Imagine a world where there is free wi-fi (yes, one hundred percent free) wherever you go. You can be in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, out on the northern tundras of Russia, or even in the company of a Nigerian prince and still be connected to the web. This sounds too good to be true, right? Believe it or not, this wishful thinking may soon become a reality thanks to a project called Outernet.
Project Outernet aims to provide internet access to the entire world. Even to the North Koreans. Backers of the project say that the wealth of knowledge available on the internet is a human right; I agree with that statement. The internet is such a useful tool for, well, everything. Can’t afford a college education? You can learn from the internet. Want to learn a new hobby or skill? You can learn from the internet. If the information on the internet was made readily available to anyone who wanted it, I believe the world would be a vastly different place for the better.
Why is it, that right now, only the people in first world countries can access an unrestricted internet while the people in second and third world countries (and arguable the people who need the internet the most) have severely censored web access or no web access at all? Project Outernet hopes to change that. Peter Whitehead, president of the Media Development Investment Fund and Outernet’s backer says “We exist to support the flow of independent news, information, and debate that people need to build free, thriving societies. It enables fuller participation in public life, holds the powerful to account and protects the rights of the individual.” To create the so called “Outernet” project designers plan to “launch hundreds of tiny satellites—known as CubeSats”— into outer space.
CubeSats will be launched into space to create the “Outernet”
Within the next year, Outernet plans to have twenty-four or so CubeSats in space to begin initial testing. Now, “the satellites won’t be providing conventional Internet right away. They’ll initially be used for one-way communication to provide services like emergency updates, news, crop prices, and educational programs. Users will help determine what content is offered.” It will probably be at least five years before the “regular” internet is available on the Outernet system.
Now you’re probably thinking,”This sounds extremely expensive. Who is going to pay for this and how are they going to pay for this?” You’re correct in thinking that this project is expensive; the cost to launch one (just one) satellite into space can range anywhere from one hundred thousand dollars to three hundred thousand dollars. Multiply that by a few hundred satellites and you’re looking at more money than I will ever hope to have. The final cost of the program is estimated to be around twelve billion dollars. In order to fund this project, the Outernet team is accepting any and all donations. They are also helping NASA test their technology on the International Space Station.
I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of not having internet when I’m lost and I really need to access google maps to get directions or when you have to pay for internet at airports and hotels. So despite the huge cost and long waiting time, I’m looking forward to the Outernet.
http://www.nationaljournal.com/tech/coming-soon-free-internet-from-space-20140220
This sounds awesome! I really agree that it would make the world a better place! Even for non-educational purposes such as being able to access social media at any point on the globe would be awesome. Or soldiers who serve our country being able to access Skype or Facebook from overseas to communicate with family and friends would be amazing. And giving the opportunity for people to use this for education would definitely make the world a better place.
This would be great! Where I live we can’t get wifi so I have to drive into town to check emails and work on homework and stuff. This would be a total game changer, both for me and for people in 3rd world countries. And the fact that it would be free is even better. The cost is insane though, and for that reason I am kinda hesitant to get my hopes up because it seems like some a stretch to raise the money to accomplish the task.
This is an excellent idea. I think we should not really be complaining about our internet because its good to be able to get away from the world and be truly isolated for a while, so its nice to not have wifi, but for countries where it can provide education and information to citizens without access, it would be so helpful. I can’t even begin to imagine the changes in North Korea. By the way, remember to tag