Google and SpaceX have announced a partnership that will deliver Internet access to underserved areas of the world using a constellation of orbiting satellites.
The space-based internet announcement arrives just two weeks after Elon Musk announced plans to build a $10 billion internet service that would provide internet access from Earth all the way to Mars. The partnership also arrives one week after Google purchased 7.5% of the company as part of a $1 Billion funding round that also provided Fidelity with 2.5% of the company.
During an event in Seattle, SpaceX’s CEO said the internet constellation would consist of 4,000 to 5,000 broadband satellites. SpaceX and Google have already filed the necessary paperwork for the ambitious plan with the International Telecommunication Union.
Currently 60% of the world’s population lacks access to the internet, a problem Google has been attempting to tackle for years. Google’s Loon project has looked to solve that problem with a network of high-altitude balloons. Unlike Google’s approach, SpaceX chose to focus on proven technology.
SpaceX will likely deliver the satellites into orbit aboard its own Falcon X rockets, the same hardware used to launch the Dragon Capsule to the International Space Station. SpaceX is already providing a cost-effective way for M2M satellite companies such as Orbcomm to expand their services.
While attracting four billion new customers is a lofty and profitable goal, Elon Musk seems more interested in bringing internet to Mars in time for a manned space million to the red planet.
Do you think satellite internet will help rapidly connect the unconnected parts of the world?
This article was syndicated from Business 2 Community: Google And SpaceX Partner For Satellite-Based Internet Program
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