Elon Musk, the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, is considering plans to launch a "constellation" of satellites that are capable of delivering Internet access around the world, according to a report.
Musk has teamed up with Greg Wyler, a satellite-industry veteran and former Google executive, to work on the project, which would launch 700 satellites, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing anonymous sources. The project would cost $1 billion or more to develop, according to the report.
The idea is in its early stages and Musk isn't guaranteed to be a part of it, the report said.
The plan hinges on developing small satellites, weighing no more than 250 pounds, that would cost less than $1 million each, the Journal said. That's about half the weight and cost of current communications satellites. Both Google and Facebook are also developing ways to provide Internet to parts of the globe without access by using drones and balloons. However, using satellites for such efforts have been stymied by high costs and limited users, according to the Journal.
Musk's SpaceX, which won a $2.6 billion contract from NASA in September, would launch the satellites into space. The partners are also discussing plans to build a factory, and have already held discussions with officials in Florida and Colorado, the Journal said.
UPDATE: Musk confirmed the report in a tweet on Monday night:
SpaceX is still in the early stages of developing advanced micro-satellites operating in large formations. Announcement in 2 to 3 months.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 11, 2014