Q: What is the Connect Everyone Coalition?
A: We’re a broad-based coalition of leaders who are committed to educating the public and policymakers on the important role of innovators in low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity and how this technology is delivering services that will help us live, work and communicate better.

Q: What are low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites?
A: Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites orbit in the closest orbital range to Earth. This makes LEO satellites easier, faster and cheaper to construct and launch, and able to communicate with less delay. Innovation in LEO satellites hold incredible promise for future technology including communications, agriculture, transportation, weather forecasting and disaster response.

About the Benefits of LEO Satellites

Q: How many people lack access to fast, affordable broadband?
A: The digital divide is unacceptable. Approximately 2.6 billion people around the world lack reliable access to broadband, including more than 24 million Americans (nearly 7 percent of the population). Many of these people live and work in areas where it is not geographically, demographically or economically feasible to extend existing terrestrial technologies.

Q: How will LEO satellites help bridge the digital divide and connect everyone?
A: LEO technologies will provide an additional option for fast, reliable broadband to people across the globe. By offering low-latency, scalable connectivity, LEO constellations can significantly improve broadband access for families, small businesses, schools, hospitals and first responders everywhere, helping to close the digital divide and elevate communities previously left unconnected. That includes people who live and work in rural communities, remote areas and other locations that may be geographically or economically difficult to reach.

By dramatically increasing fast, affordable broadband access, LEO satellites will help unlock further progress in areas from healthcare to education to agriculture and food security, strengthen economic development and increase human connection.

Q: Will LEO satellites benefit people and communities that already have broadband access?
A: Where other broadband services are typically available, LEO technologies can preserve connectivity when other systems may fail, such as during some natural disasters or other emergencies. They will also inject more opportunity into specific use cases where consumers’ options have been very limited, such as in-flight and maritime internet. And LEO satellites will benefit consumers by expanding choice in broadband markets, leading to faster speeds and lower prices, increased access to critical healthcare and educational resources and technologic advancements.

Q: Who can access LEO broadband?
A: Because LEO systems are less reliant on terrestrial infrastructure, anyone on the planet with the right terminal – a small receiver about the size of a plate – and the ability to power it can connect to satellite broadband.

Q: How expensive is LEO broadband?
A: Just like with other internet services, prices will vary by provider. But as the cost of production and deployment of this cutting-edge technology continues to scale, LEO satellites will be an increasingly affordable option for homes, schools and businesses of all industries – unlocking a cascade of socioeconomic growth and development.

Q: Is LEO broadband reliable?
A: No form of satellite internet can be totally unaffected by weather conditions. But because of their low altitude, LEO satellites are far less vulnerable than higher-orbiting geosynchronous satellites to environmental interruptions such as solar flares. Compared to other forms of satellite internet, LEO constellations contain a larger number of smaller satellites that orbit Earth more quickly and closely, significantly reducing the odds of interruptions and signal blockages.

Q: How are LEO operators ensuring space safety and sustainability?
A: The LEO satellite industry is committed and grounded in maintaining the long-term use of space through sustainability and strong stewardship of the environment, both on Earth and in space. LEO satellite communications providers and space situational awareness (SSA) companies are raising the bar and pioneering new practices to limit reflectivity and prevent collisions. The safety of these systems is of key importance, and providers such as Slingshot, Kayhan Space and LeoLabs are providing capabilities to track and monitor the activity of LEO satellites.

Q: Does the Coalition take sides among different LEO providers?
A: Our mission is to champion the entire LEO satellite sector and providers around the world to support LEO technologies’ integral role in the all-of-the-above strategy that is required to bridge the digital divide.

Q: Is the Connect Everyone Coalition party affiliated?
A: No. The Coalition may take positions on LEO-related policy, but we are not aligned or affiliated with any political party. We believe that using exciting new technology to bridge the digital divide is a mission that can unite everyone.

Q: Where does the Connect Everyone Coalition receive its funding from?
A: Like many other coalitions, CEC is supported by a variety of aligned stakeholders, including Amazon, all committed to eliminating the digital divide and expanding connectivity options for unserved and underserved communities, especially by recognizing the transformative power of LEO satellites.

Q: Can LEO providers participate in BEAD?
A: The Connect Everyone Coalition supports technology neutrality for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment Program. We believe LEO technologies play a key role in achieving 100 percent connectivity.

Q: Does the coalition support worldwide LEO initiatives?
A: Our mission is to make reliable, affordable broadband available across the globe. We support connectivity projects and partnerships internationally and seek to work with providers around the world to ensure sustainability and stewardship — because we all share the Earth, the sky and LEO satellite space.

Q: Who can be a member?
A: Our coalition is open to providers and all stakeholders who support global connectivity — education advocates, academic groups, first responders, healthcare professionals and beyond. Everyone benefits from fast, affordable broadband.