Note: This column represents the opinions
of the writer and as such, is not represented as fact
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At last,
the contents of Aardvark's "million-dollar ideas" notebook
are revealed for all to see!
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Long before the Internet was even a twinkle in its creators' eyes, and decades
before the advent of email, IRC and instant messaging, regular folks were
exchanging messages, chatting and communicating by electronic means.
Yes, even Joe average citizen in rural New Zealand could spend hours talking
about the weather with someone in Australia, the USA, Europe, or almost any
other place on the face of the globe -- and it didn't cost a penny!
So what was this magic? Where is it now?
Need Cutting-Edge Copy?
As NZ's longest-running online commentator, I'm looking for
extra syndication opportunities for this daily publication -- or I'm happy
to write casual or regular material specifically to order for print or
Net-based publications. If you're
interested, drop me a line
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Well it's still around, and I am of course referring to HAM radio.
During its heyday, HAM radio was a very popular hobby, and (in pre-cellphone
times) something that came in extraordinarily useful in times of disaster or
emergency.
Something similar, albeit with a far more limited range, arrived in the form
of CB radio during the 1970's.
But what has this all got to do with the Net and broadband?
Well several readers have emailed me with the suggestion that one broadband
alternative might be to create a national wireless network which effectively
circumvents the Telco monopolies.
Some people are
doing a whole lot more than talking. They've actually started to take some
action and are attempting to get this ball rolling.
Imagine the effect this type of independent "community" would have on Telecom's
DSL service.
Maybe we'd see some sensible attitudes and pricing for a change.
And... it would provide exactly the type of low-cost access to local broadband
content I was talking about in yesterday's column.
Unfortunately, one of the problems with such systems is that they require
very careful organisation and coordination -- something that the URL
nz.wirelessanarch.com doesn't really imply.
However, it's worth noting that the HAM community have already proven that
they can coordinate their resources to create wide area networks of radio
repeaters for members -- so surely the Net community can do the same.
Perhaps the future of broadband really is in the hands of the users.
What do you think? Would you be prepared to chip in to support the
creation of such a service? Would you use such a service?
Have your say -- and don't forget to select
For Publication if you want me to publish them here.
Hey, Christmas Is The Time For Giving
Every month, Aardvark scores over half a million hits, at least 150K page views and
delivers more than 6GB of data to visitors.
All this traffic has meant that I've had to shift the site to a new server
to ensure that your daily dose is always fresh and delivered to your
browser with minimal delays.
I also invest over 300 hours per year writing the daily column and compiling
the day's news index -- all for your illumination and entertainment.
If you haven't sent any money to help offset the costs of running this
ad-free, 100% Kiwi, always fresh, often controversial site then you can give
yourself the warm-fuzzies this Christmas by doing so now.
Just drop by, click on the Aardvark, and
hand over your loot.
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