A Chinese internet technology firm is planning to launch a constellation of 272 satellites by 2026 with an aim to provide free WiFi service worldwide and rival global tech giants like Google and SpaceX, according to a media report Thursday. LinkSure Network, founded in Shanghai in 2013, markets itself as a global innovative mobile internet company specialising in free internet access, content and location-based services on its official website. It unveiled its first satellite in the constellation plan on Tuesday.
“The satellite will be launched from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in Northwest China’s Gansu province next year, and by 2020 there will be 10 satellites in space,” the state-run China Daily reported Thursday. The constellation will have 272 satellites by 2026. People could use their mobile phones to search for internet services provided by the constellation and browse the internet, even in regions where telecom networks do not cover, the report said. Wang Jingying, CEO of LinkSure Network, said the company will invest 3 billion yuan (USD 431.4 million) into the plan.
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