High-speed, stable Internet on the high seas, above the clouds, and in the most remote corners of the planet – what once sounded like science fiction is fast becoming reality thanks to modern technology. Ever more satellites are orbiting Earth, delivering high-bandwidth connections and closing coverage gaps – without the need for fiber-optic cables or cell towers. As digital infrastructure continues to evolve, the next big leap is clear: unlocking space to enable truly global connectivity.
And the German public is ready to take that leap. According to a recent representative YouGov survey commissioned by DE-CIX, 70% of Germans would use satellite Internet – if it were stable and available everywhere. The first international providers are already online, and more are preparing to launch their own constellations. Among them is IRIS², the European Union’s own planned satellite network. The survey also reveals that while more than half of Germans (58%) are familiar with satellite-based Internet, only 5% currently use it. Another 9% are planning to use it in the future. With new initiatives from infrastructure providers, the potential is clearly growing.
DE-CIX strengthens the Internet from Orbit
With Space-IX, DE-CIX is taking its 30 years of interconnection expertise into orbit. The mission: to directly interconnect satellite networks in low Earth orbit (LEO) with each other and with terrestrial networks – minimizing latency and maximizing performance. On Earth, Internet Exchanges (IXs) already serve as critical hubs where networks from different providers exchange data securely, quickly, and reliably. The most prominent example is DE-CIX Frankfurt, the largest Internet Exchange in Europe.
For modern applications, direct interconnection is key. It prevents data from being routed on long and winding paths through the public Internet, which can cause delays otherwise known as latency. Space-IX aims to bring this same functionality to space, laying the groundwork for latency-sensitive applications like AI, edge computing, and cloud services. Because when it comes to connectivity – on Earth or in orbit – latency is key. The shorter the path data has to travel, the faster AI applications can respond.
Rethinking Connectivity: First Steps Toward an Internet Exchange in Space
The journey has already begun. DE-CIX is actively integrating LEO satellite networks into existing terrestrial interconnection ecosystems, opening up new possibilities for broadband access, mobile backhaul, and edge connectivity. Going further, as part of the European Space Agency’s OFELIAS project, DE-CIX is working with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) towards developing new protocols, procedures, and algorithms for transmitting data between space and Earth via laser links. The goal: reliable optical satellite communication that seamlessly connects with terrestrial infrastructure. It’s a major milestone on the path towards building the first Internet Exchange in space.
Excitement Meets Concern
While Germans see the promise of space-based Internet, they also have concerns. 45% worry about high usage costs. 39% are concerned about space debris and environmental impact. 35% fear becoming too dependent on international providers, and 33% cite data security risks. For the German public, the technology must not only be fast and reliable – it must also be sustainable, transparent, and sovereign.
The German government plans to invest €35 billion in satellites, ground stations, and launch vehicles by 2030. That appears to be a welcome move, as nearly half of respondents are concerned that Germany and Europe could fall behind in the global race for space technologies. It’s no surprise, then, that 39% support these investments, while only 16% oppose them. Clearly, people in Germany want to see sovereignty and innovation strengthened – both at home and across Europe.
The Future of Connectivity Is Among the Stars
Satellite Internet is set to play an increasingly vital role in global connectivity, and DE-CIX is delivering the technology to make that vision a reality. As the world’s leading operator of Internet Exchanges, DE-CIX is building a powerful, resilient, and sustainable digital infrastructure that extends into space.
One thing is certain: the future of connectivity lies beyond the stratosphere.