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September 12, 2008
Google Invests in Low-Cost Internet Connectivity for Developing Nations
Google has announced an investment in 03b Networks, whose goal it is to get internet connectivity to developing nations. Of course, the idea is that the internet will be high-speed and low-cost.
Google Product Manager Larry Alder explains why this is so difficult, but how it can be accomplished:
Most of today's developed countries are linked by thousands of kilometers of submarine fiber optic cables to carry core Internet traffic. This is a very cost-effective solution, once the fiber is in place; but in many developing and remote areas, fiber isn't available due to economic and sometimes political roadblocks. Though existing geo-synchronous satellites are able to reach theses areas, they provide slow Internet connectivity because of their distance from the Earth - and they're expensive and often fully subscribed. O3b plans to deliver fiber-like Internet backhaul service using a constellation of medium-orbit satellites. This means data can be quickly transmitted to and from even the most remote locations such as inland Africa or small Pacific islands.
What do you think of this initiative? Will it work? Let us know your impressions in the comments.
Related Reading:
Google Joins the "Internet for Everyone" Initiative
Google Earth Outreach Non-Profit Initiative Launches
I'm Google, And I've Just Found...The Internet
Posted by Nathania Johnson on September 12, 2008 12:47 PM
Comments
Will Google consider, or does 03b Networks have, Haiti as one of the country in the program. Fiber is not available in Haiti for both reasons cited by Larry Adler: economic and political roadblocks.
Rony September 13, 2008 3:03 PM
This is a great initiative. When is the expected Go-LIVE date? Is it still in planning phase, or already in implementation/deployment stage?
Workability? It seems logical as a WIMAX like service can be deployed using medium-orbit satellites. With enough bandwidthsize in 100's of MHz or GHz's, and using appropriate compression strategies, it just might work. Most importantly. Its GOOGLE. They have the Midas-Touch.
We are eagerly looking forward to this as a great leap forward to closing the digital divide and assisting Developing countries. I believe its a Win-Win situation for both Google and the developing countries.
Pls lets have the anticipated Go-live death. also, if there is any word on how to pre-subscribe to the service as I can bet that the capacity would also get maxed out very fast considering the pent up demand in this developing areas especially Africa.
Femi AY September 15, 2008 6:01 AM
AGree. It is great that G is taking this step to make it better. Hope it will work.
Ren September 15, 2008 11:18 AM
I think it is a great idea to support developing country to join internet platform. It will definitely increase the traffic for google, and will bring more impression. Long run everybody will benefit this addition.
MGA September 15, 2008 5:47 PM
