Ancestors

Written by Dr. John Barentine FRAS on 2025-01-28 at 22:35

A reminder that broadband-from-space isn't about bridging the global digital divide or serving poor people. It's just another for-profit enterprise that seeks to exploit a public commons for private gain.

"#Starlink has refused to comply with the country’s BEE (Black Economic Empowerment) – 30 per cent ownership to local historically disadvantaged people."

https://technext24.com/2025/01/28/starlink-south-africa-waive-bee-policy/

[#]Space #SouthAfrica

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Written by Portablejim on 2025-01-29 at 03:04

@JohnBarentine Broadband from space can be about bridging the digital divide. See services like "Sky Muster" run as part of Australia's National Broadband Network. https://www.nbnco.com.au/learn/network-technology/sky-muster-explained

However, with country-specific solutions, it typically involves satellites at geostationary orbits (0.25 light seconds away).

[#]space

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Toot

Written by Dr. John Barentine FRAS on 2025-01-29 at 04:54

@portablejim "Can be" — absolutely. And I want to be clear that I am in no way opposed to the world gaining access to the Internet this way.

But is it "likely to be"? I doubt it. At least not as long as there is profit motive behind it.

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Descendants