20 February 2025

The future of satellite internet and why it’s crucial to businesses

Alex Hillier

Alex Hillier

Networks and Connectivity Product Manager

Satellites, such as LEO satellite services, represent a new era for business communication

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite services are ushering in a new era of connectivity, delivering faster speeds and wider coverage than ever before. Operating through a network of small satellites placed significantly closer to Earth than traditional geostationary satellites, this proximity reduces latency and enables more responsive internet services. What was once a niche technology, has now become an essential pillar of the modern digital landscape, reshaping how we connect and do business globally.  

Satellite technology has undergone a remarkable transformation since its origins. From the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, to today’s cutting-edge satellite constellations, the journey has redefined how we connect and communicate. At the forefront of this evolution are low earth orbit (LEO) satellites—satellites that orbit much closer to Earth than traditional Geostationary (GEO) satellites.

This proximity gives LEO satellites a significant edge: they offer faster speeds, lower latency, and the ability to connect even the most remote areas. While they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution, satellite-based connectivity is reshaping the future of business communication.

What are LEO satellites, and why do they matter?

LEO satellites orbit at altitudes below 2,000 km (about 1,243 miles), compared to GEO satellites, which are positioned 35,786 km above Earth. This closer orbit reduces the delay in data latency, making satellite connectivity suitable for tasks like video conferencing, cloud collaboration, and real-time applications.

However, it’s important to note that satellite-based connectivity isn’t suitable everywhere. In rural areas or locations with clear visibility of the sky, it’s highly effective. But in urban areas with dense high-rise buildings, and limited visibility of the sky, signal can be obstructed making it less reliable. As a result, satellite connectivity is often best suited as a complementary solution or where traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Benefits of satellite connectivity for businesses

Satellite-based connectivity brings unique advantages that help businesses adapt to the challenges of a hyper-connected world:

  1. Faster speeds & lower latency: LEO satellite services deliver high-speed, low-latency connections, enabling businesses to run digital applications like cloud services and video calls seamlessly.
  2. Unmatched reliability: Unlike traditional  services, satellite connectivity provides a reliable service in remote or rural areas where conventional infrastructure often fails.
  3. Flexibility & scalability: Satellite services are easy to deploy and can scale with your business, allowing for quick setup and expanded coverage as your needs grow.
  4. Business continuity: With no reliance on outdated infrastructure, LEO satellite connectivity ensure that your business stays connected, even during power outages or peak usage times.
  5. Future-proofing: Satellite technology supports long-term growth and aligns with the increasing demand for digital solutions, helping businesses stay ahead in a sustainable, evolving digital landscape.

Empower remote workers with seamless connectivity

Satellite services provide reliable, high-speed connectivity which is a game-changer for businesses looking to expand their remote operations. By providing uninterrupted access to fast internet no matter the location, LEO satellites ensure teams stay productive and connected, whether they’re in city offices, rural homes, or remote workspaces abroad. This ability to work anywhere is not just a perk—it’s a powerful tool for employee retention.

For many workers, flexibility is a top priority—often more important than pay raises. Incredibly, IWG research shows that 72% of office workers would prefer long-term flexibility over where they work from, to extra money.

By upgrading to digital lines and leveraging LEO satellites’s connectivity, businesses can offer employees the flexibility they crave, making hybrid work easier and more effective.

And this ability to connect anyone, anywhere, not only helps retain top talent but also opens the door to a global talent pool, enabling you to hire the best candidates regardless of location.

With LEO satellite services, hybrid working is no longer a challenge—it’s a highly efficient opportunity.

Keep your business switched on, no matter what

For businesses that rely on continuous operations, having satellite connectivity can mean the difference between staying online and facing costly downtime.

Companies already utilising satellite connectivity have a resilient internet connection that kicks in during outages, especially in areas prone to natural disasters or lacking reliable infrastructure. While a business without this type of service would be left scrambling for alternatives during service disruptions, risking delays, lost revenue, and diminished customer trust, those with LEO satellite services can maintain operations seamlessly. In remote locations, where terrestrial connections may be unavailable or unreliable, satellite connectivity ensure that businesses stay connected, even when traditional networks fail, offering peace of mind and business continuity in the face of uncertainty.

LEO satellites ensure that businesses stay connected, even when traditional networks fail, offering peace of mind and business continuity in the face of uncertainty.

With LEO satellite connectivity, enjoy greater flexibility and scalability

Whether enabling remote work, supporting IoT devices, or ensuring seamless communication across global teams, LEO satellite services offer the flexibility and speed required to adapt to new technologies and business models. Their ability to scale effortlessly means businesses can grow without worrying about outgrowing their internet infrastructure. By overcoming connectivity challenges, especially in underserved or rural areas, LEO satellites empower companies to innovate, reach new markets, and future-proof their operations.

LEO satellites offer the flexibility and speed required to adapt to new technologies and business models

Claranet’s unique role in adopting LEO satellite services

As one of only a few authorised resellers of The Clarus Networks Group (Clarus) —one of only 20 globally—Claranet is in a unique position to provide businesses with direct access to this revolutionary satellite internet technology, helping you get the connectivity, reliability and flexibility you need.

Whether you’re in a remote area or a growing hybrid workforce, Claranet is here to bring LEO satellites’s reliable, high-speed internet to your business

Our exclusive partnership with Clarus, the only Tier 1 authorised reseller of this type of LEO satellite services in the UK, allows us to offer a tailored approach, ensuring businesses benefit from cutting- edge connectivity that meets their specific needs. Whether you’re in a remote area or are a growing hybrid workforce, Claranet is here to bring satellite connection; reliable, high-speed internet to your business, enabling greater productivity and seamless remote operations.

Preparing for the PSTN switch-off

The 2027 PSTN switch-off is a turning point for businesses. With landline systems becoming obsolete, satellite-based connectivity provides a forward-thinking alternative to keep businesses connected, no matter the circumstances.

While it may not be the perfect fit for every location, satellite connectivity enables extended reach to maintain operations and access the digital tools they need to thrive.

Don’t wait for the switch-off to disrupt your operations. Contact Claranet today to explore how satellite connectivity can future-proof your business.