Connectivity in the Metaverse: Digital Divide and the Advent of Satellite Mega-Constellations

The evolution of the Internet has transformed the world, representing a continuously expanding revolution driven by technological and infrastructural developments. With the advent of Web 4.0, both new opportunities and challenges have progressively emerged. One of the most promising technologies of this novel era is the metaverse, which holds enormous potential, particularly in the fields of education and medicine. However, such an evolution risks exacerbating social problems and discrimination, as the increasing reliance on advanced technologies for fundamental, daily tasks can intensify the current digital divide. This phenomenon occurs when people lack access to necessary technologies due to economic, social, or geographical barriers. The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of “digital divide” in relation to the metaverse and explore potential future-proof solutions offered by the integration of large constellations of satellites, commonly referred to as “mega-constellations,” in the Internet infrastructure to contribute to bridging the digital divide.