A Chinese internet technology firm is planning to launch a constellation of 272 satellites by 2026 to provide free WiFi service worldwide and rival global tech giants like Google and SpaceX, according to a media report.
LinkSure Network unveiled its first satellite in the constellation plan which will consist of 272 satellites by 2026.
People could use their mobile phones to search for internet services provided by the constellation and browse the internet, even in regions where telecom networks do not cover, the company said.
It will invest 3 billion yuan (USD 431.4 million) into the plan.
"The satellite will be launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China's Gansu province next year, and by 2020 there will be 10 satellites in space," the state-run China Daily reported Thursday. The constellation will have 272 satellites by 2026.
By the end of 2017, there were still 3.9 billion people not connected to the internet, according to data from the United Nations.
Because of the diversity and complexity of geomorphology, some infrastructure facilities of telecom networks cannot be installed at some places, and therefore satellite constellations might be an alternative.
Currently, many foreign tech companies, including Google, SpaceX, OneWeb, and Telesat, have already launched plans to use satellites to provide free internet access.
"The satellite will be launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China's Gansu province next year, and by 2020 there will be 10 satellites in space," the state-run China Daily reported Thursday. The constellation will have 272 satellites by 2026.
By the end of 2017, there were still 3.9 billion people not connected to the internet, according to data from the United Nations.
Because of the diversity and complexity of geomorphology, some infrastructure facilities of telecom networks cannot be installed at some places, and therefore satellite constellations might be an alternative.
Currently, many foreign tech companies, including Google, SpaceX, OneWeb, and Telesat, have already launched plans to use satellites to provide free internet access.
