posted February 13, 2011 09:30 AM            

The charity group A Human Right said it was planning to purchase a satellite that would provide free basic Internet access to developing countries around the world.

The group, which was founded by 25-year-old Kosta Grammatis, is currently raising money to buy the TerreStar-1, the largest commercial communications satellite ever built. TerreStar, the company that owns the satellite, filed for chapter-11 bankruptcy protection in October 2010, opening the possibility that the satellite may be up for sale.

The group hopes to raise $150,000 to finalize a business plan, investigate the legal and business aspects of submitting a bid for the satellite, and hire engineers to turn the plan into a reality. After this initial phase, the group plans to develop an open source low cost modem that could be used to connect to the satellite and finalize plans with partner governments.

"We believe that Internet access is a tool that allows people to help themselves - a tool so vital that it should be considered a universal human right," the website for Buy This Satellite stated. "Imagine your digital life disconnected. Without access to the 100 million man-hours that have been put into Wikipedia, how much do you actually know?"

Nearly 5 billion out of the world's 6.9 billion people don't have access to the Internet.

A Human Right plans to finance their satellite by allowing telecommunication companies to purchase bandwidth, while providing basic service for free to everyone. "Our goal is to not only get everyone online, but also facilitate the growth of an industry," their website said.

The group has already managed to raise $44,781.

"The idea for global connectivity was born in Berlin, Germany in an innovation 'Do-Tank' called Palomar 5," according to the group. "Thirty people under the age of thirty came together to innovate on what the future might look like, and how to address some of the worlds problems."

"In Egypt we've watched as the government, in an unprecedented way, shutoff Internet access for the entire country," Grammatis told TIME. "We're building a system that can't be shutoff--it's as decentralized as possible. You could jam the signal somewhat, but to do that at the scale of a country is a very very difficult task."

"Big ideas, that can improve our society as a whole, are worth doing, and this one will be done," he added. "It's the logical next step in communications: a network available to anyone everywhere for minimal cost."

posted February 13, 2011 10:05 AM            

quote:

---

a tool so vital that it should be considered a universal human right

---

quote:

---

Without access to the 100 million man-hours that have been put into Wikipedia, how much do you actually know?

---

Any knowledge I may have certainly didn`t come from wikipedia.
When I read off center statements like these, I find the authors dificult to put any stock in.

------------------
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world is immortal"~

posted February 14, 2011 08:54 PM            

As far as the computer etc being included, No.

You can only meet people half way. You can not hold a hand the whole way.

Have a heart.

Use reason.

Only a few people would have a computer in those places, Until people start to donate old computers to those countries, you know, the ones you throw away because Dell or Gateway have a "new" model. How many are in landfills? I bet most that are thrown away are internet capable.

Just takes time.

I hope his satellite idea works, and many more people join in too, if need be do it.

High time people did positive things here on this rock.

* I am not sure what happens to the majority of business computers, when a large office upgrades, Those are internet capable right?

posted February 14, 2011 09:12 PM            

I think the ram has been upgraded once in it.

It runs on DSL.

Just saying, Do not go overboard thinking they need cutting edge tech to surf and learn.

And yes, While it may be considered "silly", I am sure many and more will get info from Wikipedia.

It is right there, Why not?

posted February 14, 2011 10:43 PM            

I suppose my position is really that while things on the internet are changeable due to what people want (read: wiki or no wiki) I just think people should have the option.

Now, I have not figured a way to keep the satellite running (money). That would be the job of the people doing this.

I hope they have a solid, long lasting plan.

posted February 15, 2011 06:57 AM            

In India, a computer is considered a child's right and efforts are underway to make a $100 laptop to be given away free for every child. Now I hear it is possible to make a working laptop just 50 bucks, with WIFI Access.

Lets see.

posted February 15, 2011 02:32 PM            

Efforts to overthrow tyrannical governments have been quelled and abuses perpetrated through use if the internet. The Egyptian success was due to perseverance by the populace. Their government tried to use the internet against them, and the fledgling uprising. They shut the internet down, and then proceeded to jail and torture bloggers and other nationals attempting to get the word out.

The Egyptian perseverance and the success of Tunisian dissent mere weeks before has served to create an atmosphere of hope. How did Egypt do it? Through dial up and faxes, word of mouth. Some months ago Syria and the school teachers that were outed globally for their abuses through a cell phone and the internet.
Iran is controlling the populace, as well as Cuba which has an intranet, not allowing internet access.

The free use of the internet cannot be overstated. That it remain free and accessible to all has become a right. For the tyrannical abuses of governments to be exposed for all to see is one of it's uses.

posted February 15, 2011 05:00 PM            

Were in 2,OOO's. Rights change as we progress in times.

------------------
A different mind is NOT a deficient mind.

posted February 15, 2011 06:34 PM            

Yet, I think, to reach the mass`s (global)needed to fund and support such a huge operation, their idealism is getting in the way.

The article should have went without the internet being a "human right" when Haitian`s believes it is fresh water , shelter and food. (very small example)

How much do you know without Wikipedia isn`t going to encourage Teachers and Professors to get on board.

Again, a worthy and perhaps necessary cause; I simply have a problem with it`s presentation to do the most good.

------------------
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world is immortal"~

posted February 16, 2011 08:30 AM            

That is understandable, However everything evolves and progresses.

Sometimes old methods of thought have to go to the wayside.

But lets not go overboard here.

I understand the value in a stable education, And I also understand the disabilities of it as well.

Just depends on what the individual really values and needs.

Also, Water and food in disaster areas are needed, I am sure many people are interested in helping here.

Some people are interested in helping with the internet.

Apples and Oranges, Both are good to eat.

posted February 16, 2011 01:34 PM            

You have presumed to overcomplicate some basic statements.

I said the concept is quite generous,noble, ,worthy and perhaps necessary cause, yes?

I also made clear I believe the presentation was lacking and used examples.

The presentation

No complication ...no segregation.

------------------
What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world is immortal"~