Tags: Google, Wi-Fi, Wireless Communications
Publication: CNN.com
Publication Date: 06/15/2013

Christchurch launch event for the Google Loon Project. Image credit: iLighter

In an effort to connect people in rural and remote areas, help fill coverage gaps, and bring people back online after disasters, Google will release 30 high-tech balloons in the first trial of Project Loon. According to Google, the testers are from Christchurch and parts of Canterbury, New Zealand. The test balloons will fly around the 40th parallel south.

Once deployed, the balloons’ altitude of at least 60,000 feet will be controlled using special software to allow them to detect layers of wind traveling in the right direction and form a balloon network. The balloons carry antennas with radio frequency technology. Each antenna can provide a connection to a ground area of 25 miles in diameter with speeds similar to 3G service.

In this trial, 60 families will be able to connect to the Internet through the balloon network. With roughly two-thirds of the world’s population living without reliable internet, a successful trial could be life-changing. However, it may be a while before the service is offered elsewhere. The balloon technology is still being tested to see if it’s worthwhile and to forecast issues that would prohibit availability.

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