Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Russia mulls fines for citizens using Elon Musk’s StarLink internet
theweek.in ^ | 01/13/2021

Posted on 01/16/2021 10:31:40 AM PST by BenLurkin

Elon Musk’s ambitious StarLink programme—which envisions a network of satellites beaming internet to every point on earth—challenges this ability of the Russian state to self-isolate its internet at demand. With over 900 satellites already in orbit, StarLink conducted a beta test of its ability to beam internet terrestrially in October last year.

Now, Russia is mulling a fine on citizens who dare to use Musk’s space-beamed internet, as the national Duma view it as a threat to national security, according to a report published in the Russian edition of Popular Mechanics. The fines could range from $135-405 for ordinary users, and go up to $13,500 for legal entities who use Western satellite services to bypass the country’s System of Operational Search Measures. By Russian law, all Russian internet traffic must pass through a Russian communications provider. With non-Russian satellite constellations like StarLink, OneWeb likely to bypass this, the idea is to fine citizens or legal entities who try to use such services.

Russia had also earlier complained about StarLink’s satellite network being “too bright” in the night sky. After similar complaints from astronomers the world, SpaceX started sending satellites with anti-reflective coatings, and even some with a visor that makes it near-invisible to the naked eye.

(Excerpt) Read more at theweek.in ...


TOPICS: Computers/Internet
KEYWORDS: communications; fines; internet; russia; starlink
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-46 last
To: blam; BenLurkin
"These micro-satellites are causing havoc with astronomers."

Amazon ("project Kuiper") and Samsung (doing a lot of business with companies like Apple and Sony) are also launching constellations of satellites. I don't expect those companies to be very agreeable with free speech.

Caution about believing or least further disseminating some of the publicity might be wise. Because when one competitor gets ahead, others will temporarily publish and broadcast negatives about the technology in general. If they were to get ahead of of Musk's Starlink, they would be likely to swing towards promoting the technology. I've recently seen that pattern in propaganda. Some of the global corporations and politicians know that most people have short or dimming memories.

41 posted on 01/16/2021 12:34:36 PM PST by familyop
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin; blam

Don’t be surprised, if Russia and/or China get friendly with one of Musk’s competitors. Remember the companies that already have contracts with China, and how they’ve helped with the censorship and obstruction over there.


42 posted on 01/16/2021 12:38:01 PM PST by familyop
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: BiglyCommentary

“Wonder how they deal with the latency issue with sats?”

Low earth orbit not the 25000 mile geostationary orbit. You will be handed from satellite to satellite as they pass overhead just like what happens with cell towers.


43 posted on 01/16/2021 12:44:03 PM PST by cpdiii (cane cutter, deckhand, roughhneck, geologist, pilot, pharmacist, old man, CONSTITUTION TO DIE FOR)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: blam

“These micro-satellites are causing havoc with astronomers.”

Yeah, they’re not gonna know which little white dot becomes the Enterprise.


44 posted on 01/16/2021 12:53:53 PM PST by PLMerite ("They say that we were Cold Warriors. Yes, and a bloody good show, too." - Robert Conquest )
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: allendale

Elon Musk is already launching satellites and providing ISP services. Maybe he’s not really in favor of monopolies. Some of the other CEOs, on the other hand, want to provide everything and control everything that consumers are involved in, including the consumers and their thoughts.

From some of Mr. Musks statements so far, it appears that he’s much in favor of our American freedoms. He might be standing aside for any other entrepreneurs wanting to establish freer communications (like social media). We’ll see in time.


45 posted on 01/16/2021 1:15:45 PM PST by familyop
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: TomGuy

Yeah, I just got an invitation to participate in “beta trial”. $500 for equipment and $100/month. I think Musk should be paying me!


46 posted on 01/16/2021 1:22:38 PM PST by steve86 (Prophecies of Maelmhaedhoc O'Morgair (Latin form: Malachy))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 30 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-4041-46 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson