Mobile Internet from the Heavens

TL;DR

This paper proposes a space-based internet system using thousands of low-cost LEO satellites to provide high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to the underserved global population.

Contribution

It introduces a novel satellite constellation design capable of delivering Zetabyte-scale monthly data capacity with Terabit/s data rates and low latency.

Findings

Potential to serve 5 billion users worldwide

Achieves data rates of Terabit/s per satellite

Provides latency comparable to ground-based systems

Abstract

Almost two-thirds of the humankind currently does not have access to the Internet, wired or wireless. We present a Space Internet proposal capable of providing Zetabyte/ month capacity which is equivalent to 200GB/month for 5 Billion users Worldwide. Our proposal is based on deploying thousands of low-cost micro-satellites in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO), each capable of providing Terabit/s data rates with signal latencies better than or equal to ground based systems.