Google considers deployment of low earth satellite network

Google is reported to be planning on deploying a low earth satellite network in order to extend Internet connectivity to the entire planet.

The billion-dollar venture would see the company launch its own satellites and use them to provide Internet access in rural areas that are currently not served by terrestrial services.

Being a low-earth orbit network, the satellites should be close enough to the ground to reduce the latency on the connection, which has often been the main problem with such services in the past.

Google has previously backed the independent organisation O3b Networks, which aims to offer the same service, but has now hired staff from that company to work on its own network.

The network would initially cost around US$1 billion, but that could rise to US$3 billion if the entire network of 180 mini-satellites was to be launched.