With “180 small, high-capacity satellites” to orbit the earth, Google is said to kick off a project aimed at extending “Internet access to unwired regions” in the world investing over $1 billion up to $3 billion according to the Wall Street Journal.
A Google spokesperson in response said “Internet connectivity significantly improves people’s lives. Yet two thirds of the world have no access at all. It’s why we’re so focused on new technologies—from Project Loon to Titan Aerospace—that have the potential to bring hundreds of millions more people online in the coming years.”
People familiar with the matter said that Greg Wyler, founder of O3b networks, a satellite communications startup, will be heading the project, reporting to Craig Barratt at Google.
Wyler already has 10 to 20 people working for him on the initiative at Google, while engineers from satellite company Space Systems/Loral LLC, are also being hired to work on the initiative.
According to the WSJ report, Google is planning to use satellites of around 250 pounds in weight. The fleet of low-earth-orbit satellites is expected to expand eventually, and can even double at “a later phase,” depending on the network’s final design, resulting in a rise in the projected price ranges.
The new initiative is the latest airborne effort from the company to extend Internet access across the globe. Google has previously been experimenting to connect remote areas with its Project Loon, the launch of 30 helium balloons.
Back in April, Google also acquired Titan Aerospace a company manufacturing solar-powered high-altitude drones, in an effort to offer similar connectivity.
