Google-backed project aims to give 3 billion more people Net access

Google, Liberty Global, and HSBC are backing a start-up called O3b Networks named for its ambition to bring Internet access to the "other 3 billion" people who lack it today.

The effort has begun initial production of 16 low-cost satellites that collectively will provide an Internet backbone to places lacking high-speed networking cable, including emerging markets in Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, O3b said. The satellites will link with ground stations such as cell towers or WiMax stations that actually reach the customers.

"The O3b Networks system will completely change the economics of telecommunications infrastructure in the world's fastest-growing markets for communications services," O3b said in a statement Tuesday.

The service should become active in 2010, the company said, and more satellites are a future option.

Google has aggressively pushed for more widespread Internet access, including municipal Wi-Fi and other wireless networking, which the company believes will increase its user base and its engagement with online services. That of course also could help sustain growth in Google's ad business.

"O3B's model empowers local entrepreneurs and companies to deliver Internet and mobile services to those in currently under served or remote locations at speeds necessary to power rich web based applications," said Larry Alder, product manager for Google's Alternative Access Team, in a statement.

[celticbrewer]

Last I heard, only 20% of Americans had broadband... why not start at home, first? We're always eager to send our dollars overseas to help the "less fortunate." What about _our_ less fortunate?

[piffpiff]

Well... Since Americans have the OPTION of getting online, what do you expect Google to do, give free internet to people who say they can't afford it? Why would anyone say they can, then? So what you're suggesting is that Google should sponsor free broadband for all Americans.
Now, there's money well spent.
You know - they didn't even say it would be free to use the internet in those third world countries, just that it would be possible.
I think there are some really good people in the states. It's a shame a few narrow minded egoists like you give Americans a bad name. What have you done for your own less fortunate (or anyone) lately?

[solblack]

DITTO!!!!!!!!!!

[cheriejd]

I know people that do not have access to any type of internet connection as they have phone service that is so unreliable they couldn't even dial in. I have to agree with celticbrewer, start at home. Hey, I live someplace without cell phone service (3 hours from the largest city in the US). How about making that phone google is talking about work on wifi?

[incrediblehelp]

"20% of Americans had broadband."

Was that a joke? More like the opposite. I think broadband use is like 80% for active internet users

[ttxort12k]

Hooray for Google but hey man I live 60 miles from a major California city and am stuck with dialup because the phone company won't spend the money to serve rural areas.

Please don't forget all the unfortunates right here at home.

In addition I do not use Microsoft or Apple products. I use Linux. Please do not exclude my operating system from access to the satellite system.

Further, I dislike the local phone company so much for ignoring rural broadband that if you will offer telephone service as well I'll sign up and dump AT$T.

Thanks,

[Sweetpatootie]

Oh great, more racist foreigners to fight with on the net. Charity begins at HOME!!

[KB0006]

I think the "other 3 billion" might be more interested in things like clean drinking water, food, housing, adequate medical care and electricity before they get broadband.

[billserr]

true water,food,housing,electricity and medical care are important. several other projects are already focusing on those. 03b networks will easily connect the other 3b people(myself included) to the rest to rest of the world. in my opinion the main advantage is access to better education through this. thanks to Google, Liberty Global, and HSBC for backing this project