Charity Raising Money To Buy Used Satellite

Zothecula writes "For those of us who live in the developed world, internet access has become pretty much a given. It's become so ubiquitous that we almost expect to have it at all times and in all places, but even in this 'Information Age,' the majority of the world's population lacks access to the internet – either because service isn't available where they are, or they can't afford it. Kosta Grammatis has a plan, however. Through his charity group ahumanright.org, Grammatis aims to set up a network of satellites that will provide free internet access to everyone in the world. He's starting by attempting to buy a single used satellite that's already in orbit and moving it to a location above a developing country."

Free access for all...

[Llamahand]

...with a satellite receiver and a computer. Oh, and electricity. And probably enough food and water not to die before they get online.

Re:Right...

[Anonymous Coward]

Not quite - TFA says "Given that the company that owns it, Terrestar, has recently filed for bankruptcy, it may soon be up for sale."

Re:Free access for all...

[betterunixthanunix]

"Developing nation" does not necessarily mean "nation filled with people who are starving and lack clothes." Additionally, it is not necessarily the case that the people targeted by this program would want Internet access in their homes; I have heard that in some very rural areas in developing nations, it is common for a village to possess a few communally owned cell phones (apparently they can get reception) which they use for long distance communications. I think it is likely that in such places, a single communal computer with an Internet connection would be greatly appreciated.

Re:Free access for all...

[corbettw]

Only in places that already have them. Otherwise they use microwave to connect together.

Oh, and connecting a single tower with a line is a lot more efficient than connection thousands of homes.

You don't know anything...

[mangu]

Buying a used satellite is like buying a used bus... the only reason someone would sell it is because it has become cheaper to buy a new one than to maintain the old one!

If you believe that, you don't know anything about the satellite communications business.

I've been working at this for over a quarter of a century, and let me tell you that there are many factors that would influence buying a used satellite.

- How much remaining lifetime does it have?
- Do I need it right now, or can I wait the 2 years+ it would take to build a new one?
- Is it in inclined orbit?
- What's the coverage footprint?
- What's the frequency plan?
- What's the EIRP?
- What's the receive G/T?
- Do I have the landing rights?
- Does it have failed transponders, or any other failure?

It often happens that one has a satellite that will be perfect for someone else, but for our own specific purpose we need a replacement.