Outernt: Free Access to Information for Everyone, Without Internet

Outernt is a project that allows individuals without any telecommunications or internet access to freely access a large repository of information via satellite waves. Outernt operates like a radio transmitter, broadcasting information similarly to FM waves, requiring only a receiver. Currently, the percentage of people worldwide with access to the internet and free information is not very high; about 35.5% of the global population has internet access, while 4.3 billion people are still not connected. Entrepreneurs are exploring plans to provide cheaper and broader access to information. For instance, Google is examining a plan to expand internet access using helium balloons, while Facebook is looking into using drones. However, Google's balloons lose their buoyancy after about three months, and Facebook's drones add additional costs. Elon Musk, founder of Tesla and co-founder of SpaceX, is also designing low-cost satellites to facilitate information transfer around the globe. In contrast, Outernt has not invented anything new but aims to make good use of existing resources. The internet works by forming a network where users connect to send and receive information. Outernt sends a large database of information via satellite waves, and users only need a receiver, which they can build themselves or acquire. Think of a radio station that only produces and transmits waves without concerning itself with the type of radio the user has. Currently, Outernt is working on a receiver called 'Lantern.' If you have Lantern, it does not matter where you are in the world; it receives information, creates a Wi-Fi connection, and allows you to download information offline to your computer, phone, or tablet. With Outernt, not only areas without any telecommunications infrastructure can connect, but also regions that lose mobile communication towers due to disasters can still access the network. Outernt currently transmits significant information from news networks, books, and other data. Users in the most remote areas, even in deserts or forests, can receive requested information. In some regions, Outernt's SMS services are active, allowing users to receive requested information by sending a text message. Outernt is in contact with users through messages on platforms like Twitter and Facebook, and any user can request specific information. After sending a request, the information is sent to the user, who will receive it as soon as they activate their receiver. For example, if you find yourself in a remote area or caught in a natural crisis, Outernt will send you news and other information if you have a receiver. The project aims to collaborate with producers and other initiatives to provide receivers at low prices to users. In some remote areas of Africa, schools are accessing information and textbooks with Outernt's help. Tin Richard, the head of Outernt's expansion, states in an interview that they consider themselves the 'public library of humanity' because they believe everyone should have equal access to information. Currently, about one-third of the world's population has internet access. He mentions that they take information from the internet and send it globally via satellite, allowing users to either build their own receiver or purchase one from them. In any case, users can easily access information. The blue areas on the map indicate the regions covered by Outernt. Is Outernt something opposed to the internet? Tin Richard explains that they chose this name because they believe they complement the internet rather than oppose it. Even if a place has no internet access, they can still send internet information. Another issue raised is censorship. Can governments or regimes impose their desired censorship on Outernt's waves? Tin Richard responds that they operate like activities in international waters, sending information via satellite that any receiver can access. As long as information is available on the internet, they will send it, and there is no way for anyone to interfere. He adds that their website fully explains how anyone can build their receiver, and many are doing just that. They strive to gather and send high-quality information. Tin Richard states, 'We are ready to receive information from all over the world, and anyone can provide their information and request it to be transmitted.' Projects like Project Gutenberg, which is a repository of free literary works, are accessible through Outernt, allowing anyone to use all its books. When asked if this is a new technology or something that has existed before and has now evolved, he says, 'We are just trying to use what is currently available intelligently. We now have many ways to send radio or television waves, all of which can be sent via satellite. The task here is to convert everything into data and send it via satellite, with a receiver that captures these waves and delivers them as sound, image, text, or PDF. And that is what we do.' In response to how each user can request information, he mentions that they have a page for this on Facebook, a Twitter ID, and those who can access 'facebookdatainternet.org' can request information via Facebook Messenger. They also have a website called 'Whiteboard' where any user can submit their request. Alternatively, they can simply send an email to [email protected] to make their request, and they read every email. All transmissions and information are free for all users. With Outernt, access to daily news, information on how to repair a bicycle, or how to follow math education in school is possible for everyone. On the Outernt website, any volunteer can announce their activity and collaborate with the team. Whether you are a coder or a translator, you can work with this initiative. Currently, languages such as Arabic, Dutch, Russian, Turkish, Japanese, Chinese, and Romanian are being pursued as projects in Outernt. Languages like English, Russian, German, and Hindi are largely complete. When asked why Persian is not among the projects, Tin Richard replies that all this work is voluntary, and as soon as they have volunteers for coding and translation, that language will also be activated.