logoalt Hacker News

tart-lemonadeyesterday at 3:11 PM2 repliesview on HN

> These developments entail a future where travellers could enjoy reliable, high‑speed internet while flying, and where people on ships or in vehicles crossing remote regions can stay connected without interruption.

How reliable/feasible would this be on the ground? From what I understand, shining non-trivial lasers in the sky is a massive liability because of the potential to interfere with aircraft. I don't see anything about the wavelength used, but even if it's outside the visible spectrum, it would still be subject to interference from aircraft when used on the ground or at sea.


Replies

joezydecoyesterday at 4:08 PM

It's being implemented. I thought I saw that Amazon Leo (nee Kuiper) was going to lean on it pretty heavily.

https://www.techbriefs.com/component/content/article/47300-u...

show 1 reply
Jtsummersyesterday at 4:03 PM

Optical links are being developed for use from fixed ground stations.

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46709548 - Discussion from a month ago with several links for a recent example.