Insta
Facebook Joins Race To Launch Satellites For Broadband Connectivity
Facebook headquarters at 1, Hacker Way, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, California (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Social media behemoth Facebook has become the latest tech company to join the low-cost internet provider’s bandwagon. As per a report by Wired, Facebook has filed an application with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the company name PointView Tech to launch its satellite Athena in early 2019. According to the filing, the Palo Alto-based company aims to “efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world”.
Facebook now joins the ranks of Softbank-funded OneWeb and Elon Musk’s Starlink to set up a satellite-based low-cost broadband connectivity project.
Facebook’s previous attempts at providing low-cost internet however have been mired in controversy. Starting with its 2013 project Internet.Org and the subsequent successor Free Basics, Facebook has tied up with service providers to offer free access to select websites. However, proponents of Net Neutrality have harshly criticised both offerings, claiming it created a “two-tiered” internet that further aggravated the divide between developing and developed article.
Apart from satellites, Google’s Loon aims to provide internet connectivity using high-altitude balloons.
Introducing ElectionsHQ + 50 Ground Reports Project
The 2024 elections might seem easy to guess, but there are some important questions that shouldn't be missed.
Do freebies still sway voters? Do people prioritise infrastructure when voting? How will Punjab vote?
The answers to these questions provide great insights into where we, as a country, are headed in the years to come.
Swarajya is starting a project with an aim to do 50 solid ground stories and a smart commentary service on WhatsApp, a one-of-a-kind. We'd love your support during this election season.
Click below to contribute.
Latest
