They launch project to connect Bitcoin users through satellites

Today, the company specializing in the Bitcoin ecosystem, Blockstream Satellite, has launched an ambitious project that aims to rent satellites to allow connection between Bitcoin users around the world.

Although it is barely in its beta phase, users in Africa, South America, Europe and North America are already testing to download a node in the network that will store all transaction history. As complex as it may seem, the company thinks that the final result can help solve the problems of the network, since users without Internet can not access the largest market for cryptocurrencies, which currently exceeds US $ 66 billion.

This project also represents a solution for the defenders of cryptocurrencies, who think that such assets can be beneficial for people without Internet, who usually live in areas with high economic instability. Thinking about these needs, Blockstream Satellite emerges as an alternative.

According to the CEO of the company, Adam Back, the project seeks to bring Bitcoin to those people who need it urgently. In this regard, he said:

"There is a certain coincidence between countries that have a poor Internet infrastructure and an unstable economy. People who have a direct need for Bitcoin are those who usually do not have access to cryptocurrency on a regular basis. This project will address this problem, and we hope it will allow many more people to use Bitcoin. "
Although the fact of running a complete node is quite complicated, it is also true that it is the surest way to use the cryptocurrency, and for those who worry about economic and political imbalances, this process is essential.

But because the nodes require an Internet connection and at least 160 GB of available space, it is strange that this happens in some parts of the world. For example, Blockstream Satellite says that only one person has a complete node in the entire western region of Africa.

If this technology is implemented, users will need a satellite dish, being able to use their television antenna by satellite signal if they have it. In addition, they will need a USB device to connect the satellite to a computer. The rest of the process can be developed using free software and open source, using a GPU radio, for example.

Another positive aspect has to do with the cost of this technology for the user, which according to Back, will not exceed US $ 100. In this way, once users have the necessary tools, they can extract bitcoins via satellite, building a complete node of the network. Back also said that the only people who will not be able to enjoy the project are those who live in Antarctica.