Connecting everyone to the World Wide Web

Some critics argue that connecting the 7.8 billion people to the internet is a futile, albeit noble, effort.

Aside from current technological limits, there are those who just don’t want to be connected to other people. That’s their right.

Well, at least, in SOME countries it’s a right.

If you live in the U.S., you can move to a cabin in the Alaskan wilderness and enjoy a peaceful life far away from other humans.

But there are more immediate problems with trying to connect 7.8 billion than worrying about those few who crave isolation.

Legitimate criticism of efforts from companies like SpaceX and Facebook center on the impact these efforts have on our daily lives. For example, astronomers complain that SpaceX’s Starlink program, a system of mini chain-linked satellites, will hamper their ability to study space.

They may be right.

As of February, SpaceX has launched more than 300 of these small satellites. They plan to launch an additional 60 satellites every two weeks through 2020. The ultimate goal is to create a chain of 12-thousand interlinked satellites, and possibly expand to 42,000.

Read more at https://www.vindy.com/life/lifestyles/2020/03/connecting-everyone-to-the-world-wide-web/ (may encounter paywall).