LinkSure to launch Wi-Fi satellite

Chinese free internet access provider LinkSure Network announced a major plan to launch China's first Wi-Fi satellite next year, aiming to provide free Wi-Fi globally by 2026, as more internet companies eye the burgeoning satellite sector to boost their business.

According to the company, a total of 3 billion yuan ($431 million) will be invested to send 272 satellites into space. The first one will be sent from Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China's Gansu province by 2019.

Similar to Elon Musk's Space X plan, the Shanghai-based internet firm said the satellites will be used to expand internet coverage and boost internet speed.