This publication from the Asian Development Bank explores the potential of low-Earth orbit satellites to enhance global digital connectivity and benefit developing Asia, particularly its more remote areas.
Satellite communication plays a key role in connecting rural and remote populations.
This publication from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) explores the potential of low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to enhance global digital connectivity and benefit developing Asia, particularly its more remote areas.
ADB’s developing member countries are well placed to benefit, especially small island developing states and landlocked developing countries.
With their global reach and coverage, LEO constellations—a collection or network of satellites numbering hundreds to thousands—are expected to dramatically expand the availability of high-speed broadband internet with levels of service that rival fiber optic cables in terms of speed and latency, and at significantly reduced price levels compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
Contents
- Introduction
- Background: Satellite Connectivity as a Means for Broadband Internet
- Innovation in Low-Earth Orbit Satellite Constellations
- In Focus: Starlink's Deployment, Differentiation, and Viability
- Opportunities and Barriers to Leveraging Low-Earth Orbit Satellites in Developing Member Countries
- Recommendations: What Developing Member Countries Can Do to Leverage the Opportunity Presented by Low-Earth Orbit Satellites
Published April 2021.
