limited, and coverage can be unstable or nonexistent in rural or remote areas. Satellite broadband solves this problem by connecting directly via satellite, independent of terrestrial infrastructure. This means businesses can thrive where traditional broadband would be difficult or impossible to implement. As the connection is not tied to any specific geographical location, this can mean new opportunities for companies to scale or operate globally. It also makes deployment extremely quick and easy.
Predictable Costs and Elimination of Roaming Fees
One of the most significant advantages of satellite networks for businesses is managing and predicting roaming costs. In the traditional mobile operator model, roaming charges vary significantly depending on location and operator agreements. In satellite networks like Starlink, pricing is typically fixed, allowing for easy prediction of global network costs for businesses. This removes the need for competitive pricing between mobile operators and allows for simpler and more efficient network management.
Latency and the Best Effort Model
Satellite broadband was previously seen as weak due to its latency, but recent advancements have brought significant improvements. Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites like Starlink can now compete with traditional broadband regarding latency. The conventional Internet market never moved to a quality-of-service model; instead, the Best-effort model won. This means satellite connections can provide a sufficiently consistent service even for demanding applications like video conferencing or cloud-based work without sacrificing user experience.
An Alternative, Not a Replacement
Although satellite broadband won’t replace traditional fiber or mobile connections in the coming years, it offers a significant alternative. Local operators do not control this alternative, making it a disruptive technology that challenges existing business models. It particularly impacts broadband services in remote areas and reduces traditional telecom roaming revenue. Most importantly, satellite networks provide connections where business needs are — whether at a remote worksite, a mobile unit, or an international company’s outpost or mine in a remote location. This is the kind of connectivity solution sought as the foundation for SD-WAN: fast deployment. Internet connections have traditionally been delivered faster than closed corporate networks (MPLS), but satellite connections are on another level regarding delivery speed.
Challenges in Application and Protocol Development in Satellite Networks
With the growth of satellite broadband, it is increasingly important to account for the unique characteristics of satellite connections, such as latency and variability in network performance, application, and protocol development. Ensuring optimal application performance in satellite networks requires thorough testing and simulation. Specialized tools exist for testing and simulating application performance in satellite environments, and I can demonstrate these solutions if needed. Simulation can be done manually by configuring parameters or recording application traffic from a real-world environment.
Hannu Rokka, Senior Advisor
5Feet Networks Oy