Many parts of the world have no access to the internet. Even in developed nations, there are still regions which aren't serviced my mobile communications. Majority of these locations cut off from the web are in the rural regions. In remote areas, terrestrial infrastructure cannot easily be built. The geography of far-flung regions poses a challenge: building telephone lines or digging to embed fibre optic cables is not ideal in mountainous region, or vast arid lands; any infrastructure work may also mean degradation of forest areas or resource-rich lands.
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| A VSAT System used in Australia's desert communites |
In such situations, the most recommended solution would be satellite broadband. Satellite communications, despite the rise of fibre as we can see in NBN projects across the globe, is becoming the most viable alternative to bring the Internet in rural regions. A technology called VSAT has made the deployment of such systems possible, with little interference to a location's geography. Thus, communities found in remote regions like the deserts in Australia, or even the mountain ranges in Nepal, can rely on VSAT systems because little space is required.
The lack of public infrastructure in rural regions mean satellite broadband is often their only option left. The downside to the technology though would be cost and latency issues. Satellite communications technology isn't cheap, since the service you're paying for makes up for the millions of dollars needed to launch a rocket into space. And since the satellites orbit thousands of kilometers above the earth, signal transmitted via VSAT systems to communications ports both on the ground and in space may face delays.
Luckily, many operators are looking into improving their technology. This would include the rise of more powerful Ka band satellites. Ka band satellite can carry more payloads, and deliver powerful coverage in vast regions. Many satellite broadband systems are already relying on the new spectrum, and soon enough, more operators will be offering the service at a cheaper cost.
Do you want to learn more about satellite broadband? Check this out see and read about the Two-Types of Satellite Broadband Systems.
I recently started my own remote business, and I have been reading that satellite internet was the way to go. I think that there are many benefits of having rural satellite internet mainly because if you have a remote business, you will want to get the best Interent speeds possible.
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