Google to spend $1 Billion launching 180 satellites for global internet service
Posted by: Jon Ben-Mayor on 06/02/2014 09:02 AM [ Comments ]
Google is set to embark on a push to allow internet service to be accessible to everyone, including those that are in parts of the world that do not have any type of infrastructure to support regular internet service.
According to The Verge, Google has been hiring new staff from satellite companies in an effort to get its space internet scheme off the ground. The project is reportedly being run by Greg Wyler, who founded satellite startup O3b Networks. O3b, in whom Google has invested, has been experimenting with 1,500-pound satellites, but people familiar with the project say the devices Google intends to use will weigh less than 250 pounds. The WSJ's sources say the costs for the venture could top $3 billion as Google makes tweaks to the network and revises the number of satellites it needs to offer internet in unconnected parts of the world.
"History is replete with ambitious satellite plans that failed," according to the quote from Roger Rusch in the Wall Street Journal article. Rusch runs TelAstra Inc., a satellite-industry consulting firm. Google's project will end up "costing far more than they can imagine today," he said, perhaps as much as $20 billion. "This is exactly the kind of pipe dream we have seen before."
Google also will have to overcome regulatory hurdles, including coordinating with other satellite operators so its fleet doesn't interfere with others.
"History is replete with ambitious satellite plans that failed," according to the quote from Roger Rusch in the Wall Street Journal article. Rusch runs TelAstra Inc., a satellite-industry consulting firm. Google's project will end up "costing far more than they can imagine today," he said, perhaps as much as $20 billion. "This is exactly the kind of pipe dream we have seen before."
Google also will have to overcome regulatory hurdles, including coordinating with other satellite operators so its fleet doesn't interfere with others.
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