Outer space, explained.
A stack of Starlink satellites atop a SpaceX Falcon rocket, about to enter orbit. (Wikimedia Commons)
The infrastructure leap that is connecting the unconnected and making digital access affordable.
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How low-earth orbiting satellites can help innovation meet inclusionHow low-earth orbiting satellites can help innovation meet inclusion
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are reshaping global connectivity, delivering high-speed internet from space and bypassing traditional infrastructure like fibre-optic cables and mobile towers. But their significance goes beyond connectivity. As digital systems underpin economies and security, LEO satellites have become crucial for inclusion, defence, and technological advantage.
Digital connectivity should no longer be viewed as a luxury reserved for the few, and must become a public good accessible to all.
Yet amid the hype, the focus must remain on their most urgent role: connecting the unconnected.
About one third of the world’s population – 2.6 billion people – remain disconnected from the digital world. Connecting remote or underserved areas has long been difficult, with the cost and complexity of traditional cable-based telecoms infrastructure often making it unviable. This is where LEO satellites come in, offering a promising “last mile connectivity” solution to bring internet access to hard-to-reach communities, support disaster resilience, enhance rural education, and drive sustainable development.
The global LEO satellite market is surging, with projections suggesting it could grow seven-fold by 2035. The number of satellites in orbit is expected to reach 70,000, driving the market’s value from US$15 billion today to $108 billion. In the most optimistic scenario, it could soar to $457 billion.
This expansion is being driven by the growing demand for fast, reliable internet to power emerging technologies such as internet-enabled agriculture and the use of drones in mining and disaster response, both of which rely on real-time data in areas beyond conventional networks. Autonomous vehicles, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud services all require high-speed connections. Where terrestrial networks fall short, LEO satellites provide the critical infrastructure needed to unlock innovation and resilience. Its value is also clear in conflict zones, as seen in its role keeping Ukrainian forces connected during the war with Russia.
Commercial players are moving fast. SpaceX’s Starlink – the first large-scale provider – now operates more than 7800 satellites in orbit as of June 2025, serving over 6 million users across more than 70 countries. With plans to deploy up to 42,000 satellites, it’s building a global mega-constellation designed to deliver reliable broadband. Coverage now spans most of the Americas, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia, Africa, and the Pacific.
Competition is set to reshape the LEO satellite market. Amazon’s Project Kuiper aims to challenge Starlink’s dominance with a planned constellation of over 3200 satellites. In April, it reached a milestone by launching its first 27 satellites. Project Kuiper’s entry could break Starlink’s near-monopoly, driving innovation in pricing, coverage, and service delivery.
Where terrestrial networks fall short, LEO satellites provide the critical infrastructure needed to unlock innovation and resilience.
LEO satellite service costs vary across regions, shaped by market dynamics and operational factors. In high-income countries, prices typically reflect greater purchasing power, while in lower-income regions, social initiatives have led to occasional subsidies to broaden digital access. Tariffs, regulatory fees, and infrastructure expenses also influence pricing. As service rollout depends on government approvals, there is potential for localised strategies, allowing governments to negotiate better deals and develop targeted policies that support affordable connectivity.
Affordability remains a key barrier to LEO satellite access, especially for low-income communities. Starlink adjusts pricing by country, but costs often remain out of reach. In the US, the kit costs US$349 with an $80 monthly fee; in Australia, it’s $361 and $65; in Indonesia, $235 and $30; and in the Solomon Islands, US$388 and $41.
Emerging global models offer lessons in making connectivity more inclusive and affordable.
In New York, the Affordable Broadband Act requires broadband providers to offer internet to low-income households for $15 a month. The state requires compliance as a condition for doing business within its jurisdiction. In response, Starlink offers a plan at this rate, demonstrating how targeted legislation can improve broadband access for under-served communities.
Canada’s partnership with Telesat shows how long-term public investment can enable affordable satellite internet. Rural telecoms operators receive subsidised LEO capacity and pass on reduced rates to households, cutting costs and extending coverage to remote communities.
The Giga initiative led by the UN International Telecommunications Union and UNICEF offers a scalable model for connecting schools to the internet. Funded through public budgets, donor support, and innovative financing, it helps governments plan infrastructure, assess costs, and choose suitable technologies. Drawing on global vaccine procurement strategies, Giga has cut school connectivity costs by 60 per cent. Once online, schools often become digital hubs for their communities.
Everyday users are also increasingly benefiting from LEO satellite integration. In Australia, Telstra’s partnership with Starlink extends coverage beyond its 39 per cent mobile footprint, bridging gaps in remote areas. Users can now enjoy more reliable connectivity while driving through the outback, working remotely, or travelling off-grid. In-flight Wi-Fi is experiencing a leap forward, with LEO satellites delivering faster, more reliable connections that keep passengers online – even at cruising altitude.
Beyond convenience, LEO satellites can help address the country’s digital vulnerabilities by providing a backup layer to fibre-optic infrastructure, helping guard against outages from natural disasters or physical damage.
Digital connectivity should no longer be viewed as a luxury reserved for the few, and must become a public good accessible to all. The private sector must innovate not only in technology, but also in affordability and inclusion. Governments need to act decisively, securing better deals and investing in policies that promote equitable digital access.
About the author
Hilman Palaon
Dr Hilman Palaon is a Research Fellow at the Lowy Institute’s Indo-Pacific Development Centre. His work focuses on digital economy issues in the Indo-Pacific region, including financial inclusion, economic empowerment, and technology innovation.
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