Google is on a quest to destroy no-internet zones.
Seriously. They are proposing hot air balloon-powered internet access, named Project Loon and has already launched a pilot project in New Zealand with 50 testers trying to connect via a helium-filled, solar powered balloon. Since, according to Google, in “more than half” of the countries in the southern hemisphere and for two out of three people on earth, internet access is far too expensive.
The system makes use of the custom designed antennas which will transmit the signal from balloons floating twice as high as commercial airplanes fly. The signal goes from ground based antennas, up to the balloon, which will broadcast much further than other methods.
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In the future, the company envisions cell phone users connecting to the balloons to extend service where none exists today.
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