Google Aids High-Speed Net

September 10, 2008 By Digital Trends Staff

Google is among the backers of a new plan to use satellites to bring high-speed Internet access to three billion people in developing countries.

While many of us are concerned with our broadband speed, there are billions of people in developing nations for whom the word Internet might as well not exist. But that’s going to change; Google, along with HSBC bank and cable operator Liberty Global are set to help bring high-speed Internet access to around three billion people in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America using satellites, the BBC reports.

Due to begin in 2010, the 16 satellites employed will use the 03b Networks system and tap into the burgeoning numbers of cell phones in these areas.

03b Networks has already worked in Rwanda, bringing commercial 3G and fiber-to-the-home networks.

Showing 6 comments

Tim Stevens at 9:37am 22nd September 2008 @Derek: Because the cable companies have monopolies. The infrastructure is old. They dont want to pay a ton of money to bring it.
Derek at 7:53pm 10th September 2008 It'd be even better if they focused on bringing "highspeed" Internet to us fellow Americans first. In Japan, they have 100mbps Internet to the home, and it is common in Europe for 15mbps+. Why is the once-upon-a-time leader so far behind?
Tim Stevens at 7:25pm 10th September 2008 Great idea, but is the cost going to be prohibitive for 3rd world countries?
ricord at 11:40am 10th September 2008 Wonderful challenge for wireless internet (mesh networks,Wimax,etc,...)and countries.
Kevin at 8:54am 10th September 2008 Really? You've been waiting for this?
Tee at 5:56am 10th September 2008 I have been praying for this, finally, there's a light at the end of a the tunnels;Thank God