Fast future: More competition in satellite internet, Europe is stepping up its game
Intensifying Competition in the Starlink Marketplace - Escalating rivalry among Starlink contenders
Living in a rural area, you're no stranger to the annoyances: choppy connections, sluggish internet, and no hope for improvement on the horizon. The rollout of fiber optics is stalled in many places, 5G is often just a pipedream, and even in metropolitan areas, stable video calls can sometimes be a roll of the dice. A cosmic race is underway to tackle this very issue, aiming to supply internet free from the shackles of cables and cell towers directly from the stars. Numerous companies are hurling satellites into the stratosphere to make this happen: fast internet for the masses.
This futuristic concept may sound far-fetched, but it's already a reality. The most well-known player is SpaceX, with its Starlink system. If you fancy it, you can acquire a mini satellite dish for your backyard or balcony today. The connection is stable, speedy enough for streaming and telecommuting, and in many places, even the best option available. The service currently costs around 50 to 100 euros per month - comparable to a fiber optic connection, but sans the need for excavators, construction work, or years of waiting.
Amazon is also jumping into the fray with its "Kuiper" project. The e-commerce titan plans to launch countless satellites into space by 2026, delivering internet to the countryside and remote locations. Initial launches and tests have proven successful, with plans for service rollout to end users by the end of 2025. Amazon could not only tap into a new revenue stream but also beef up its existing infrastructure — from cloud services to delivery logistics.
The global aspect of this competition is clear in China's plans for its mega constellation known as GuoWang. Reports from the industry portal "Golem" indicate that more than 13,000 satellites are to be launched in the coming years, some for civilian and some for military use. Russia is pursuing a similar objective with the Sphere project, but is encountering massive delays - largely due to international sanctions.
What about Europe, then?
Europe is joining in: The Franco-British company Eutelsat-OneWeb is striving to create its own network, catering primarily to businesses, educational institutions, aid organizations, and government agencies. Living customers can also enjoy their services via intermediaries like SkyDSL, where packages start at around 17 euros per month. The EU is also planning a joint satellite project called "IRIS2," aiming to be particularly secure and safeguarding European data streams.
The main advantage: As cable and cellular network providers dither on expanding their reach and mobile coverage lacunae persist, satellite services offer a genuine alternative. Unlike many legacy providers, they boast seamless coverage — worldwide, irrespective of population density. This can be a game-changer for folks in isolated regions, travelers, campers, or remote workers.
Compared to traditional internet providers, satellite internet is surprisingly competitive these days. While some rural households still pay approximately 40 euros per month for 16 Mbit/s, Starlink or soon Kuiper offer up to 100 Mbit/s or more — at similar or even lower price points. However, it's worth noting that such offers may not include all the customer protections mandated by the telecommunications law, as some organizations, including the consumer protection center, have pointed out.
In short: Options for internet access are multiplying — and usually improving. Satellite internet** is no longer a last resort, but a genuine alternative to DSL, cable, or LTE. It's swift, adaptable, and often even more cost-effective versus antiquated copper lines. If you're situated in a poorly served region, keep an eye on the new offers. The first wave is already here, with the next one being just around the corner.
- Satellite
- Satellite internet
- Starlink
- Amazon
- Europe
- SpaceX
- Streaming
- Europe, through the Franco-British company Eutelsat-OneWeb, is establishing its own satellite network, aiming to cater not only to businesses, educational institutions, aid organizations, and government agencies, but also to individual consumers via intermediaries like SkyDSL.
- In the realm of satellite internet, the European Union is planning a joint project named "IRIS2," aiming to ensure secure European data streams, possibly setting it apart from other providers.
- While Starlink is currently the most well-known player in satellite internet, Amazon is also entering the competition with its "Kuiper" project, planning to launch numerous satellites into space by 2026, offering internet to rural and remote areas.
- SpaceX, with its Starlink system, offers a stable and speedy internet connection, comparable to fiber optic, at around 50 to 100 euros per month, making it a feasible option for many, even in metropolitan areas with poor internet connections.
- As satellite internet providers continue to grow, they present a viable alternative to traditional internet providers, especially for those in poorly served regions, offering faster, adaptable, and often more cost-effective services, while some organizations, such as the consumer protection center, have noted that these services may not include all the customer protections mandated by telecommunications law.
