Replying to Avatar Dr. Bitcoin, MD

Need is probably too strong a word for most people in this situation.

But here’s why you might _want_ to use Blockstream satellite: you don’t want your ISP having _any_ idea you use bitcoin…it’s reasonable to infer anyone downloading 1-4 mb simultaneously around the globe are probably running bitcoin.

If you run a lightning node, you can be made aware of improper channel closes even if your ISP is down and take action to fix the problem. Can also get lightning gossip over satellite, but I’ve never done that.

If you want to receive broadcast messages from someone sending Blockstream some text and a lightning payment. You can basically rent their satellite for a few moments to send whatever sort of message you want to and pay for it with lightning.
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J Perez 9mo ago

Good points. Thanks for the reply. I didn’t know about the rental aspect. Interesting.

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Dr. Bitcoin, MD 9mo ago

Powerful communication tool. I can picture CIA operatives setting up satellite dishes to receive encrypted instructions from headquarters, but I imagine they have other tools for that. Most messages (well, unencrypted messages) that I see are tests, advertisements, or news/opinion pieces. But I haven’t looked at the data in months.

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J Perez 9mo ago

Yeah, definitely some high-level cyphercast uses. I didn’t even think about the messaging aspect. When I move off the grid I’ll have to set it up :)