Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

The drones Google used for Project Wing, which uses drones to deliver items and goods to people in rural areas. Google/YouTube

Google wants to test drones that could bring internet access to remote areas

The company is looking for permission to test out drones in New Mexico for 180 days as it tries to bring internet access to the world.

SHORTLY AFTER UNVEILING its drone delivery project in Australia, Google is moving onto the next step: using them to deliver internet access to everyone.

The company has asked the US’ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for permission to test drones that would eventually be used to deliver internet access to remote areas, according to Ars Technica.

The company wants permission to test its drones for 180 days from 6 October in New Mexico. It will be transmitting frequencies from 910MHz to 927MHz and from 2.4GHz to 2.414GHz, but the documents didn’t say what exactly the company will be transmitting.

The 900MHz spectrum is used by wireless internet services, smart meters, toll readers, baby monitors and other devices, but Google noted that it will work with the relevant services to “avoid harmful interferences to any federal operations.”

Back in April, Google bought Titan Aerospace, a company that specialises in developing solar powered unmanned aircraft, and had plans to integrate it into Project Loon, its plan to use balloons to deliver internet connectivity to remote parts of the world.

The company is also said to be planning on using low-orbit satellites to provide a similar service, a rumour strengthened by it acquiring Skybox Imaging for €386 million back in June.

Last month, Google revealed Project Wing, an initiative that uses self-flying vehicles to deliver items and goods to people in rural areas.

Google / YouTube

Read: Do you know what apps have access to your Facebook info? You might want to check >

Read: The US threatened Yahoo with a $250,000-a-day fine for not giving data to PRISM >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
10 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds