Route Fifty: Thousands of Miles of Internet Cables Could Be Underwater by 2033. “Thousands of miles of fiber optic cables in coastal communities may be underwater within 15 years due to rising sea levels, threatening internet access for millions of people, according to a study by researchers at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Oregon.”
internet access
Engadget: Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands
Engadget: Court blocks FCC from cutting broadband subsidies in tribal lands. “The FCC has hit a snag in its plan to curb broadband subsidies for low-income homes. A DC appeals court has issued a stay order temporary blocking the regulator from limiting the $25 monthly Lifeline subsidy in tribal lands, arguing that native groups and small carriers are likely to win their case opposing the cuts.”
Phys .org: Bangladesh shuts down mobile internet to tackle teen protests
Phys .org: Bangladesh shuts down mobile internet to tackle teen protests. “Bangladesh authorities have shut down mobile internet across swathes of the country, officials and local media said Sunday, as the authorities try to quell massive student protests that have spiralled into violence. For the last week students have brought parts of the capital Dhaka to a standstill with a protest against poor road safety after two teenagers were killed by a speeding bus.”
Channel NewsAsia: Turkey to block Periscope during live football broadcasts
Channel NewsAsia: Turkey to block Periscope during live football broadcasts. “A Turkish court on Saturday (Aug 4) ruled to block the live video-streaming service Periscope during top flight football matches, following a demand from the company with the exclusive rights to broadcast the games.”
Mashable: Facebook confirms it’s building an internet satellite
Mashable: Facebook confirms it’s building an internet satellite. “It looks like Facebook is indeed building an internet satellite. The social network is working on a new satellite project that will provide broadband internet connections to ‘unserved and underserved areas,’ according to FCC documents uncovered by Wired.”
Quartz: Uganda’s government is doubling down on its controversial social media tax
Quartz: Uganda’s government is doubling down on its controversial social media tax. “After a brief review period, Ugandan regulators have decided to double down on both the decision to charge citizens a daily levy for access to social media, and the controversial reasoning behind it. Since July 1, Ugandans have been paying 200 Uganda shillings ($0.05) a day to use social media. Whoever didn’t pay was blocked from accessing sites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and 55 others. To get round the blockade, many people have been using virtual private networks rather than pay the social media tax.”
Lifehacker: How to Maximize Battery Life and Minimize Data Usage When Traveling
Lifehacker: How to Maximize Battery Life and Minimize Data Usage When Traveling. “It’s summertime and wanderlust is coming for us all. It’s important that you get out there and see the world, but it’s equally important that your phone is as ready for your travels as you are. After you’ve thrown a dart on the map and purchased your plane ticket, try these tips to make sure you’re not burning through your smartphone’s battery—or data plan—while away.”
