Marketplace Tech
Satellites provide internet access and a lot more, but the skies are getting crowded
Feb 24, 2025
Joe Supan, a senior writer at CNET with expertise in technology and space exploration, discusses the rapid expansion of satellite internet, driven by Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. He highlights the challenges of internet access in rural areas, the competitive race for satellite dominance, and the looming threat of space debris. Supan warns of navigation risks in increasingly crowded orbits and underscores the urgent need for better regulation and responsible management to protect our communication systems and the cosmos itself.
08:56
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Quick takeaways
- The rapid growth of satellite internet, led by Starlink, is transforming access for rural consumers, albeit at higher costs compared to traditional options.
- Concerns about space debris and potential collisions from the increasing satellite count highlight the urgent need for regulations to ensure sustainable space operations.
Deep dives
The Rise of Satellite Internet
Satellite internet has rapidly evolved, primarily due to the rise of Starlink, which has significantly increased the number of satellites in low Earth orbit. Starlink offers a competitive service for consumers in rural areas who previously had limited options, despite its price being higher than conventional internet at $120 per month plus equipment costs. The expansion of satellite options has been a game-changer, allowing a greater number of consumers access to internet services that were once prohibitively expensive or slow. As satellite internet becomes more mainstream, competition from other projects, like Amazon's Project Kuiper, is expected to further stimulate growth in this sector.
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