Scientists tout laser broadband
14th May 2008
With satellite broadband usually delivering slow speeds, scientists have suggested that the future of satellite services could see lasers deliver broadband.
Researchers at Swedish firm Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have explained that because existing satellites communicate via radio waves, data cannot be transmitted reliably enough to make satellite broadband a competitive high-speed option.
Using two test satellites, the group set about transmitting data via lasers and have reported a 100-fold increase in the amount of information that can be transported when compared with radio signals.
Researchers explain: "Data whizzed back and forth at the speed of light between German satellite TerraSAR-X and US satellite NFIRE, covering more than 5000km in space without any errors."
The experiment has led Guardian commentator Bobbie Johnson to suggest that in the future, laser broadband satellite services could become a more viable solution for the increasing number of people living in remote areas who are using satellites to connect to the internet.
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