Google set to launch low-altitude satellites to beam Internet to remote locations

Google is set to launch 180 low-altitude satellites which will spread Internet access in regions where there is lack of Internet availability, says a report by  WSJ. This project is not the first time Google has made such an effort; previously it faced financial and technical drawbacks which led to a similar project being shelved.   The project is set to begin with the launch of 180 high capacity, low hovering satellites which will cost Google somewhere between $1 billion to $3 billion. This noble effort will be led by Greg Wyler who recently joined Google and was previously associated as the founder of satellite communications startup O3b Networks. There are around 10 to 20 people currently working under him on the project, who report to Craig Barratt who in turn reports to Google chief Larry Page. The founder’s keen interest in the project showcases Google’s continuing attempt to make its services available to everyone in the world.   People who are closely associated with the project predict the number of satellites being doubled if all goes according to the plan and the network’s final design gets approved, claims the report. The idea behind launching such satellites is to assure companies like Google and Facebook target a new audience, an audience which lacks the availability of Internet in their location of residence or work. This will in turn boost sales and ultimately lead to massive earning by the search engine giant.   Google has previously attempted to reach population with Internet access by designing high-altitude balloons; this project was called Project Loon . In April, Google acquired Titan Aerospace which is building solar powered drones for fulfilling the same purpose. Facebook is also known to launch drones - had also tried to acquire Titan Aerospace - of their own that perform similar tasks.   The efforts made by companies like Google will prove beneficial for developing nations, since most of these nations lack the availability of modern technology to make Internet friendly states across its terrain.