I believe a lot of you guys is aware about the video that Blockstream made:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbx7NAnVeGcWe still don't know what is it about but do you think we should be excited about this? Some are saying that this is a way to have bitcoin without the need of internet connection, others are saying to run nodes in space etc.
I'm not sure about you but I personally don't think it has anything to do with space, I mean doesn't that require millions, If not billions of investment? unless whatever they are going to provide will have fees and will be widely used, I don't think Its something realistic.
Blockstream satellite
The Blockstream Satellite network is designed to broadcast the bitcoin blockchain to the entire planet. The satellite network provides an opportunity for nearly 4 billion people without internet access to utilize bitcoin while simultaneously ensuring bitcoin use is not interrupted due to network interruption.
Utilizing the latest open source Software Defined Radio (SDR) technologies, the Blockstream Satellite network offers a breakthrough in the cost effectiveness of satellite communications. Instead of spending thousands of dollars on specialized satellite equipment, the entire cost of all equipment needed to connect your computer to the Blockstream Satellite network is only about $100 USD.
1. No internet required - satellite internet - connecting bitcoin to the people those who have no internet access.
2. Cutting down the cost of running full nodes.
Blockstream Satellite eliminates these cost barriers and enables people to receive blocks at no cost allowing more people to utilize Bitcoin and participate in the Bitcoin network.
Connecting your computer to the blockstream satellite is only about $100.
3. Network stability
Blockstream Satellite provides an alternative method of receiving the blockchain that is not affected by connection failure. This protects against network interruptions and prevents any participating node from becoming isolated or partitioned.
Blockstream Satellite enables the bitcoin network to be more robust than ever before.
According to Back, Blockstream will eventually release an API for developers and companies to send data over the satellite connection for a small bitcoin fee.
https://blockstream.com/satellite/blockstream-satellite/https://www.coindesk.com/blockstream-using-satellites-beam-bitcoin-earth/The concept is simply amazing.