Google is planning on spending more than $1bn on a fleet of 180 satellites to provide internet access to parts of the world that are currently unconnected.
The satellites will be small but high-capacity and will orbit the earth at lower altitudes than traditional satellites.
Details are still limited, but the Wall Street Journal reports that Google could “double” the number of satellites in the future.
This is not the internet giant’s first attempt to connect remote parts of the world. Last year it launched Project Loon which involved launching 30 balloons offering 3G-like speeds in parts of New Zealand that are not connected.
This latest project is expected to be an extension of Project Loom.
Greg Wyler, who founded satellite communications start-up 03b Networks, is thought to be leading the project
"Internet connectivity significantly improves people's lives. Yet two thirds of the world have no access at all," said a Google spokeswoman to the WSJ.
The project comes in the wake of social network giant Facebook’s own efforts to connect unwired parts of the world with its Connectivity Lab which is exploring drone, satellite and laser technology.
Laura Bracher, London
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