Pitcairn Island, population 48, doubled their internet capacity this week. Well… the plan was finalized anyway, as can expected on one of the most isolated islands in the world, it will likely take until June for a United States Geological Survey team to reach the island and upgrade their satellite connection. After all, the island’s main passenger and freight ship only comes in once every three months!
The announcement has made the rounds among tech and curious news websites, as Pitcairn Island has an odd mystique about it. A reputation that surely began in 1790 when mutineers aboard the famous ship Bounty, set fire to the vessel and made their way to shore. They made their lives on the island, which is only around 3.2km wide, but suffered from a long list of problems including alcoholism and disease. The survivors of the bounty are known to be the ancestors of most of the island’s 48 residents. Too small for an airstrip and too far from other islands to be within helicopter range, the island survives off whatever they can grow and produce there, but especially small tourist vessels who buy locally made crafts.
With their new 512kb internet connection, residents are increasingly looking to the internet as a way to advertise the island as a destination and sell their products. Though it is a small place, the island actually contains an array of fruit and vegetables, as well as plenty of fish. Beyond that, within its territory there is known to be manganese, iron, copper, gold, silver and zinc. By far their most famous product is their honey, which gets exported to New Zealand and the United Kingdom; a favorite of Queen Elizabeth. Look for the clever brand names ”Bounty Products” and “Delectable Bounty” coming to an internet advertisement near you!
Source: Ars Technica
Photo: wheat strong / flickr
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