Google has joined hands with HSBC to provide high-speed Internet access to the people of Africa and other 
emerging countries, reports Forbes. Along with cable operator Liberty Global, Google has joined hands with a group calledO3b Networks to contribute in the project. O3b stands for the “other 3 Billion”.
The project aims at providing the backend to the existing cable operators and Internet Service Providers, who can then sell the Internet services to the end users.
Speaking at a conference in Germany, South African Finance Minister Trevor Manuel welcomed the move. He said -
“The information gap is very real and clearly whatever we can do to close it must be encouraged. Any initiative that can leapfrog over traditional means of getting information to people must be encouraged. Information is power and it supports democracy and it supports decision-making.”
The Internet access will be offered through the satellites which orbit in these areas at an altitude lower than the TV satellites. Total project will be costing $ 650 million till the start.
Google is trying to make a new market, it seems. Yes, make, I said. More people on the Internet means more people using the Google services. Again, more advertising revenues for Google.
I was discussing this with Rupesh today. Companies world over have to indulge in philanthropic acts, just to boost their corporate image. The boost in the brand image is the indirect benefit that they are looking for. Google, perhaps, is the only company that can announce such mammoth acts of seemingly philanthropic activities, which directly benefit Google. Think of it, even if a part of the entire non-Internet using population of Africa starts getting online, what are they gonna do? Use Google search, email using Gmail, use image-search. In short, more people using the Google services. More advertising dollars for Google.
Not that it’s a bad thing.
Or is it?
Hi,
As said in this blog you hit the nail on the head by questioning the real aim of Google’s initiative. I doubt if Google is tailing Nokia ethical wise.
Eddy
I Really dont see anything wrong with Google using this to their advantage. We should realise that we live in times where companies will not do something without some monetary benifit involved.
The internet could be used in a 100 useful ways to benefit people, the ad dollars that certain companies like Google will earn is more than compensated by the useful information that people will find online.
As far as improving their image is concerned, this is being done everywhere , right from musicians playing shows in order to raise funds for Africa etc.
There is no free lunch , but atleast someone gets to eat right?!