Are we crossing the LEO chasm? Four factors that will…

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Are we crossing the LEO chasm? Four factors that will determine LEO satcom's mainstream future

Posted on 31 Mar 2025 in Blog

By Ashley Neale, Head of Space & Wireless Operations

Ever seen a potentially game-changing technology fizzle out before reaching mainstream adoption? Remember Google Glass? The Segway? 3D TVs?

LEO satellite communications is growing at an impressive 12-15% annually, with over four million connected terminals globally and more than 200,000 in Australia. However, rapid growth doesn't guarantee long-term success.

The chasm that swallows promising tech

Geoffrey Moore's "Crossing the Chasm" model explains why some technologies go mainstream while others fail.

LEO satcom has already won over early adopters – visionaries and tech-savvy businesses willing to try bleeding-edge technology.

But for LEO to become fundamental to Australia's connectivity, it must convince the early majority – businesses and government agencies that demand proven performance before committing. This is where many promising technologies stumble and fall.

Vocus is confident that Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite technology will successfully transition from early adopters to mainstream acceptance. However, a gap seems to be emerging: very few companies selling the tech are developing solutions that truly address the specific requirements of enterprise and government customers.

What should you be looking for?

To cross this critical adoption gap, LEO providers must deliver on four key requirements:

Stability and security above all else

For networks to carry critical infrastructure and national communications, security must be front of mind. Customers with rigorous IT policies are asking: How resilient is the network to cyber threats? What happens when things go wrong?

Reliability and professional service management matter

Enterprise customers expect more than speed – they need comprehensive Service Level Agreements, redundancy, and clear escalation paths. When a major mining operation, for example, depends on LEO satcom and experiences issues, they need expert support.

Consistency is critical for trust

The Peak-End Rule tells us people judge experiences based on their most intense moments and how they end.

For satcom, this means ensuring excellent execution during critical touchpoints: when buying, connecting for the first time, using the service, and getting help when needed.

Beyond connectivity: enabling advanced applications

LEO's true potential lies beyond basic internet access – it enables AI-driven analytics, cloud-based operations, and safety-critical applications. Agriculture already uses AI-powered soil analysis via satellite data. Mining companies monitor environmental risks in real time.

The pivot point is now

Five years ago, regional Australians had limited connectivity options. Fibre wasn't available in many places and existing satellite services suffered from the high latency associated with signals having to 36,000 kilometres out to space.

Today, LEO satcom is rewriting the rulebook. Customers see satellite as a viable alternative to fixed wireless or even terrestrial services. Latency is excellent, speed impressive, and pricing accessible.

We're at a turning point. The next five years will determine whether LEO becomes the backbone of Australia's regional communications or plateau as a niche technology.

My team at Vocus loves fielding the tough questions from customers about LEO satellite because our practice is in applying the disciplined support structures and service delivery needed for enterprise and government.

Ashley Neale, Head of Space & Wireless Operations, Vocus

Ash leads the company's satellite communications and private wireless network strategy. With over 15 years in the satellite industry, he specialises in connecting Australia's most remote and challenging environments.