It just makes me wonder how we will be able to connect to the internet when the powers that be, decide we can not unless “approved”?
How can Start9 do without any kind of internet “service provider”?
Slowly build out decentralized mesh networks over time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_IJ2Xxc78k Matt discusses this issue at about minute 48
To add some more context here, keep in mind that the Internet is literally just a set of “INTERconnected NETworks.” What this means is that there are billions of networks in the world, and they each voluntarily connect with each other in order to form the broader Internet. The concern around powers that be “deciding” we need to be approved to connect networks is a very serious undertaking. This is similar to these same people attempting to regulate weapons, farmer’s markets, or medicinal plants. It’s not possible as long as the Will of the People exists.
There are then 2 scenarios for concern here, in my opinion.
- The entire body of the People submit to digital/physical slavery.
- Govcorp attacks at the “ISP” (Internet Service Provider) and “DNS” (Domain Name System) levels.
The first is an ongoing battle that hasn’t been going particularly well, but there are plenty of us that still value Freedom and are fighting with every fibre of our Being to maintain. I’m optimistic in the longer term.
The second is more likely the threat you are concerned with. ISPs can fairly easily deny you service, and DNS servers are open to attack. Start9 was strategic in the choice to begin the Sovereign Computing paradigm with personal servers. The first and most important goal is to own our data. Even with zero ability to connect to the Internet, any information stored on your Start9 Server is still in your possession, and available for access. This means that in a worst case scenario, the flow of information can continue, even if we have to carry it via USB drives on foot to our communities (the SneakerNet). Regarding the DNS, there are an expanding number of options and so that ecosystem is decentralizing. There are also ongoing experiments in how to further distribute these, since anyone can run a DNS server.
As mentioned above, the Internet is a series of connected networks. A router creates a network. This means that every single home, business, church, etc with a router has its own Local Area Network (LAN), and if they have their own data, they are capable of basic communication and information sharing within the range of that network. Furthermore, routers can speak to each other (this is how the Internet is formed). Meaning that two routers that are near enough for a radio or cable connection to one another, can form a new network, composed of the two LANs. This can be extended to more routers/networks.
Now that StartOS exists, making Personal Servers accessible, Start9 is doing RnD on routers as a next step in digital Sovereignty. These will leverage existing Open Source routing software, and will provide connectivity tools to those that value Freedom, empowering them to build stronger communities.
Hopefully this is helpful.
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Thank you both!
Have forwarded to those who are much “geekier” than myself.
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Let us know what questions they have, or better yet - send them in 
At least one person has responded favorably.
Will keep on promotin’