Google has plans to spend over $1 billion on satellites in order to bring the internet to millions of people across developing countries.
Google is rumored to be spending close to one billion dollars on 180 satellites in order to reach out to those who do not have access to the internet.
The satellite models that Google are looking to purchase sit lower in the sky than normal and will help deliver connections to developing and remote countries, thereby increasing the tech giants reach.
Nicknamed “Project Loon” Google was originally planning to use balloons that were able to beam an internet signal however, it seems that the company has ditched this idea in favor of drones and satellites.
Increasing online access to developing countries would help boost economic growth and education but also, Google’s bottom line.
By tapping into an unexplored market, Google would have first peak at their online habits and the potential to market services and products to them.
Google is not the only company trying to tap into this unchartered territory.
Facebook is also looking to bring the world wide web to developing countries through its “Connectivity Lab” program.
Amazon is also looking at expanding their reach by developing drone technology that can deliver packages and help connect people to the internet in remote villages.
While Google failed to comment on their attempt to bring the internet to the world, a spokesperson did comment-
“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 that have the potential to bring hundreds of millions more people online in the coming years.”