Arthur C Clarke, satellites and democracy | On Line Opinion

From Barry York:

It is very hard for tyrants and dictators to control a populace that has access to global telecommunications….

Ten years ago, 16% of the world’s population accessed the Internet. Today it is 40% – and growing. Satellites are the key to extending access to remote areas of the planet.

Satellite manufacture is entering a new phase with mass production in the near future. Google has a plan to build 180 satellites that will bring the Internet to the remote and poor parts of the planet. A more ambitious venture, involving Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Airlines, seeks to put 648 small light-weight satellites into orbit in the coming years to ensure that there will be affordable Internet access for the four billion humans currently without it….

Read more at Arthur C Clarke, satellites and democracy – On Line Opinion – 30/10/2015