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Elon Musk’s SpaceX has filed an application with the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to commence testing its space-based internet project.

The company plans to deploy a network of satellites in orbit to beam high-speed internet to remote corners of the world, from space.

The proposed project involves a constellation of 4,000 low-cost satellites launched using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rockets.

In the filing, Musk announced its intention to begin trials in 2016. If successful, the service could be online within five years, reported Washington Post.

Tests are designed to evaluate the capability of the satellite’s antenna technology to deliver internet signals to the earth. The satellite will be managed from three ground stations on the West Coast.

Musk revealed plans for $10bn of internet connectivity satellites project in January.

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"Our focus is on creating a global communications system that would be larger than anything that has been talked about to date."

Bloomberg previously quoted Musk as saying: "Our focus is on creating a global communications system that would be larger than anything that has been talked about to date."

SpaceX is among several companies planning to venture into space-based internet technology, to enhance the worldwide service, including Virgin Group and Google.

Virgin Group founder Richard Branson and Qualcomm have financed the OneWeb start-up, which plans to offer satellite-based internet.

OneWeb founder Greg Wyler said: "OneWeb’s mission is to bring the entire world online to improve quality of life and spur economic and national development where it’s needed most."

Meanwhile, internet giant Google is conducting test flights of its solar-powered internet drones.

Image: Artist’s impression of a global, space-based internet service. Photo: courtesy of oneweb.world.