Satellite internet is poised to revolutionize the growth of artificial intelligence, enabling constant connectivity and empowering IoT devices with a vast feast of information.
The Future of AI: How Satellite Internet Will Enable Its Growth
Connecting the Unconnected and Empowering IoT Devices
Starlink is a satellite internet constellation project developed by SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk.
The system aims to provide fast and reliable internet connectivity globally, especially in areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
With thousands of low-Earth orbit satellites, Starlink offers speeds up to 1 Gbps and latency as low as '20 ms'.
The service is available for both residential and commercial use, with a phased rollout plan.
As of 2022, Starlink has already launched numerous satellites and started providing internet services in several countries.
IoT devices, also known as Internet of Things devices, are electronic devices that can connect to the internet and collect or transmit data.
These devices have become increasingly popular in recent years, with over 22 billion devices expected to be connected by 2025.
Smart home devices, such as thermostats and security cameras, are among the most common types of IoT devices.
They can be controlled remotely using smartphones or voice assistants, making it easier for people to manage their homes and daily lives.
The proliferation of artificial intelligence (AI) is on the cusp of a significant boost thanks to satellite internet. As the AI industry continues to push for a connected world, satellite technology is poised to play a crucial role in enabling this vision.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a subject of interest for decades, with its roots dating back to the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on Artificial Intelligence in 1956.
Since then, AI has made significant progress, from rule-based systems to machine learning algorithms and deep learning techniques.
Today, AI is applied in various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and education.
According to a report by Gartner, AI-generated content will grow 10 times faster than human-generated content by 2025.
The Need for Constant Connectivity
For AI agents to be truly effective, they need to be connected all the time. This requires an always-on internet connection, which can only be achieved with the widespread adoption of satellite internet. According to Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, ‘We’re still very much dependent on the cloud because things are changing so fast.‘ Satellite internet provides a direct connection that is essential for AI models to stay updated and effective.
The Impact of Satellite Internet on IoT Devices
The growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is another area where satellite internet will make a significant impact. IoT devices, such as free-roaming robot vacuums and security cameras, will no longer struggle to stay connected while transferring data. This will enable more IoT devices to feed back into AI, providing a massive feast of information that can be used to make better decisions.
The Role of Starlink in Satellite Internet Expansion
Starlink, the satellite internet provider backed by Elon Musk, is at the forefront of this technological advancement. With over 4.5 million subscribers worldwide, it has already demonstrated its ability to provide reliable and fast internet services to remote areas. Starlink’s internet service is also being used by various organizations, including the US military and corporations like United Airlines.
The Rise of Global Constellations
The expansion of satellite internet is not limited to individual providers. Several companies, including Amazon’s Project Kuiper, Google‘s Taara, and Chinese firms, are launching their own global constellations. These constellations will provide broadband internet services to millions of people worldwide, bridging the digital divide.
The Importance of Interoperability
As more devices become connected to satellite networks, interoperability becomes crucial. Devices need to be able to communicate seamlessly with each other, regardless of the satellite system they are part of. Ian Christensen, senior director of private sector programs at the Secure World Foundation, emphasizes that ‘devices are already interoperable in that way.‘
Sustainability Concerns and Future Directions
However, there are concerns about the sustainability of satellite operations. The advocacy group PIRG has called for a comprehensive environmental review to assess the effects of launching thousands of satellites into orbit. Additionally, satellite internet is typically slower than fiber-based broadband, which may become an issue as the number of connected devices grows.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite these challenges, the future of AI and satellite internet looks promising. As Anshel Sag notes, ‘Fundamentally, I think it will become standardized that all phones have satellite connectivity.‘ With the value of saving a life being literally priceless, the need for constant connectivity will drive the adoption of satellite internet.
- wired.com | Satellite Internet Will Enable AI in Everything
