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GOOGLE’S PLANS TO spend more than $1 billion on satellites that will provide internet access worldwide from space.
The project will start with 180 small, high-capacity satellites which will orbit the earth at lower altitudes than traditional satellites, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The satellites would weigh less than 250 pounds and would hope to cover the entire globe.
The projected price ranges from around $1 billion to more than $3 billion, the final cost depending on the network’s final design and a later phase that could double the number of satellites.
There are between 10 to 20 people working on the project, headed by the founder of satellite-communications startup O3b Networks, Greg Wyler, who reports to Chief Executive Larry Page.
The satellites are part of Project Loon, a Google project which aims to bring internet access to remote regions via high-altitude balloons. Facebook also has a similar project, Internet.org, which also aims to bring internet access to remote areas.
Facebook was said to be interested in solar-powered drone company Titan Aerospace before Google acquired it for an undisclosed fee.
The aim for both companies is to expand its reach and grow user numbers by targeting developing and untapped markets. By bringing internet to these areas, it will mean more people will use its services which will help boost revenue and earnings.
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I hear even Leitrim and Mayo will be able to get internet??
Google is turning into Skynet, we are focked.
All hail our Google overloards
This will be great for areas too isolated for physical broadband access to be possibly installed; a happy day for residents of the Sahara, Siberia & Enniskerry.
And west Kerry
I may aswell be living in one of these remote areas! Broadband out my way is dreadful
Google plans to build 180 satellites to assist with the NSA on spying on everyone…….
http://www.newstalkflorida.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/google_NSA_2013.jpg
To be frank, I support any project that helps me to access obscure single source new outlets. Especially from my remote bunker location.
What are you actually hiding frank? Or what is it that Google and the NSA can find on you? Are you different than the rest of us ordinary folk? Are you a spy frank? And if the powers that be are so powerful as you keep pointing out here on the journal I’m sure you wouldn’t be stupid enough to be logging in here normally? You’d be hiding your ip and all that craic? Right frank? Otherwise if you’re not and you’re making all these sweeping comments I’m sure you’ve a back up plan to go into hiding when the mysterious knock comes knocking on your door. Ohhh and fake Id for your new identity? You have that sorted too frank? What about plastic surgery prices? Have you sorted that out ? Can never be too safe #TrustNoOne
Frank isnt his real name
Although, Chief might be short for Chief of Police.
Maybe it is JD, or should i say Mr egg man, Yeah I sused out your disguise! That eye patch and fake moustache ain’t fooling me, i knew you were an egg all the time. Look out for sneaky eggs frank! I heard their into yokes!
Ah yeah here we go now, fecking skynet aka Google are at it again
I firmly believe that. Sounds far fetched, but just look what google have and what they are aquiring.
You go CIA sorry google
No doubt they’ll also add cameras to these satellites to bolster the coverage of their high resolution mapping services. $1 billion sounds like a drop in the ocean to the likes of Google – they’ll make this investment back in no time. Just goes to show what future riches Ireland could invest in if we had a couple of billion to spare…
the NSA, GCHQ and the other 3 from the 5 eyes network will cover this 1bn investment for their google partners, just like they covered the money to encourage them up to now.
If Internet is not available in remote areas it’s because it’s not wanted in these remote areas. Cultural reasons, poverty, traditions, lack of electricity and devices to access the internet.
Everyone has access to the internet in Africa now. But how will they afford devices to go on line.
have your say