Interesting Idea
Internet Access for Everyone?
Every now and then you come across an idea that is so incredible and so improbable that it just might work. Access to information is the main theme for GMF. We took the position that if we could really get a lot of low cost computers into hands of people that the Internet access in those countries would catch up.
Just imagine what it would be like if all of a sudden the entire world had basic access to Internet? It is the dream of a young man that came to Victoria to discuss the idea with me. At first this seems like a pleasant pipedream, but the idea keeps coming back and back.
The economic advantage to a system that everyone had basic access to would be phenomenal, but is it really possible? If the world decided that this was a goal that needed to be net, the answer is yes.
The open source model for development makes it possible to develop an open-source satellite design to be created and peer reviewed by real experts. A low orbit ring of satellites dedicated to internet communications could be developed, launched and deployed for a relatively low cost. The reason that it could be low cost is that the technology is not cutting edge and can be sourced mainly from existing technologies.
Why open source? Open source design would allow for not only a low initial cost of development but would allow almost any organization to help maintain the system and build replacements when necessary.
We envisioned the satellites would be quite small and many in number. This would allow for easy transportation and placement and also built in redundancy should failure occur.
Imagine what the global economic impact would be if millions of people could get basic access to information? Imagine what it would do to companies like search engine companies, advertizing companies and communications companies?
The more I think about this improbable idea, the more convinced I am that it is the twin sister of our own project to get computers into the hands of as many people as possible. We know that access to information is the cornerstone of real commitment to end poverty.
If you would like to know more or get in touch with this project, let me know and I will help you get connected.