Google has thrown its support and its rather sizeable wallet behind SpaceX’s plans to bring the world satellite-powered internet connectivity, according to reports on Monday.
Late last week, Elon Musk’s company revealed it planned to bring gigabit internet access to every person on earth by sending a hundreds of satellites 750 miles into orbit.
As ambitious as that plan sounds – even for Musk – things just got a little more real thanks to Google’s backing, The Information’s sources claim.
According to those familiar with the matter, Google is investing a “very large” sum of money in the venture.
“The purpose of a deal, which is still in the works, is to support the
development of SpaceX satellites that could beam low-cost Internet
around the globe to billions who don’t have it,” the report claims.
Read more: Elon Musk’s 5 craziest ideas for the future
The company is already experimenting with its Project Loon initiative, which involves beaming internet access down to the ground using solar-powered, remote controlled balloons which travel around the earth in a constant loop on stratospheric winds.
Google is competing with Facebook in the space, with the social network planning to use drones to bring internet to all.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
