With each passing year, the availability of satellite internet is becoming easier and more reliable, and the main player in this market, Starlink from SpaceX, has become synonymous with internet in the most remote corners of the world. Nevertheless, despite its obvious advantages, Starlink is not the only solution for those looking for stable and fast internet. Let's take a look at the alternatives offered by other companies.
OneWeb: an alternative for businesses
OneWeb is a British project that initially aimed to create a global network to provide satellite Internet around the world. As a result of various circumstances, the project focused on the B2B (business to business) market . The maximum Internet speed on the OneWeb network is 400 Mbit/s, which makes the service good enough for corporate users.
OneWeb has the advantage of greater coverage than many other satellite networks, especially in arctic and hard-to-reach areas. However, it is quite difficult for ordinary users to connect to the OneWeb network - local partners have to be found, and in some countries (such as Russia) the project is currently on hold.
The project went through bankruptcy in 2020, but was saved thanks to the support of the UK government and the Indian company Bharti Global. OneWeb is currently continuing to expand its network and plans to begin commercial service delivery in the coming years.
Iridium: connectivity where Starlink is powerless
Iridium is one of the oldest satellite operators, having been in operation since 1998. Unlike Starlink, Iridium does not focus on providing high-speed Internet, but more on voice communications and slower Internet. The network uses 66 low-orbital satellites at an altitude of about 780 kilometers, providing a stable connection in the most inaccessible areas, including polar regions and oceans.
The maximum connection speed on the Iridium network is only 1.4 Mbit/s, which makes it unsuitable for streaming or downloading large files. However, it is an excellent solution for those who need connectivity in extreme conditions, such as sailors, pilots, the military or travelers.
Project Kuiper: when Amazon will enter space
Jeff Bezos could not remain indifferent to the satellite race. His Project Kuiper, which is still in development, promises to be a serious competitor to Starlink. The system will be based on the launch of more than 3,200 satellites, which are expected to provide internet speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Unlike other solutions, Project Kuiper integrates with Amazon's services, providing additional benefits to corporate customers.
Despite the ambitious plans, the project does not yet have a ready-made solution for end users, and mass satellite launches will not begin until 2025-2026 at the earliest. If Amazon manages to offer truly innovative technologies and competitive prices, it could be a viable alternative to Starlink in the future.
Chinese projects: GW and Hongyan
China is busily developing its own satellite networks in an effort to reduce its dependence on Western technology. Among the largest projects are GuoWang and Hongyan, which are expected to become major players in the satellite internet market in the coming years.
GuoWang (which translates to "State Network") is a project that will consist of 13,000 satellites that will provide connectivity as part of the "Digital Silk Road" initiative. It mainly targets the Chinese market and China' s partner countries, which may limit its availability outside China. Given the current political situation, access to this network outside China is highly questionable.
The Hongyan project by CASC (China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation) was initially intended to provide internet in remote areas and support IoT devices. However, information on its development has become less clear, and the project may have been partially integrated with GuoWang. Unlike the more elaborate projects, Hongyan was initially intended as a smaller system, but its future remains unclear.
Summary: What to choose instead of Starlink?
Although Starlink remains the leader among satellite platforms, offering high-speed and accessible Internet in most corners of the world, alternatives are available for businesses and specialized users.
- OneWeb can be an excellent solution for business, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
- Iridium is ideal for those who work in extreme environments, such as the maritime or aerospace industries.
- Project Kuiper from Amazon promises interesting prospects for businesses, especially in integration with AWS cloud services.
- Chinese projects such as GuoWang and Hongyan may offer unique solutions, but their availability may be geographically and politically limited.
If you don't want to depend on a single operator or are looking for an alternative, these projects are worth considering. In the coming years, competition in the satellite Internet market is sure to increase, leading to lower prices and better service quality.
Author:
Aliaksandr Roslikau
Click to enlarge!
Click to enlarge!
Click to enlarge!
Click to enlarge!