This documentary examines a groundbreaking solution to bring high-speed Internet to every corner of the globe. With the help of newly developed mini-satellites, powerful antennas and signal processing chips, the entire planet can be provided with affordable, fast data connections. But this goal comes with significant technical and regulatory challenges.
The film follows the story of several consortia competing to bridge the gap in Internet access, exploring the history and failed attempts of this ambitious endeavor. It delves into the automation and mass production making it possible to produce high numbers of satellites quickly and cheaply. However, the satellites must navigate a dense array of GPS and Earth observation satellites, as well as space debris of the past 60 years, making collisions a real risk. The documentary also uncovers the regulatory challenges facing Internet providers in over 200 states and territories and what that means for the future of global Internet access.
