Google is rumoured to be investing $1 billion in a network of satellites that will deliver broadband to currently underserved areas. The question is, will they also bring a smattering of evil?
Everything from the amount of money, to the audacity of launching 180 satellites sounds like a Dr Evil plan. But what is Google’s goal for broadband? We already know the firm is operating one of the best networks in the US and delivering speeds of 1gbps to homes in select US cities.
Then there’s Google’s Project Loon, which delivered broadband via balloons to remote areas of New Zealand in a test project. And Google has also bought a drone company that will enable it to launch solar-powered aircraft that can fly for five years at a go, and could be tasked with filling in temporary blackouts in areas where there is a natural or political disaster.
Perhaps all of this comes down to Google’s attempts to defend net neutrality in the US. Ultimately, with drones, balloons and satellites, the company would have a broadband network all of its own that would not be subject to government regulation or the slowdown practices of media conglomerates via their cable networks.
Ultimately, whatever the motivation is, more widespread internet access will give Google more places to make money and serve adverts. But if places with no hope of internet access are getting it at an affordable price, then perhaps it will be worth a few ads here and there.
Read more: Google buys Titan Aerospace drone company
Via: The Verge
Editorial independence
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.
Editorial independence
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.
