In an effort to hook up a billion people in emerging markets, the internet search giant, Google, plans to provide funding and assist in activating “wireless networks” in sub-Saharan Africa, sources told Wall Street Journal (WSJ) at the weekend.

The US-based business newspaper reported that Google is using a “patchwork quilt of technologies” and is in talks with relevant authorities from South Africa to Kenya.

Admission to the massive treasure of internet data and the equipment to use it has been seen as very important in uplifting economies in Africa and South East Asia.

However, many African states are in most cases being stifled by huge sums of money required to build infrastructure, painful and lengthy regulatory laws and rough geographical landscape.

Google gains a lot when more people are able to get into the internet. So, the company is reportedly urging various authorities to use airwaves earmarked for TV transmissions.

In addition to this, according to the WSJ, Google is looking at ways and means of providing cheaper cellphones throughout the continent.

Small scale pilots have already been started in Cape Town, South Africa in this regard. And the company is looking at similar ventures in South East Asia, another emerging market.