Planet side communication is very similar to the way that it was, in the early 21st Century of Earth. The main difference is the amount of data that is transmitted. With so much being "wireless", satellites are relaying thousands of zettabytes a second from point A to point B. Holographic displays for in home entertainment, on personal devices, and ocular implants are common place. This is mostly a simple, proven technology that even the most backwater planet has at least one or two satellites providing information for the masses.
The main difference is long range, system to system, communication. This is provided by "slip bundles". A slip bundle is a transmission sent through a micro-wormhole, similar to the method deployed for system to system travel. In system, a slip bundle is sent to a relay hub. There is one or two hubs for each world. Some worlds actually can have six, depending on the population. That hub then sends a blast of information to a relay station sitting on the Outer Edge of a system.
The relay station; which is a small, manned, station; takes the send transmission, and using a specialized FTL style device, sends the information to a thousand relay stations throughout the Known Galaxy. Each relay station is also set up to receive these "slip bundles", and transmit them back to the respective world in their associated star system. Most of this process is automated, the personnel on a selected station serving mostly as maintenance, repair, and security. Most stations, while slightly manned, have a number of defenses. They frequently are a regular part of system patrols. Also, their location, so far out from any other world, and only nominally close to common exit points for incoming FTL Drive ships; all make targeting a relay station, for anything other than a military strike; often more trouble than it's worth. Even most military operations, unless they've brought their own relay station with them, will leave a relay station unmolested.
Relay stations are often Faction only. There are some "neutral" relays, mostly operating in along border territories, in specific locations in the void of space, or in uninhabited systems. These stations often have one of three purposes. The first is a NegCent (Negotiation Center) public station. These relay stations are meant to provide communication, such as diplomatic or business related, between organizations and government officials between on Faction to another. These stations are often larger, heavily secured, and more heavily manned. Some of these stations also serve as neutral grounds for negotiations, with artificially created environments meant to promote the easy and well-being of the inhabitants, and the negotiating visitors. Peace accords, hammering out border disputes, the sharing of trade rights, or negotiating out new marketing and sales agreements are all common events on these NegCent Stations. These stations will also, as a side source of revenue, distribute transmissions of approved materials from one Faction to the next. For example, there are a number of very popular anime series in the Eternal Empire that are broadcast through NegCents to the Federation.
The second, colloquially known as "Whistlers", will send out "slip bundles" from other Factions into a opposing Faction, often for the purpose of propaganda. Similar to old "Radio Free Europe", these will send selected holo-entertainment from within their nation, as well as propaganda messages, and some claim, orders for operatives within the targeted Faction. The Federation and the Union all have a number of "Whistlers" along the borders of the other. These relays are called "Whistlers" because these broadcasts are not routed through the usual methods, sometimes adding a faint whistling sound to the background of the transmission.
The third and final are "Shadow Stations". Shadow stations are relays that transmit illegal, or underground, "slip bundles", often for a steep price. While there are some independent operators, most are run and maintained by the Old Families. The "slip bundle" transmission station is normally hidden, not on every world, and often not in every system. These send their clandestine signals to the local system's relay station, but are embedded with code to redirect the information to one of the Shadow Stations. From the Shadow Station is it disseminated as requested. This is used for illegal contacting across Faction borders, arranging services with agents tied to the Old Families, or even broadcasting underground materials that can not wait for standard recording and couriers. This last option is often the most expensive, and is sent to only those willing to pay for the privilege of viewing what ever it might be.
Entertainment
As part of communication, a few words should be mentioned about entertainment among the Factions. There are somethings that do not change that much.
Most entertainment is enjoyed through holo-vision, 3D recordings of movies, sporting events, news and other common diversions. Every house normally has at least one Holo-pad for the viewing of local padcasts, and shows delivered through "slipbundle". "Smart" devices, like watches and chips, also can catch these same signals and display them.
Holo-vision recordings are so common place, many Factions have entire worlds; and in some cases, systems; dedicated to the production of holo-vision films and holo-pad shows. The FNF has Planet Hollywood, while the CPR has both Wushu and New Hong Kong. It is also not uncommon for these productions to be common trade items between Factions.
A trend in entertainment that is seeing a rise is theater. Plays, operas, ballet, and other live performances are extremely popular. Everyone can see a movie or other show, but to actually sit and watch something performed, right there in front of you, is something different, and pleasant. With the level of special effects available for even the smallest traveling troupe, some productions are above the entertainment value of the biggest budget films in the early and mid 21st Century. This has caused traveling performance groups to be highly sought after, and celebrated upon their arrival. This is especially true on Border Worlds and outer rim worlds, where "culture" doesn't make many stops.
Sporting events are as popular now, as they have been in the past. While some sports have evolved to robotic competitors, when a living breathing athlete takes the field is when the fans truly come in. Some sports, in certain Factions, have also evolved to allowing enhanced participants. For example, cybernetic athletes are more common in the Eternal Empire, while there are a number of sports in the Federation that are strictly for mutal competitors only. Even gladiatorial combat has made a comeback, in varying degrees.
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