Radar: Connectivity from the sky

Reinventing the final frontier

Satellite broadband continues to undergo a period of reinvention through the low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation model that re-emerged five years ago from OneWeb, SpaceX and a range of other participants. Momentum and industry traction have been underpinned by a reduced cost structure and higher performance capability relative to legacy geostationary satellites that operate at much higher altitudes.

The reasons for the satellite and broader aerial connectivity push are clear: the size and persistence of the digital divide, and connectivity barriers for businesses operating in rural or remote areas. With momentum set to accelerate as established constellations increase towards their target size, this edition of Radar focuses on the commercial implications of scaled LEO constellations and targeted HAPS deployments, and the potential effect on internet access for consumers and businesses.