Digital Trends

Google is among the backers of a new plan to use satellites to bring high-speed Internet access to three billion people in developing countries.

While many of us are concerned with our broadband speed, there are billions of people in developing nations for whom the word Internet might as well not exist. But that’s going to change; Google, along with HSBC bank and cable operator Liberty Global are set to help bring high-speed Internet access to around three billion people in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America using satellites, the BBC reports.

Due to begin in 2010, the 16 satellites employed will use the 03b Networks system and tap into the burgeoning numbers of cell phones in these areas.

03b Networks has already worked in Rwanda, bringing commercial 3G and fiber-to-the-home networks.