Internet Access: A New Basic Necessity
Internet access is now considered a basic necessity, but 2.6 billion people remain offline.Customary telecoms fail too reach rural and low-income areas,leaving a meaningful digital divide.
Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites offer a promising solution.Orbiting between 160 km and 2,000 km, they provide fast, low-latency internet where cables can’t. Launch costs have dropped by 95%, making satellites more accessible. As of 2024, 4 to 5 million people use satellite-based internet, with a 52.5% year-over-year growth in satellite broadband.
Despite these advancements, high costs and centralized control hinder mass adoption. Many low-income households find monthly broadband fees unaffordable. Additionally, private companies control most LEO networks, limiting user autonomy.
Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (DePIN) could change this.Using blockchain, communities can build, own, and operate their own networks.This model empowers users, offering ownership and economic participation. Such as, a rural community could deploy ground stations connected to open-source LEO satellites, tailored to local needs.
DePIN combines the reach of LEO satellites with community ownership, aiming to eliminate the digital divide. As internet access becomes crucial for education, healthcare, and social connection, decentralized satellite networks offer a path forward. They ensure affordable access for underserved communities, transforming them from passive consumers to active participants.
