Facebook confirms work on Internet satellites

Posted on Sunday, July 22 2018 @ 21:33 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
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E-mails from the FCC obtained via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) reveal Facebook is working on its very own Internet satellite. Several companies are working on next-generation satellite Internet and Facebook aims to launch its Athena satellite in early 2019. Facebook's goal is to improve broadband Internet access in unserved and underserved regions throughout the world.
The emails show that the social network wants to launch Athena, its very own internet satellite, in early 2019. The new device is designed to “efficiently provide broadband access to unserved and underserved areas throughout the world,” according to an application the social network appears to have filed with the FCC under the name PointView Tech LLC.

With the filing, Facebook joins Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Softbank-backed OneWeb, two well-funded organizations working on similar projects. In fact, SpaceX launched the first two of what it hopes will be thousands of its Starlink satellites just this past February.
Via: Wired


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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