Google and O3b
 Google is teaming up with HSBC and John Malone to initiate O3b Networks. This substantial project will launch a minimum of 16 low-earth satellites near the equator to provide developing countries with low-cost internet access. With current funding at $65 million, the project is slotted to start today.
 O3b or “the other three billion†refers to the remaining population without access to the internet. By positioning the three satellites close to the equator, the companies aim to afford internet access to countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East by 2010. They want to make it possible for countries unlikely to develop fiber infrastructures to benefit from the learning and medicinal opportunities that the internet provides.
 While $65 million is currently raised, the job is projected to cost upwards of $750 million USD. Google, HSBC, and John Malone have each contributed an opening $20 million and Allen & Company has supplied an additional $5 million. The companies’ combined efforts are expected to reduce the cost of internet by 95%. All partners are meeting today with French manufacturing company Thales Alenia to confirm initial production of the satellites.
 Planning for internet access in developing countries has previously failed because of high costs. Creating fiber infrastructures proved to be outrageously expensive, consuming over 40% of the mobile operator’s expenses. Additionally, the cost of buying internet back haul from geosatellites was substantial and unsustainable. The companies, headed by Greg Wyler, believe that by building low-earth satellites internet will become more affordable. They aim to provide back haul capacities at $500 USD per month, which they deem feasible because of the lower latency period for signals traveling to low level satellites as opposed to geosatellites.
 O3b will rely on ISPs and internet providers to distribute high-speed internet to specific localities. Additional satellites may be built if needed.
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