Outernet is on a mission to bring the entire world access to free wifi through what they describe on their website as a "satellite constellation."
This service isn't just for people lost on the road without a mobile signal, or students looking to do some research in a park outside of a stuffy library. It is a project designed with citizens of the world in mind.
The project's philosophy stands firm on the idea that access and distribution of information is a right that everyone holds. Outernet even goes so far as to quote Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Rights on their website to show how serious it is about its convictions.
However, questions and reactions on Reddit have brought up a few potential issues about whether already established wifi signals in urban areas would interfere with Outernet's.
Despite this, the ambition remains. As their website explains, "lack of an Internet connection should not prevent anyone from learning about current events, trending topics, and innovative ideas."
Due to high data costs for mobile devices and internet censorship practices in certain countries, Outernet is trying to work around the monetary and political restrictions that impede the flow of accurate and essential information to people. Their site explains, "The primary objective of the Outernet is to bridge this global information divide."
The project's humanitarian spirit shows through the additional services it plans to provide, including emergency broadcasting and access to online educational services like Khan Academy.
Many may already be asking, "When will we be getting this gift from above?" According to the site, phase one of the Outernet project was scheduled to start December 2013, with June 2015 as it's hopeful deployment date for when "a basic level of news, information, education, and entertainment will be available to all of humanity."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
