Whether we like or not (and most of us don’t like it in theory) the world is divided to regularly developed countries – what we pretty often call the west world – and underdeveloped countries. The second team of countries deals with many problems and some of them have to do with crucial human needs and rights that most of us take for granted!
Well now there is one company that decided to fix one of those many problems. It might not seems like a lot to you, but it is definitely a great and very interesting start.
OneWeb dreams about its mission, to set into orbit hundreds of satellites that will allow people in more distant areas to access the global web. the company announced the money that they managed to collect from other companies who decided to finance the cause. And the number is 500 million dollars! That is a 5 with seven 0 following! And even though that number may seem big to you, don’t rush to get to any conclusions. The actual budget that is needed to bring the project to life reaches the amount of 1.5-2 billion dollars! So the 500 millions is a good start but it still is a costly project.
According to OneWeb’s statements, the company attracted investments from great companies such as Airbus group, Bharti Enterprises, Hughes Network Systems (a subsidiary company of EchoStar Corp), Qualcomm Incorporated, The Coca-Cola Company, Totalplay (Grupo Salinas) and Virgin Group.
This finance aid offered by those and many more companies, allows OneWeb to develop new advanced technologies in order to provide broadband Internet services to rural and underdeveloped countries. The company’s User Terminals have the ability to function based exclusively on solar energy, embodying KTE, 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi capabilities. They will also provide access to the Internet to airplanes, ships, trains, oil platforms etc.
OneWeb, after the announcement of its contract with Airbus Defence and Space, for the design and manufacture of 900 small satellites, also announced the biggest purchase that has ever been written in history. The company actually bought numerous (65 to be exact) missiles (non military of course). I the agreement the two companies also included 31 launches from Arianspace and 39 by Virgin Galactic (LauncherOne).
The bridging of digital technology’s gap, is a vision that keeps OneWeb focused on the goal, which is scheduled to be completed in 2019. As Greg Wyler – the person who is behind all this – mentioned OneWeb is determined to solve one of the world’s most practical problems which is the economic broadband internet access for everyone and everywhere. Everyone who is a part of this project in the company looks forward to moving on to the next phase, that requires a cooperation between the company and countries, telecommunication companies and humanitarian organizations. All that will help OneWeb make its dream come true for the whole world.
