Last week, Google just announced free wifi hotspot project called “Google Station”. This week it’s Facebook turn to confirm their internet satellite project.
Even last month, Facebook announced the end of its effort to develop Aquila, an autonomous drone that provides internet access. But this week Facebook has confirmed they still have the idea about expanding internet service throughout the world. It’s now developing the Athena satellite for launch next year. The satellite will be around 100-1,250 miles above our planet. Facebook intended to “efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world.”
“While we have nothing to share about specific projects at this time, we believe satellite technology will be an important enabler of the next generation of broadband infrastructure, making it possible to bring broadband connectivity to rural regions where internet connectivity is lacking or non-existent,” a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.
This project will begin in early 2019. Facebook believe that half of the world’s population is still offline, this project will help them online and of course access Facebook and website (and other stuff). Not just the world famous social media company, the idea of expanding internet access is also goal for world leading tech company like SpaceX and Softbank.
