Today, we’re thrilled to sit down with Tae Oh, a visionary in the realm of blockchain technology and decentralized infrastructure. As the founder of Spacecoin, Tae is pioneering efforts to bridge the global digital divide through innovative Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. With a background that merges deep technical expertise and a passion for tackling systemic digital and financial exclusion, Tae has dedicated over a decade to creating solutions that empower underserved communities. In this conversation, we’ll explore the challenges of internet access for billions worldwide, the transformative potential of satellite technology, the hurdles of cost and control, and how decentralized models could redefine connectivity.
How would you describe the global digital divide, and why do you see it as such a critical issue in today’s world?
The global digital divide is the stark gap between those who have access to the internet and those who don’t—about 2.6 billion people, or a third of the world’s population, remain offline. It’s a critical issue because the internet is no longer just a tool; it’s a necessity for education, healthcare, jobs, and staying connected. Without it, entire communities are cut off from opportunities that others take for granted. Rural and low-income areas are hit hardest, often lacking basic infrastructure due to geographic or economic barriers. For these people, everyday challenges include missing out on online learning, struggling to access telemedicine, or being unable to apply for jobs that require digital skills. It’s a cycle that deepens inequality.
Why do you think traditional telecom companies often overlook rural and low-income regions when it comes to providing internet access?
Telecom companies are businesses, and their decisions often boil down to profit. Rural and low-income areas pose high costs for infrastructure deployment—think laying fiber cables across mountains or vast deserts—while offering low returns due to smaller, less dense populations. Geographic barriers and the sheer expense of building in remote places make it unattractive for them. This leaves communities stranded, unable to participate in the digital economy, and it widens the gap between urban and rural development. It’s not malice; it’s just a flawed system prioritizing short-term gains over long-term societal good.
What excites you most about Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites as a solution for connecting remote areas compared to traditional methods like fiber cables?
LEO satellites are a game-changer because they overcome the physical limitations of traditional infrastructure. Unlike fiber, which requires extensive ground networks and is impractical in remote or rugged areas, LEO satellites orbit closer to Earth—between 160 and 2,000 kilometers—offering lower latency and broader coverage. This means faster, more reliable internet even in places where cables can’t reach. The technology delivers a user experience that feels seamless, with latency as low as 25 milliseconds. It’s about bringing connectivity to the most isolated corners of the world, fundamentally changing how we think about access.
How have plummeting launch costs influenced the potential for satellite internet to address the digital divide?
The drop in launch costs—from $65,000 per kilogram to around $1,500, a 95% reduction—has been revolutionary. It’s made satellite deployment accessible to more players, not just governments or giant corporations. Cheaper costs, paired with innovations like reusable rockets, mean we can put more satellites into orbit faster and at a fraction of the historical expense. This democratization of space tech allows projects like ours to scale up and focus on underserved communities, turning what was once a pipe dream into a practical solution for global connectivity.
With satellite broadband growing so much faster than fiber, what do you think is driving this surge in adoption?
The numbers—52.5% year-over-year growth for satellite broadband versus just 7.4% for fiber—reflect a hunger for accessibility. Satellite internet reaches places fiber can’t, and it offers competitive speeds, typically between 50 and 150 Mbps, sometimes even hitting 200 Mbps. For many, especially in remote areas, it’s not just about speed; it’s about having any connection at all. People are jumping on board because it’s often their only viable option, and the improving quality of service makes it a real alternative to traditional networks. It’s meeting a desperate need.
Despite the promise of LEO satellites, cost remains a significant barrier. How does this affect low-income households, and what can be done to make services more affordable?
Cost is a massive hurdle. In the U.S., 56% of low-income families find $75 a month for broadband unaffordable, and the situation is often worse in developing countries where incomes are even lower. For many, satellite internet, while promising, remains out of reach. We need innovative pricing models—think subsidies, tiered plans, or community-shared access points—to lower the burden. Additionally, leveraging decentralized models can cut overheads by distributing infrastructure costs across communities rather than relying on top-down corporate systems. It’s about rethinking how we structure access.
Another concern with LEO networks is centralized control by private entities. Why do you think this poses a risk to communities?
When a single company or individual controls an LEO network, they hold all the power. They can decide who gets access and who doesn’t, or even shut down services in a region without warning. For communities, this creates vulnerability—imagine losing internet during a crisis because a corporate decision cuts you off. It erodes trust and leaves users as passive consumers rather than active participants. True inclusion means giving people a say in their connectivity, not just handing them a service that can be yanked away.
How do you see decentralized physical infrastructure networks, or DePIN, changing the game for internet access in underserved areas?
DePIN flips the traditional model on its head. Instead of a single entity owning and operating infrastructure, communities build and own their networks using blockchain to coordinate contributions and distribute rewards. Imagine a rural village setting up ground stations linked to LEO satellites, with locals funding or maintaining the system and earning tokens for their role. It’s not just access; it’s ownership and economic participation. DePIN can make connectivity affordable and autonomous, empowering communities to control their digital future rather than depend on distant corporations.
What’s your forecast for the future of decentralized satellite networks in closing the digital divide over the next decade?
I’m optimistic but realistic. Over the next decade, I believe decentralized satellite networks, powered by models like DePIN, will play a pivotal role in closing the digital divide. As launch costs continue to drop and blockchain tech matures, we’ll see more community-driven projects emerge, especially in regions traditional telecoms have ignored. The potential to connect billions is there, but it hinges on solving affordability and ensuring equitable access. If we can balance innovation with inclusion—making sure these networks truly serve the underserved—we could see a world where internet access is as universal as clean water should be. It’s a tall order, but the technology and momentum are on our side.