Is Google funding SpaceX satellite internet plans?
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.
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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.