Devices · 2h ago
Australia Orders Thousands of Working Routers Destroyed After Program Ends
The Australian government told volunteers to dispose of thousands of functional test routers after a broadband program concluded, despite the devices being easily reflashable. The routers, used in a nationwide network testing initiative, could have been repurposed or donated. Critics say the waste is unnecessary and environmentally harmful.
Meridian48 take
The decision to brick perfectly usable hardware over bureaucratic convenience highlights a broader tech industry problem with planned obsolescence and e-waste.
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Aussie gov't tells volunteers to throw out thousands of functioning test routers →
Ars Technica AI
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