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RE: [Internet Access] TIL World Is Not As Connected As We Think.
There are many initiatives to try and expand the level of internet access to the non-served or under-served areas. I recently was able to upgrade to 1gbs internet service at home, but there are many rural places in the US that have no, or limited access to internet services today
Microsoft
Microsoft has been working on their white space technology to try to bring broadband to the more rural areas worldwide -
- http://whitespaces.microsoftspectrum.com/
- https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2017/07/10/rural-broadband-strategy-connecting-rural-america-new-opportunities/
- https://www.geekwire.com/2018/microsoft-forms-coalition-bring-high-speed-internet-rural-communities/
- https://www.geekwire.com/2018/microsoft-forms-coalition-bring-high-speed-internet-rural-communities/
Goole has Project Loon looking to bring internet access to remote areas.
Airborne Wireless Network (AWN)
They have plans to utilize commercial planes in the sky to create a worldwide mesh network to provide internet access
Thank you for your thoughtful response and research.
Microsoft, Google and AWN should be commended for their efforts in making internet more accessible. I recently learned about Facebook's initiative internet.org, as well, they are doing something similar. These companies are truly changing people's lives and that's great.
My main concern is net neutrality. I am worried about a corporation taking control of people's data and profiting off them, like they all do now. Internet.org's Free Basics provides certain websites and content for free or charge in places where data is not affordable. It sounds cool on the surface, but it's actually pretty sinister. It means that Facebook has a control over which content, apps, and information people can access, and it will very lucrative for Facebook's advertising revenue.
Here's an open letter from concerned citizens to Mark Zuckerberg regarding net neutrality written in 2015.
I see that nothing really changed in 2017.
Also check out information on the alliance for affordable internet https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance_for_Affordable_Internet?wprov=sfla1
In my opinion, it is in the best interest that every person on the planet has a minimum access to the internet as it is becoming more and a critical life resource in the information age.
Yes, definitely a step in the right direction, although it's gonna be an uphill battle. Thanks for sharing your opinion and information:)