In any event, let me just say that I disagree with you
that "stringing is easy" -- replacing all the crap in the
ground in the U.S. now with fibre that has decent
chromatic dispersion properties and as little dependence
on electro-optical conversion as possible is going to be a
long, expensive and labour-intensive process.Hence the window of opportunity for Hans Werner von Braun
and his amazing rocketships of death, and similar
techologies I'd rather not have to depend on.
I keep thinking that, as costly as it is to upgrade technology in the
ground or under a few thousand feet of seawater, those difficulties pale
in comparison to what will be entailed in upgrading satellites. Given the
rapidity with which networking technology is advancing, one must admire
their willingness to take risks...