What opportunities or threats do internet service providers face in 2022

From high-resolution graphics to virtual reality platforms, internet consumers are invested heavily in high-tech, immersive media. According to data, bandwidth consumption is skyrocketing as the internet takes charge of multiple aspects. Internet providers need to understand that broadband demands will only increase as time progresses.

Bandwidth requirements may scope beyond the limitations of cable internet. The providers that will be quickest to evolve will prosper, while others who will fail to stay ahead of the curb will suffer.

The transition to satellite internet

Currently, most of the data comes from underground cables. Unfortunately, a huge population of the world does not have access to cables that provide broadband. This is one reason why satellites could change the entire framework and infrastructure of the internet. Satellites that hover into orbit can compete with underground cables that give you access to Verizon, Comcast, Charter, and other i services.

Low orbit satellites such as CubeSat hover closer to the planet. This allows them to provide faster speeds of the internet such as 5G with lower latency. This offers satellite services a competitive edge against cable networks.

However, lower orbiting satellites cover less ground and so they do not provide wider coverage. To get decent coverage using smaller satellites, you need to launch a larger number of satellites into orbit, which for now, is a pricey endeavor. This is not to say that they are not attracting investment.

With newer innovations in satellites, companies can provide internet where current broadband cable infrastructure cannot reach. When it comes to the prospects of the satellite industry, giants such as Amazon have hinted at plans to launch an entire fleet of satellites to make internet access available for the entire planet. On the other hand, SpaceX has already launched many satellites to accomplish this goal.

As the impacts of global warming begin to worsen, it is not too long that governments will start mandating greener alternatives. After the Covid19 catastrophe, companies are starting to make promises and initiatives of reducing carbon footprints to net zero.

Net-zero essentially refers to not producing carbon in excess. In other words, it means not emitting any more carbon into the atmosphere than you are taking in. Climate scientists have put out alarming data which makes net zero a priority for the entire world by 2050 to avoid the worst consequences of climate change.

Broadband companies have a part to play in this goal. The internet relies heavily on data centers and network communications. Data centers are like the factories of the digital world. Like all factories, they require a significant amount of electricity. This is partly due to the cooling requirements of data centers that produce plenty of heat when processing data.

These energy consumption requirements of the internet are projected to grow, but the internet has the potential to be green. Some tech companies like Google are working towards making data centers and internet infrastructures more energy efficient.

At the same time, many providers have sidelined their goals towards carbon neutrality. The internet providers that take strides towards reducing excessive fossil fuel consumption will have an edge over the others in 2022.

Covid19 has had an enormous impact on business. The future of work is already undergoing drastic change. Transformation projects are accelerating and more people are now working from home. The pandemic has not caused but accelerated a transformation that was already underway.

People are now reliant on automation technologies that help enable them to work efficiently in the modern environment. Internet providers have to realize that automation technology will be a priority in the coming year and they need to incorporate it into their operations and become early adopters.

There are many emergent threats and opportunities in the internet provider industry. Companies must anticipate them before they come to fruition and respond accordingly. In the age of transformation and innovation, providers must be ready to change and adapt.