Satellite broadband for the masses: Are we there yet?

Speaker: Mike Puchol
Date: Monday, October 2, 2023

Abstract: This talk will guide the audience through the learnings about running an ISP in Africa and how these experiences shape the perspectives on LEO constellations and their roles in reaching underserved and unconnected populations. Mike will dive into the issues impacting LEO constellations and compare them with other approaches of providing internet connectivity, including some fundamental economic factors.

Brief Bio: Mike Puchol is a technical program manager at X (formerly known as Google X), the moonshot factory. Previously, he was the co-founder and CTO at Poa Internet, a WISP providing low-cost broadband internet to underprivileged communities in Kenya. Trained as a mechanical and aeronautical engineer, he proceeded to learn too little about too many things, becoming a technologist and entrepreneur in a wide range of fields. He is interested in how technology, science, engineering, and business mix together, with a particular focus on wireless communications as the common thread.