Google recently announced that it will be attempting to provide internet to rural areas in Africa.
The latest news gives us more insight and details as to how Google could possibly accomplish such a large-scale, innovative endeavor.
Called 'Project Loon', the internet search giant has revealed that it hopes to use uniquely designed balloons that will hover about 20 kilometers above Earth (at a range where we can't see them).
These 'loons' will all be connected to a large communication network. For homes to connect to the internet-providing loons, Google has prepared customized red colored internet antennas that can be fitted to a consumer's house. The design of the antenna is also in the shape of the Project Loon's network symbol.
MIT's Richard DeVaul, the scientist who founded Project Loon, commented that the project is, "a very fundamentally democratic thing... [as] what links everyone together is the sky and the winds."
Project Loon has its sights on even bigger goals. Specifically, it aims to provide balloon-powered internet to natural disaster victims, so that they would be able to contact their families and loved ones more easily. Eventually, should the whole project prove to be a success, it could potentially help to provide updates on other matters like education, news and health information.
What are your thoughts about Google's Project Loon and its goals?
[via Mymodernmet.com, images via Project Loon / Google]