Connected everywhere

Elon Musk’s Space X just recently successfully launched the first 60 of the Starlink satellite constellation. After six launches they plan on providing service to Canada and the US, possibly before the end of the year. As more launches go up service will expand to the rest of the globe.

If the price is anywhere near reasonable, that will be a game changer. Anyone who’s ever traveled, especially Internationally, knows how difficult staying connected can be. A traveler has to constantly deal with a patchwork of different local carriers. Some people end up with a collection of sim cards that have to swapped out of their phones. It’s annoying.

The convenience and safety of a world wide net is obvious. I know sailors who are excited about being able to connect from the middle of ocean. It’s possible to do it now, but satellite phones are expensive. If they don’t drastically reduce prices and improve service they’ll probably go out of business. Of course, that all depends on the price of the new service.

Just because you can be connected all the time doesn’t mean you should be. When I travel I have both a cell phone and a wifi hotspot device that works in most of the United States. Being able to connect is important to me -even if it’s just so I can post the occasional blog and connect with family. However, sometimes I seal the electronics in a metal ammo can. That keeps them safe and quiet.

We have so many distractions in our day to day life. The last thing I need is to be interrupted while out in nature trying to unwind. When I’m sitting by a campfire, coffee in hand, watching the wildlife, I don’t need is a robo caller trying to sell me something.

How often do we get the chance for a good long uninterrupted think? Self-reflection is good for the soul. Being constantly on-line makes that impossible. While communication is good, use it wisely . . . and perhaps, sparingly.

-Sixbears