Internet companies spend billions to get people connected

The world’s biggest tech companies are spending billions of dollars on projects to get more people around the world connected to the internet. Facebook is in talks to develop an underwater data cable ring around Africa. Facebook and other tech companies have been partnering with traditional internet providers around the world to invest in underwater cables, which make most internet connections around the world possible, because the investment can require tons of cash upfront. The internet space race is also heating up, as Amazon said that it will launch thousands of satellites into space to provide internet around the world via a new effort called Project Kuiper. Microsoft launched its Airband initiative, which uses a mix of technologies including vacant broadcast airwaves, to cobble together connectivity for unserved rural areas.

Tech companies are pushing into the broadband space as many internet service providers (like Verizon, AT&T, and Comcast) are buying up media properties to own more of the content that flows through those pipes. Because fewer people are paying for cable subscriptions, many of those companies are trying to expand their broadband businesses to accommodate the proliferation of streaming services. This means that instead of racing to add new connections, some telecom providers are pushing to make more money off of existing customers.