It’s easy to assume everyone’s online these days. Scrolling through social media, you’d think the whole world is connected. But that’s just not the case. Not even close. About 2.6 billion people—roughly a third of the global population—still don’t have internet access. For them, going online isn’t a given. It’s a barrier.
Traditional telecom companies often talk a big game about connectivity. But the reality on the ground, especially in rural or low-income areas, tells a different story. Laying cables is expensive. The return on investment in these regions is low, so many providers simply don’t bother. That leaves entire communities stuck in a digital dead zone.
A New Approach from Above
Maybe the answer isn’t on the ground at all. In recent years, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites have emerged as a practical alternative. They orbit much closer to Earth than traditional satellites, which means faster signals and wider coverage—especially in places where laying fiber just isn’t feasible.
The best part? Launching them isn’t the exclusive domain of governments anymore. Costs have plummeted. We’re talking a 95% drop in some cases. That’s opened the door for more players, and the number of active satellites is growing fast.
Adoption is following suit. Satellite broadband subscriptions are growing at over 50% year-over-year. That massively outpaces traditional fiber growth. People are signing up because it works—speeds are decent, latency is low, and most importantly, it reaches where other networks can’t.
The Hurdles That Remain
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Cost is still a huge problem. For many households, even a $75 monthly bill is too much. In lower-income countries, that figure is completely out of reach. So while the technology is there, the pricing often isn’t.
Then there’s the issue of control. Right now, most satellite networks are run by big corporations. That means one company decides who gets service, at what price, and under what terms. If they pull out, communities are left with nothing. What good is access if it’s not in your hands?
Could Community Ownership Be the Answer?
This is where a different model comes in. It’s called DePIN—decentralized physical infrastructure networks. The idea is pretty straightforward: instead of one company owning everything, communities build and operate their own networks using blockchain for coordination and fairness.
Think about a remote village. They could set up a ground station linked to open-source satellites. The locals own it, maintain it, and share in the revenue it generates. It’s not just about getting online; it’s about owning the means to get online.
This shift from consumer to owner changes everything. It turns connectivity from a monthly bill into a source of income. And it puts power back where it belongs—with the people who actually use the network.
We have the tech. We have the need. The question now is whether we’ll choose a centralized path that leaves many behind, or something more open, more fair. Something that actually connects everyone.
