This discussion revolves around the potential for internet shutdowns and connectivity issues, particularly in the context of geopolitical tensions, and how individuals might circumvent such restrictions while working remotely.
Internet Curfew and Geopolitical Concerns
A central theme is the fear of internet shutdowns, described as an "Internet curfew," especially in scenarios involving international conflict. The possibility of such actions being taken against a specific target, like Taiwan, is raised.
- "Terrible, this is Internet curfew. It's not uncommon to imagine they'd shutdown Internet across border during any war (like against Taiwan)." - kotri
Decentralized and Amateur Radio for Communication
In the face of potential internet disruptions, decentralized communication methods and amateur radio are proposed as alternatives. LoRA technology is highlighted for its cheap, decentralized nature, enabling text messages even when traditional internet infrastructure fails. For more established communication, amateur radio protocols like WSPR and FT8 are mentioned, although they require a license.
- "That's what's so great about LoRA. Decentralized txt msgs, ultra cheap radios people run at home or wherever. $10-35USD ON AMAZON. Least txts get through." - hackernewsdhsu
- "No but something like WSPR or FT8 would. Needs a license though." - wkat4242
- "Can you recommend a guide? I’m interested in trying it out." - cedws
Pretextual Testing and Permanent Implementation
One perspective suggests that unusual internet disruptions could be tests designed to identify system weaknesses. The purpose would be to see what breaks before implementing such measures permanently at a later stage. The analogy of a covert operation involving seemingly routine engine starts to mask actual boat theft is used to illustrate how preparatory actions can go unnoticed until the real event occurs.
- "In fact, it’s a common tactic to do something unusual, in a recurrent way, so people aren’t alerted when it happens for real. (When the Mossad stole 7 boats from a French port (that they had fully paid), they prepared a few months in advance by having the pilots start the engines every night at 23:00, pretending they needed it against the cold temperatures. When they day came, they started the engines and left, no-one saw it coming)." - eastbound
- "It could also be a test to look for surprising things that break, in case they want to do this permanently at some later point." - vintermann
Backup Connectivity and Foreign Nationals' Ordeals
The practicalities of maintaining connectivity during emergencies are discussed, with Starlink Mini being considered as a potential backup. The worry of being stranded without a connection in a foreign country is acknowledged, especially for foreigners. One user reports a friend's unsuccessful attempt to get a signal, implying difficulties with such backup solutions.
- "Could you bring something like a starlink mini for backup i wonder? Id imagine this would be very worrying being stuck there as a foreigner in such a situation." - wkat4242
- "A friend of mine tried, no signal." - methou
Remote Work from China and VPN Challenges
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on individuals working remotely from China for American companies. This practice often involves navigating VPN issues, which are seen as a standard part of the experience. The additional complication of a "sovereign state inject[ing] your packets" is described as a new and interesting challenge. The discussion also touches on the idea that some "employees" might be Chinese nationals pretending to be Americans, and that both Chinese and Indian nationals with US visa status (like green cards) might spend extended periods in their home countries while working for US companies, enjoying a higher quality of life due to cost differences.
- "Think of how many people who have remote jobs with American companies couldn't connect to their meetings while they "work from home" while secretly being in China!"
- "Normally they have to fight VPN issues anyway, but having a sovereign state inject your packets is certainly a fun new one." - chickenzzzzu
- "I suspect those connections worked fine." - ChrisMarshallNY
- "It’s good to know the boss." - ChrisMarshallNY
- "I definitely appreciate that a percentage of so called "employees" are actually just full fledged Chinese nationals, living permanently in China, paid a salary to pretend to be an American who had their identity stolen." - chickenzzzzu
- "But there absolutely is also a non-negligible number of Chinese and Indian nationals, who have some type of visa status in the US (especially a green card) who spend many months in their original countries making $200,000 or more per year while living like royalty in their home countries :)" - chickenzzzzu
Green Card Status and Residency Requirements
The validity of green cards for extended stays abroad is questioned, with one user pointing out that a green card requires residency in the US and that border control is aware of entry and exit points.
- "The green card isn't citizenship, you lose it if you don't live in the US. It's not like they don't know when you enter or exit the country." - bapak
- "6 months is a very long time." - chickenzzzzu
Prevalence of Remote Work Abroad and Quality of Life
The prevalence and justification for working remotely from countries like China are debated. While some express surprise at how widespread it might be, others suggest it's quite common due to the significant cost savings and potential for a higher quality of life abroad, especially for roles in corporate software engineering. The official allowance for green card holders to be outside the US for six months is also relevant.
- "How common can this really be? And what kind of companies? I’m finding it really hard to imagine this to be widespread." - tietjens
- "I live in a popular Digital Nomad friendly country, and myself included, work with Europe/American companies roughly matching their time zones." - Ayesh
- "Now, the people I work with know that I'm not really located in the same time zone, but I know people who don't bother to mention it. I rarely get phone calls, but I have a roaming connection active for banking/OTP/etc. Plenty of cheap cafes with great WiFi (500mbps+ almost everywhere), and several times cheaper too." - Ayesh
- "Yeah if I'd sneak off to work from another place I'd pick somewhere really nice. Not China." - wkat4242
- "You say that because you don't hold a Chinese or Indian passport. Now think of those who do, who have family obligations, food preferences, local bank accounts." - chickenzzzzu
- "Sadly much more common than it should be. The durations vary widely, but with the price of airline tickets and the nature of corporate software engineering jobs, it's extremely easy to self-justify a month abroad. The US government allows 6 months officially for green card holders." - chickenzzzzu
- "If it wasn't literally 10x cheaper to live abroad than it is to live in Seattle/San Jose, it wouldn't be as prevalent. And not to mention, the quality of life is often better at the 10x cheaper price as well." - chickenzzzzu
- "I can give you as much proof as you would like!" - chickenzzzzu
Perceptions of China's Scenery and Travel
The discussion briefly touches on the perception of China as a travel destination, with positive remarks about its scenery and architecture, contrasting with the view that it wouldn't be a desirable location for remote work due to internet issues, though suitable for a holiday.
- "Have you ever been to China?" - dbetteridge
- "Because they have some of the most beautiful scenery and buildings I've seen and I've been to dozens of countries." - dbetteridge
- "Personally I wouldn't go there for remote work, because the internet interference is a pain but a holiday definitely." - dbetteridge
The final comment, "[delayed]," suggests the discussion might have been cut short or is awaiting further input.