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 cuan_knaggs on 2025-01-29 at 10:44

@JohnBarentine it also supports a fascist and isn't a technically viable alternative for broad use

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Written by Dr. John Barentine FRAS on 2025-01-30 at 16:10

@mensrea I think at least the economics of broadband from space don't make sense in large cities, where terrestrial options like 5G or fiber will yield much higher network speeds. So instead we're talking about people in more rural areas. The market isn't there to sustain a project I recall reading was projected to cost USD 10 billion over its lifetime. So instead, the company will make its money selling broadband to enterprises and militaries -- not poor people.

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Toot

Written by cuan_knaggs on 2025-01-30 at 16:24

@JohnBarentine yeah, there's no-one here that needs it that would be able to afford it

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Descendants