Google reportedly plans to spend $1B on Internet satellites

Google plans to spend more than $1 billion to deploy hundreds of low-Earth orbit satellites to provide Internet access to underserved regions of the globe, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Many details are unknown but the project is expected to launch with 180 small, high-capacity satellites orbiting the Earth at lower altitudes than traditional satellites. The venture is said to be spearheaded by Greg Wyler, founder of satellite-communications startup O3b Networks. Engineers have also been hired from satellite company Space Systems/Loral to work on the project, which could have a price range that runs more than $3 billion, people familiar with the project told the newspaper.

CNET has contacted Google for comment and will update this report when we learn more.