There's actually a lot of synergy between our work and Tesla/SpaceX's work (Tesla on the energy side of things, SpaceX on the satellite connectivity plans they have). For instance, if there was a satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit that provided affordable services, which is what SpaceX, OneWeb, and Boing want to do, then it would completely change the landscape (this would be in the early- to mid-2020s). Larry Press provides great updates about developments in this space (pun intended) on CircleID.

Regarding batteries, with things like graphene-based batteries that are being developed and other new, more energy efficient battery and energy storage technologies, it's only a matter of time. Whether or not they will be affordable enough to scale is a different matter, but current trends paint an optimistic picture.

Of course, I will definitely support more of the advocacy you speak of, Jane. As a non-CN operator, though, I'd love to hear from others about this topic (especially during the DC3 session). 

-Michael

On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:28 AM, Jane Coffin <coffin@isoc.org> wrote:

Totally.

I keep hoping Musk will take on the challenge and come up with some fabulously cheap/whiz-bang solar-powered batteries.  Or possibly Jack Ma would put resources into this.  Maybe we can push out a challenge at IGF?

One can dream.

 

Seriously – yes.  Powering Comms has always been a huge issue.  Folks are working on this in so many places that we may want to start a link on the DC-3 resources to that alone?  (Or is that done already?)

 

Jane

 

 

Internet Society | www.internetsociety.org

Skype:  janercoffin

Mobile/WhatsApp:  +1.202.247.8429

 

From: <dc3-bounces@listas.altermundi.net> on behalf of "Michael J. Oghia" <mike.oghia@gmail.com>
Reply-To: Dynamic Coalition on Community Connectivity <dc3@listas.altermundi.net>
Date: Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 4:23 AM
To: Dynamic Coalition on Community Connectivity <dc3@listas.altermundi.net>
Subject: Re: [DC3] Grant Opportunities

 

Hi Jane,

 

Thanks for sharing this. It's great to see them focusing on energy providers too. Since many community networks also need to generate their own electrical supply, this could be a good opportunity to leverage that component of community connectivity as well (more on this at the DC3 session next week).


Best,

-Michael

 

On Wed, Dec 13, 2017 at 10:18 AM, Jane Coffin <coffin@isoc.org> wrote:

Hi Folks –

 

See this from Microsoft from Melissa Sassi – Melissa is runs coding workshops.

 

Hi all,

Yesterday, our Airband team launched our annual call for grants.  Feel free to get the word out to local ISP and/or energy access providers solving the digital/energy divide.

 

A few links to help spread the word:

A link to our website to apply.  Applications are open until Jan 31.  You can read more about how to apply, who we fund, and the expected outcomes on the grant fund page.

www.microsoft.com/airband

A link to my tweet in case you would like to share it with your twitter universe

https://twitter.com/mentorafrika/status/940724948531679232

A link to a Microsoft blog post to read more:

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/?p=56101 .

 

 

 

Internet Society | www.internetsociety.org

Skype:  janercoffin

Mobile/WhatsApp:  +1.202.247.8429


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