Posted on 12/05/2010 4:16:35 PM PST by SunkenCiv
Increasing web connectivity in the developing world has been a focus of philanthropists, international bodies like the U.N., and individual states alike. But, like most grand visions, wiring entire countries for the Web is expensive. So how does a philanthropist sidestep the massive expense of building and launching a satellite that can beam Internet to remote regions of the world? You wait for a company to go bankrupt, then you buy their brand new communications satellite already in orbit on the cheap.
...A philanthropic group called Ahumanright.org (universal Internet is that human right) has launched a site called "Buy This Satellite" that aims to raise $150,000 to bid for Terrastar-1, a school-bus-sized satellite launched in 2008. Terrastar-1 is currently in orbital limbo, so to speak, after its owner filed for bankruptcy. The group will also invest in the development of an open source, low cost modem for use in the developing world.
...the group hopes to park the satellite over a developing country or countries -- Papua New Guinea, the site points out, has an open orbital slot and only 2.1 percent of its population is online -- and allow its citizens access to the Web for free...
However, the notion is both noble and ambitious, and we're all about nobility and ambition. If the money can be found, a project like this has the power to seriously affect change in places where connectivity is scarce (if it's available at all). Go to buythissatellite.org to do your part to purchase Terrastar-1. There might just be a T-shirt in it for you.
(Excerpt) Read more at popsci.com ...
So where are they gonna keep a laptop in their mud hut?
That coverage shows it’s over the US and Canada. Are these areas they’re talking about Detroit, Camden, and Chicago? (with no disrespect to those living there meant)
I don't disagree that this might do a lot of people good.
However, if something is a right, you cannot buy it with money. If you can buy it with money, it is a good.
Therefore, universal Internet is NOT a human right. It is a good.
It's fine to give away your own money, but giving away others' is THEFT, regardless of the goodness of the cause.
"Universal health care" is also NOT a right.
Nor is universal food, cars, apartments, or cell phones. All of which the government provides.
At a cost.
Do we have to buy porn passwords for them too?
Some people have more money than brains!
Other people try to con brainless people with money out of it
so how many future terrorists can be recruited here ?
Logical first step.
Next step:
Since God "forgot" to equip you for this universal human right, let us correct His error by embedding this "Internet Connectivity Chip" (ICC) in your brain so you can achieve Free Constant Connectivity (FCC) via the Continental Internet Access (CIA) Protocol!
I think FR should buy its own satellite and we can all be Wally George.
Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated.
We could nickname the satellite “Jim Thompson”.
Sure, but the porn passwords are good on multiple sites, uh, or so I’ve *heard*.
To be honest, even in poor nations, EVERYBODY has a cellphone nowadays. It’s actually become a status symbol among people. People try to buy the most advanced smartphone they can afford, with all sort of web features.
Why? so they can steal the remainder of our telephone technical and customer support jobs India hasn't already grabbed? So they can steal coding jobs and put even more American techies out of work? No way. Let them pay for it themselves with diamonds, rugs or other crap they have. F**k the "developing world".
LOL!
So, they get more bang for our buck?
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