- Lack of broadband connectivity is a global problem, and there’s a startup trying to tackle it
- We found five startups that are doing some pretty cool things.
- Startup uses blockchain, lasers, satellites and more to provide broadband to the world
The digital divide is a global issue. The NCTA (Internet & Television Association) released a documentary last week called “Every Last Mile,” which aims to explain the challenges ISPs face building broadband in rural America, but we went a step further to look at which broadband and communications startups are tackling connectivity on a global scale.
Below are some of the companies we are watching.
Altea
Did you know that blockchain technology is being used to reinvent the way consumers pay for their internet bills? Launched in 2017, Althea is essentially a decentralized internet service that allows consumers to customize their network speeds and the amount they pay. It is also a machine-to-machine payment system, where transactions are automated through digital wallets and do not require human intervention. The Althea platform is used in 13 US states and four countries, including Ghana. Althea founder Deborah Simpier described it to Fierce as the “Linux of the internet” because the traditional internet model is not for everyone.
Astranis
SpaceX’s Starlink and Iridium are not the only global satellite broadband companies. Founded in 2015, Astranis operates geostationary (GEO) communications satellites and works with ISPs around the world to connect remote locations. Unlike low-earth orbit (LEO) satellites (used by Starlink and Iridium), GEO satellites operate at higher altitudes and fly slower.
Astranis recently announced partnerships with Mexico’s Apco Networks, the Philippines’ Orbits Corp., Thailand’s Thaicom and Argentina’s Orbith. The company’s long-term goal is to launch 100 satellites by 2030. Astranis has raised more than $500 million in total funding from a number of private equity investors, including BlackRock (AT&T’s PE partner in the Gigapower fiber joint venture), according to Tracxn.
Csquared
Africa’s broadband infrastructure landscape is growing thanks to CSquared Group, which first launched as a project within Google in 2011. Its mission is to build an open-access fiber optic network across the continent.
In 2017, CSquared brought in additional investors to help expand the business, including Convergence Partners Digital Infrastructure Fund, which invested $25 million in new funding in November of last year and also bought Google’s stake in CSquared.
Indeed, affordable internet is scarce in Africa: According to the Alliance for Affordable Internet, African residents pay an average of 8.8% of their monthly income for 1GB of data, more than consumers in Asia and Latin America pay. CSquared is currently present in six African countries: Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Liberia, Togo and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Super celestial body
Singapore-based Transcelestial has a futuristic approach to broadband. It has developed a device called CENTAURI that delivers high-speed internet via laser beams without the need to lay fiber-optic cables or license spectrum. Transcelestial raised $10 million in venture capital last year and has rolled out its “laser communications” across five Asian markets: Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore.
The company said it would also use the funding to “explore collaborations” with U.S. government, business and communications leaders in response to the BEAD program.
Interestingly, Singapore has some of the highest fixed broadband download speeds in the world, so we’re keeping a close eye on broadband developments there.
QTI
Quantum technology is an area of ​​increasing interest for telecommunications operators looking to strengthen the security of their networks, which is why we put the spotlight on Italian startup QTI. Founded in 2020, QTI’s flagship product is Quell-X, a QKD system that generates quantum security keys, allowing network operators to identify unwanted eavesdroppers on their communications links.
QTI says its quantum technology can be applied in areas such as domestic and cross-border communications backbones, airport and power grid infrastructure security, and defense communications infrastructure. The company is part of the QPIC 1550 project, an effort to create a universal Quantum Photonic Integrated Circuit (QPIC) platform.
Simply put, QPICS is an advanced circuit that combines quantum technology and photonics on a single chip. One of the project’s goals is to make the platform compatible with existing fiber optic networks, allowing quantum applications to be implemented in a cost-effective manner. While quantum is still in its early stages and has few practical applications, technology company Qubitekk has partnered with EPB to launch the first commercial quantum network in the United States.
Entries are now open for the Broadband Nation Awards. If you’d like to recognise outstanding achievements in broadband, be sure to register by the deadline of 18 July.
