GOOGLE WILL SOON be testing out its WiFi-broadcasting balloons in Australia.
Project Loon, Google’s plan to bring internet to the entire world via high-altitude balloons, is preparing to launch 20 balloon as test flights across Western Queensland in December, according to The Guardian.
It will also mark the first time Google has partnered with a wireless carrier service to provide the service as it partners with Australia’s largest telecom company, Telstra.
The balloons carry antennas that can transmit 4G-like signals to devices 20km below. They are also powered by solar panels and are expected to stay airborne for roughly 100 days.
The balloons, developed by the company’s experimental research section Google X, have been tested in the US and New Zealand, although it caused panic for the latter when one of its balloons in the sea was mistaken for a plane crash.
The ultimate goal is to have these helium balloons circling the Earth, and bringing internet access to the entire globe, especially those who aren’t connected.
Google X also used Australia to test out its own delivery drones service earlier this year, where it successfully delivered a first-aid kit, sweets, dog treats and water to a number of Australian farmers.
Facebook has plans to enter this space as well with Internet.org and is planning on using solar-powered aircraft to deliver internet access too. It plans to start testing these aircraft sometime next year.
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