Unrestricted, globally accessible, broadcast data.
Quality content from all over the Internet.
Available to all of humanity.
For free.
By leveraging datacasting technology over a low-cost satellite
constellation, Outernet is able to bypass censorship, ensure privacy,
and offer a universally-accessible information service at no cost to
global citizens. It's the modern version of shortwave radio, or
BitTorrent from space.
"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this
right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to
seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media
and regardless of frontiers."
— Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
What Problem is Outernet Solving?
There are more computing devices in the world than people, yet less than
40%
of the global population has access to the wealth of knowledge found on
the Internet. The price of smartphones and tablets is dropping year
after year, but the price of data in many parts of the world continues
to be unaffordable for the majority of global citizens. In some places,
such as rural areas and remote regions, cell towers and Internet cables
simply don't exist.
The primary objective of the Outernet is to
bridge the global information divide.
Broadcasting data allows citizens to reduce their reliance on costly
Internet data plans in places where monthly fees are too expensive for
average citizens. And offering continuously updated web content from
space bypasses censorship of the Internet. An additional benefit of a
unidirectional information network is the creation of a global
notification system during emergencies and natural disasters.
Access to knowledge and information is a human right and Outernet will
guarantee this right by taking a practical approach to information
delivery. By transmitting digital content to mobile devices, simple
antennae, and existing satellite dishes, a basic level of news,
information, education, and entertainment will be available to all of
humanity.
Although Outernet's near-term goal is to provide the entire world with
broadcast data, the long-term vision includes the addition of two-way
Internet access for everyone. For free.
How Does it Work?
Outernet consists of a constellation of low-cost,
miniature satellites
in Low Earth Orbit. Each satellite receives data streams from a network
of ground stations and transmits that data in a continuous loop until
new content is received. In order to serve the widest possible audience,
the entire constellation utilizes globally-accepted, standards-based protocols,
such as
DVB,
Digital Radio Mondiale, and
UDP-based
WiFi multicasting.
What Will Outernet Deliver?
News and Information
- International and local news
- Crop prices for farmers
- Bitcoin blockchains
Emergency Communications
- Used when cellular networks fail
- Disaster relief coordination
- Global notification system
Project Timeline
-
December 2013
Phase I Technical Assessment
-
June 2014
Development of prototype satellites and testing of long range WiFi multicasting.
-
September 2014
Transmission testing in flight-like environments (requesting time on the International Space Station)
-
January 2015
Launch and testing of constellation operations
-
April 2015
Establish manufacturing process for hundreds of satellites
-
June 2015
Begin deployment of Outernet as launch schedule permits
Who is Building Outernet?
-
Aaron Rogers
Mission Engineering
Q Space Systems
-
Branko Vukelic
Software Developer
Monwara Digital Products
-
Edward Birrane
Telecom Protocols
Tolerant Network Solutions
-
Syed Karim
Founder & Project Lead
Media Development Investment Fund
-
You
Ideas & Support
Imagine 4-billion additional participants in the global marketplace
of ideas. Imagine the avalanche of creativity, innovation, and
invention. Imagine universal access to information, regardless of
income, infrastructure, or geography.
Outernet can make all that happen tomorrow.
You can make Outernet happen today.
Spread the Word(www.outernet.is)
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