I guess I consider myself a “lucky one.”
I can’t remember a time that I didn’t have access to anything I ever wanted to know. Born in 1992, I’ve grown up alongside the World Wide Web.
Now, it’s surprising to be anywhere without free Wi-Fi. And it’s impressive that the number of internet users around the world has almost doubled since 2010.
The internet is now a universal staple for most of the world, used by nearly everyone for work, entertainment or both. Also universal is the belief that it’s overpriced.
In fact, several companies have been competing to send satellites into space that would serve as internet providers for the entire world. The winner, for now at least, appears to be a startup company called OneWeb. In June, it received approval from the Federal Communications Commission to send over 700 satellites into space.
Immediately, OneWeb began production and testing of these satellites at its manufacturing site in Toulouse, France. The next step is launching a test group of 10 satellites next March.
After that, its goal is to start providing internet access from these satellites in 2019. Not only would this give internet access to the entire world, it would also be much cheaper.
Right now, current satellite internet providers like HughesNet and Exede have costs starting at $49.99/month. But because OneWeb’s satellite manufacturing process is much cheaper and focused on mass production, and because there is no need for dish installation/maintenance, it will be even cheaper.
Regards,
Ian Dyer
Internal Analyst, Banyan Hill Publishing
