This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by Edwin Liava'a
As we step into 2025, the Pacific region continues to grapple with the impacts of natural disasters, and recently, both Vanuatu and Tonga found themselves at the center of significant crises. In Vanuatu, a powerful earthquake struck the archipelago, causing widespread destruction and severing vital submarine fiber optic cable that had long been the lifeline for communication and connectivity. In Tonga, the country has experienced multiple internet outages related to its submarine cable infrastructure, with an 80% probability of such incidents recurring in the future.
\ In these critical moments, Starlink emerged as a beacon of hope, showcasing its remarkable capabilities in restoring connectivity and ultimately saving lives. Rather than relying solely on traditional infrastructure, which had been compromised, the people of Vanuatu and Tonga turned to Starlink's innovative satellite technology.
\ With a network of satellites orbiting the Earth, Starlink provided fast, reliable internet access that transcended the limitations of submarine cables. Imagine families separated by disaster, unable to communicate with loved ones or access essential services. With Starlink's deployment, individuals could connect to emergency services, share information, and reach out for help. In regions where every second counts, this connectivity was not just a convenience; it was a lifeline.
\ Starlink's technology facilitated critical communication, allowing first responders to coordinate rescue efforts effectively and ensuring that medical facilities could operate without interruption. In Tonga, where repeated outages had left communities disconnected, Starlink offered a more resilient alternative, ensuring that people could stay connected even during the most challenging times.
\ Reflecting on these recent events, my perspective on connectivity infrastructure is shifting. While Starlink has demonstrated the immediate practical benefits of satellite-based internet, emerging technology like Spacecoin is taking this concept even further by combining satellite connectivity with blockchain technology. This convergence of technologies suggests that not only do we not need traditional submarine cables, but we're on the cusp of a truly disruptive approach to internet infrastructure.
\ The traditional internet infrastructure, dominated by submarine cables and controlled by a handful of major telecommunications companies, has created a centralized system vulnerable to both natural disasters and human intervention. While Starlink's satellite network offers one path to decentralization, Spacecoin's vision of a blockchain-powered satellite network represents the next evolution in this journey. By combining Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites with blockchain technology, Spacecoin aims to create a trustless, decentralized network that could further democratize internet access and ensure complete freedom from centralized control.
\ This shift towards decentralization through both satellite technology and blockchain could dramatically impact global accessibility and free speech, particularly in regions like the Pacific Islands. Starlink has already shown how satellite-based systems can maintain connectivity during infrastructure failures. Spacecoin's blockchain integration could take this further by ensuring that this connectivity isn't just resilient but also resistant to censorship and control through its decentralized governance structure.
\ The crux of the connectivity challenge in the Pacific Islands lies not only in the "last mile" problem but also in the network effect that has kept communities tethered to traditional infrastructure solutions. While Starlink's Direct to Cell capability offers one solution, Spacecoin's blockchain-based approach could provide additional benefits by enabling peer-to-peer connectivity and removing the need for traditional telecommunications intermediaries entirely.
\ In light of these challenges, Starlink's Direct to Cell capability presents an innovative solution for enhancing connectivity in the Pacific. This technology allows individuals to connect their mobile devices directly to satellites, eliminating the need for traditional ground-based infrastructure entirely. In areas where terrestrial networks are sparse or unreliable, Direct to Cell provides a lifeline, enabling seamless communication even in the most remote locations. As this capability expands, it reinforces the notion that satellite solutions can effectively meet the unique needs of small island communities, offering a reliable alternative that avoids the pitfalls of underutilized submarine systems.
\ In the current internet landscape, algorithms controlled by major platforms significantly influence public perception and information flow. The combination of Starlink's satellite network and Spacecoin's blockchain technology could offer a powerful counter to this centralized control. While Starlink provides the physical infrastructure for decentralized access, Spacecoin's blockchain framework could ensure that the governance and operation of this infrastructure remain truly decentralized and community-driven.
\ While fully decentralized internet through satellite technology promises greater freedom from traditional forms of censorship, new challenges may emerge. The key will be ensuring that satellite providers themselves don't become new centralized authorities. This is where Spacecoin's blockchain governance model becomes particularly relevant, offering a transparent and democratic approach to network management that complements Starlink's physical infrastructure.
\ Starlink's satellites offer a more resilient and adaptable solution for small island nations. With the ability to roam and provide backhaul capabilities, Starlink can deliver high-speed internet to even the most remote locations, often at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure. The earthquakes in Vanuatu and the recurring issues in Tonga have highlighted this shift, demonstrating that when disaster strikes, the ability to connect via satellite can be more effective than relying on undersea cables that can easily be severed.
\ As we embrace this new era of connectivity, we're seeing a convergence of solutions. Starlink has proven the viability of satellite-based internet in crisis situations, while Spacecoin's blockchain-powered approach promises to take this decentralization even further. For regions like Vanuatu and Tonga, this combination of technologies offers not just an alternative to traditional infrastructure, but a path toward a truly decentralized, resilient, and democratic internet.
\ The dawn of 2025 brings with it not just the promise of better connectivity, but of a fundamental transformation in how we think about internet infrastructure. As Starlink continues to demonstrate the practical benefits of satellite-based internet, and as Spacecoin develops its blockchain-powered satellite network, we're moving toward a future where the question isn't whether we can survive without submarine cables, but how quickly we can embrace these new decentralized technologies that promise to revolutionize global connectivity.
This content originally appeared on HackerNoon and was authored by Edwin Liava'a
Edwin Liava'a | Sciencx (2025-01-13T15:38:19+00:00) Who Even Needs Undersea Cables for Internet Anymore?. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/01/13/who-even-needs-undersea-cables-for-internet-anymore/
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