A government less internet already exists, it's called Packet Radio AKA AX25. It's a network that spans the globe with gateways to the internet at various locations operated by radio amateurs using FSK modulation on regular HAM equipment. Bandwidth is quite restricted.
The problem with creating a government-free internet for mass use is one of resources and determination as well as some technical difficulties in operating networks like this with large numbers of nodes. In rural areas the problems will be the longer stretches without connectivity as well as all the issues that come with routing packets around the world without network congestion if the number of nodes should get large or if something exciting were to happen.
On such a network the communications should be limited to the essentials, rich media is pretty much out of the question.
On another note, the frequency spectrum is highly regulated, powerful base stations operating as hubs could be shut down by triangulation and force and operating transmitters outside of the alloted frequency ranges is forbidden by law.
The only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that does not currently need any regulatory before equipment can be sold or operated is as far as I know > 10GHz, and even then there are strict limits on power. Other options are UWB: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-wideband and optical links (for instance lasers).
In the United States the current frequency allocation chart looks like this:
Setting up a 'government free' internet for a large number of users and without using existing infrastructure is a serious technical challenge, especially if you want to operate it without breaking the law.
Traditionally, in times of unrest and disaster radio amateurs were the last to stay in touch and the first to come back in contact.
Yes, they're severely regulated and there are governmental registries of the equipment they have. But I'd still put good money on HAMs being the last links to an area engulfed in unrest or disaster.
In rural areas the problems will be the longer stretches without connectivity
The most pressing need for mobile comms and richer media will be in the cities, where this is less of an issue. For getting news out to less populated areas, something like Fidonet could work as a way of disseminating alternative news.
On such a network the communications should be limited to the essentials, rich media is pretty much out of the question.
What about USB flash drives carried by drone aircraft or carrier pigeon?
On another note, the frequency spectrum is highly regulated, powerful base stations operating as hubs could be shut down by triangulation and force and operating transmitters outside of the alloted frequency ranges is forbidden by law.
The only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that does not currently need any regulatory before equipment can be sold or operated is as far as I know > 10GHz, and even then there are strict limits on power.
If one can rapidly disseminate many units, then infringement is not so much of an issue. Protesters are already engaging in civil disobedience, and the authorities already have a lot of other chaos to deal with during a crisis like we are seeing in Tunisia and Egypt.
Other options are UWB and optical links (for instance lasers).
Relevant to both Tunisia and Egypt would be hardware to establish Line of Sight communications with vessels offshore carrying satellite uplinks. Infrared lasers linking with boats 10 miles offshore would be hard to detect.
And you can be sure that in the areas of the world where interference free internet is most needed the laws will ban the sale or ownership of any such devices.
The problem with creating a government-free internet for mass use is one of resources and determination as well as some technical difficulties in operating networks like this with large numbers of nodes. In rural areas the problems will be the longer stretches without connectivity as well as all the issues that come with routing packets around the world without network congestion if the number of nodes should get large or if something exciting were to happen.
On such a network the communications should be limited to the essentials, rich media is pretty much out of the question.
On another note, the frequency spectrum is highly regulated, powerful base stations operating as hubs could be shut down by triangulation and force and operating transmitters outside of the alloted frequency ranges is forbidden by law.
The only part of the electromagnetic spectrum that does not currently need any regulatory before equipment can be sold or operated is as far as I know > 10GHz, and even then there are strict limits on power. Other options are UWB: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultra-wideband and optical links (for instance lasers).
In the United States the current frequency allocation chart looks like this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_Frequency_Al...
Setting up a 'government free' internet for a large number of users and without using existing infrastructure is a serious technical challenge, especially if you want to operate it without breaking the law.