The New York City-based non-profit organization Media Development Investment Fund (MDIF) is building a global network of cube satellites to freely broadcast Internet data around the world. Dubbed Outernet, the project is founded on the principle that Internet access is a basic human right, not a privilege to be purchased.
MDIF seeks to accomplish its goal by harnessing datacasting technology over a low-cost satellite constellation, allowing transmissions to bypass censorship, ensure privacy, and offer a globally-accessible information service, similar to shortwave radio. This inevitably reduces reliance on costly internet services, the greatest factor deterring 40% of the world’s population from accessing the Internet, more so than even restrictive governments.
In the short-term, data will move in a one-way direction, serving as means of informing the world on the latest international and local news, crop prices, and Bitcoin blockchains. Users will receive access to the entire Wikipedia platform, movies, music, games, and educational resources such as Khan Academy, Coursera, British Council’s LearnEnglish, and Teachers Without Borders. MDIF points out that an additional benefit of an unidirectional information network is the creation of a global notification system during emergencies and natural disasters. Once this first phase is completed, the organization will begin working on adopting two-way Internet access.
AverageCubeSats have a volume of 10 cubic centimeters and weigh no more than 1.33 kilograms
How’s it work?
A unified constellation of low-cost, miniature, satellites called CubeSats, make up the cornerstone of Outernet. With an estimated price tag between $65,000 to $80,000 to build and launch a CubeSat, it becomes possible to create an entire global network of satellites for relatively cheap (in comparison to full-fledged satellites). Once in low-orbit, the CubeSats receive data streams from a network of ground stations and transmit a continuous loop of data until new content is received. Transmissions sent directly to mobile devices, simple antennae, and existing satellite dishes to provide all of humanity with a basic level of news, information, education, and entertainment. Users are able to prioritize content by crowd-sourcing it using SMS, specific phone apps, as well as Outernet’s website.
The estimated timeline
According to official website, the prototype satellites will be completed by early this summer with transmission testing following in September. The launch of testing of constellation operations begins in January 2013. With the price of a single unit being what it is and the need for hundreds, it is clear that MDIF will have hurdles to overcome in time for Outernet’s official launch in June 2015. One thing is for certain, the firm has money some form of income: its invested $128 million in 96 independent news organizations world-wide. Nonetheless, altruist endeavors of this nature are not possible without public support, but if Outernet is successful, it can potentially change the world.
Visit Outernet.is for more information
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