Google will be part of a consortium that aims to offer satellite internet to 3 billion people in African countries and other emerging markets, such as Latin America, according to the "Financial Times", which does not say whether the project includes Brazil.
The target audience of the project, called O3B Networks (the other 3 billion), are people for whom broadband internet is very expensive. The idea is to reduce the price of network access by up to 95%. "This really fits Google's mission in the developing world," said Larry Alder, product manager in the technology company's alternative access group. "In some places in Africa, the cost of fast internet is 20 times higher than in the United States. "
According to the "Financial Times", the consortium, formed, among others, by HSBC and American billionaire John Malone, from Liberty Media (who has a stake in Sky satellite TV operator), will today announce the acquisition of 16 low-orbit satellites – with a stronger signal than that of similar commercials– from the French company Thales Alenia Space.
The business is considered the kickoff in the US project$ 750 million that intends to connect mobile phone antennas to high-speed internet networks in a number of countries close to the equator.
The intention is that the project is already in operation by the end of 2010. Also according to the newspaper, HSBC, Google and the American billionaire have each invested US$ 20 million and should inject more than US$ 150 million to US$ 180 million.
In the coming months, the consortium, which will be based on Jersey Island (on the English Channel), will negotiate agreements with Internet and telephony companies from emerging countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East.
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