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Reports

No Signal: The Shocking Digital Divide in the DRC and the Race to Connect Millions

Introduction – A Nation Offline The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a country of over 100 million people, but only about 27% of the population was using the internet as of early 2024 datareportal.com. This means roughly 75 million Congolese remain offline, a staggering digital gap in the heart of Africa datareportal.com. For comparison,…
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Satellite Imagery: Principles, Applications, and Future Trends

Definition and Basic Principles Satellite imagery refers to images of Earth (or other planets) collected by orbiting satellites. These images are a form of remote sensing, meaning the data are acquired from a distance without direct contact. Satellites carry sensors that detect electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted from the Earth’s surface. Most imaging satellites use passive sensors that rely…
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Sky Scanners: How SAR Imaging Satellites Are Redefining Earth Observation

Imagine peering down at Earth through thick clouds or the dead of night and still seeing clear images of the surface. Traditional optical satellites are blind in such conditions – in fact, at any given moment about 75% of the planet is obscured either by cloud cover or darkness, making it inaccessible to optical imaging…
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Satellite Phones: Comprehensive Global FAQ

Satellite Phone Basics What is a satellite phone? A satellite phone (or satphone) is a mobile phone that connects directly to orbiting satellites instead of terrestrial cell towers. This means it can place calls and send messages from almost anywhere on Earth, especially in regions without cellular coverage. Like a regular cell phone, a satphone supports voice calling…
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Starlink Satellite Internet FAQ

General Overview SpaceX has launched thousands of Starlink satellites (over 6,750 in orbit by 2025) to form the world’s largest satellite constellation and provide global internet coverage phys.org. Q: What is Starlink?A: Starlink is a satellite-based broadband internet service operated by SpaceX. It uses a constellation of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) to beam internet connectivity…
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Satellite Internet FAQ

Introduction to Satellite Internet Q: What is satellite internet?A: Satellite internet is a form of wireless internet access delivered via satellites orbiting the Earth. Unlike cable or DSL, which transmit data through underground wires, satellite internet beams data from ground stations to satellites in space and then down to a dish at the user’s location satelliteinternet.com. This…
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Connecting Colombia: Bridging the Digital Divide from Cities to the Amazon

Colombia has seen rapid growth in internet access, reaching roughly three-quarters of the population online as of 2024 datareportal.com. Mobile phones and home broadband have become common in urban areas, transforming how Colombians communicate, work, and learn. However, these gains also mask stark disparities – a deep digital divide separates well-connected cities from rural and…
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Satellite Technologies FAQ

Satellites are objects that orbit a larger body, like Earth or another planet spaceplace.nasa.gov. They play many roles in modern life, from beaming TV signals and providing internet/phone connections to monitoring weather and enabling GPS navigation spaceplace.nasa.gov spaceplace.nasa.gov. Below is an extensive FAQ, grouped by topic, answering common questions about satellites and related technologies in…
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Where Satellite Phones Are Illegal?

Introduction Satellite phones are invaluable for staying connected in remote or disaster-stricken areas, but travelers must be aware that these devices are not welcome everywhere. In fact, several countries ban or tightly regulate satellite phones due to security and government control concerns en.wikipedia.org. Because satellite phones communicate directly via satellites and bypass local telecom networks, authorities in…
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Eyes in the Sky: How Satellites Are Revealing Our Changing Climate

Satellites have become our planet’s orbiting guardians, silently circling Earth and gathering data that help scientists unravel the story of climate change. Using advanced sensors, these high-tech observers measure everything from global temperatures and greenhouse gas levels to shrinking ice sheets and disappearing forests. The result is a revolution in climate monitoring – a wealth…
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