Google is reported to be in talks with SpaceX on investing a certain amount towards the project of beaming internet around to globe via satellite to currently unconnected locations. SpaceX, a company funded and owned by CEO of Tesla Motors Elon Musk, is attempting to set out and make the internet an affordable and available option to those around the world who the cost currently is either too high for, or have no available options to be connected. Google has previously attempted their own satellite based internet program. Back in June of last year they were reported to be looking into launching 180 satellites into space at a cost north of $1 billion to bring internet to underserved areas.
Google’s potential satellite plan for serving up internet to remote corners of the globe is not to be confused with their Balloon based internet efforts called Project Loon, which had actually been launched via a series of pilot tests back in 2013, and is still currently in testing. This new effort to help fund the SpaceX program for satellite based internet could be another way for Google to aid in bringing internet to the masses who don’t currently have any options as we haven’t heard much on what’s happening with their own efforts that were reported on in the summer of last year.
At the moment there is no information on exactly how much Google is going to be funding, but according to The Information Google may have settled on or is potentially discussing a price north of $10 billion. Elon Musk hosted a SpaceX event in Seattle back on January 16th last week, which revealed his plans to bring internet to space. The plan is certainly ambitious to be sure, but one that is not completely out of reach. Even if Google’s own reported project was never able to get off the ground, one way or another Google seems to determined to be involved in expanding and exploring the idea of internet connectivity on a more global scale by way of space. Google is not the only current investor for SpaceX’s new project, which is said to also include funding from Draper Fisher Jurveston, Founders Fund, and Valor Equity Partners.