Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites are transforming global connectivity with their unique ability to provide extensive coverage, even in the most remote areas. Positioned significantly closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, LEO satellites offer reduced latency, making them ideal for real-time communication services such as voice and video calls. This new technology begs the question: are LEO satellites just mobile networks in the sky? This article explores the functionalities of LEO satellites, compares them to terrestrial mobile networks, and discusses their applications and limitations, particularly in the context of regional and remote Australia. 

 

Understanding LEO Satellites 

Functionality and Advantages 

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, orbiting at altitudes of approximately 500 to 2,000 kilometres above Earth, offer some advantages over traditional, higher-orbit satellites. Their proximity to the planet reduces the time it takes for signals to travel, which significantly decreases latency and enhances the quality of real-time communication applications such as video conferencing. 

LEO satellites are deployed in constellations, which are groups of satellites working together to provide comprehensive coverage. This ensures continuous global coverage, like how mobile phone towers operate for mobile networks but on a much larger scale. The key feature of LEO satellite constellations is their ability to provide connectivity to remote and rural areas where laying fibre cables or establishing towers is not viable. 

Comparison with Traditional Mobile Networks 

LEO satellites and terrestrial mobile networks share a fundamental goal: to provide reliable connectivity. However, the methods and infrastructures they use to achieve this goal differ significantly. Mobile networks rely on a grid of towers to transmit signals over relatively short distances. This infrastructure works well in densely populated areas but becomes economically and logistically challenging in remote or rural regions of Australia. 

On the other hand, LEO satellites can cover these vast and sparsely populated areas more effectively. They function similarly to mobile phone towers but from space, transmitting signals from satellite to satellite until they reach the user. This method eliminates the need for extensive ground infrastructure, making it ideal for Australia’s expansive and remote landscapes.

 

Business and Enterprise Applications of LEO Satellites 

Remote Operations 

In industries like mining or oil and gas, where operations are often situated far from established infrastructures, LEO satellites offer reliable, rapid deployment communications solutions that bypass the geographical and logistical constraints faced by terrestrial networks. 

Agriculture in Extensive, Isolated Areas 

LEO satellites enable data-driven farming practices across extensive and isolated rural areas where laying fibre would be impractical. They support real-time monitoring and control systems for irrigation, pest management, and crop health monitoring, which are critical for maximising yields and reducing waste. 

Disaster Response and Recovery 

During natural disasters, when terrestrial networks might be damaged or completely knocked out, LEO satellites provide an essential alternative for maintaining communication. They ensure continuity of operations and coordination of relief efforts, proving indispensable for emergency services and aid organisations. 

Cost-Effectiveness in Expansive Coverage Areas 

Deploying full-fibre networks in sparsely populated or difficult-to-reach areas can be prohibitively expensive. LEO satellites, once the initial infrastructure is in place, offer a more cost-effective solution for widespread coverage without the need for extensive ground infrastructure. 

Despite these promising applications, LEO satellites are not without limitations. They cannot yet replace the high bandwidth and ultra-low latency provided by ground-based technologies like full-fibre networks or microwave links. Moreover, satellite signals can be affected by atmospheric conditions, which can degrade the service during adverse weather.

 

Limitations of LEO Satellites in Regional and Remote Australia 

While LEO satellites offer innovative connectivity solutions, they are not standalone replacements for established ground-based technologies. Just like you wouldn’t run your entire business operations on just a mobile data sim, LEO Satellite services are often best suited as complementary rather than primary communication solutions.

Weather Sensitivity 

LEO satellites are susceptible to interference from atmospheric conditions such as heavy rain or storms, which can disrupt signal continuity and reliability. This makes them less dependable during adverse weather conditions, a common scenario in many parts of Australia. 

Bandwidth Limitations 

Although improving, the bandwidth available via LEO satellites currently does not match the high-speed capabilities of full-fibre connections or the robustness of microwave links, which are capable of handling greater data loads necessary for some commercial applications. Especially for business that require offsite backups, uploading large data/files to the cloud, due to the poor asymmetric upload speeds offered by LEO satellite services. 

Latency Variability 

Despite the low-latency nature of LEO satellites, variability can occur due to the satellites’ movement relative to the Earth and the complex routing of signals through space. This can impact applications requiring ultra-reliable and consistent latency, such as real-time control systems. 

Limited Bandwidth and Data Throughput 

Compared to the high data throughput capabilities of full-fibre networks, LEO satellites currently offer lower bandwidth. This can restrict their use in applications requiring high-volume data transmission, such as some commercial and industrial operations. 

LEO satellites offer a promising complement to traditional network infrastructures, particularly in serving Australia’s vast and remote landscapes. However, for areas where reliability, high data throughput, and stability are paramount, integrating these satellite solutions with existing terrestrial technologies ensures a robust and resilient communications framework.  

Businesses and enterprises should view LEO satellites as part of a diversified approach to connectivity, leveraging the best of both satellite and ground-based technologies to meet their specific needs.

 

How does Starlink compare to MarchNet’s Fixed Wireless?

Our purpose-built, smarter wireless networks utilise a combination of Fixed Wireless and Fibre technologies paired with LEO Satellite services like Starlink and OneWeb to provide a highly resilient connection.

 

How MarchNet Can Help 

MarchNet is a licensed telecommunications carrier experienced in building smarter wireless networks. Our specialist team have significant experience in deploying, operating, and maintaining Satellite, LTE/5G, Fixed Wireless and Fibre networks.  

Speak to our team today and let us design you a highly resilient, future-proof network using a mix of these technologies. 

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1300 627 244
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