Wired magazine subscription holders can read how a communications company has received backing from Google to launch a series of satellites into space to get developing countries using broadband internet.
Around eight satellites are due to be launched by O3b in order to enable emerging markets to benefit from high-speed broadband access, reports Wired magazine.
Instead of building wired broadband services in the countries, O3b instead plans to put the network into orbit.
The satellites will orbit 8,000km above the Earth, aiding local internet service providers in the developing nations.
O3b has raised $1.2 billion ($768 million) to fund its efforts, with help from Google, HSBC, Liberty Global and SES SA, a satellite operator.
Recent data from the European Commission showed nearly a third (29 per cent) of broadband internet service provider lines in Europe during July this year were delivering speeds of at least 10mbps, a rise from 15 per cent in July 2009.
Subscribe and save on a Wired magazine subscription today.
Posted by Rebecca Kehoe