Project Loon

Project Loon

 

In June 2013, Google launched the pilot project of its project loon which aims to provide internet access to rural and remote areas. As part of their pilot project they launched 30 balloons in New Zealand in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority from the Tekapo area in the South Island. After this initial trial, Google plans on sending up 300 balloons around the world at the 40th parallel souththat would provide coverage to New Zealand, Australia, Chile, and Argentina. Google hopes to eventually have thousands of balloons flying in the stratosphere. Also since this project involves utilizing the unlicensed spectrum, Google does not have to go through the regulatory norms to provide wireless communication networks.

Charles Nimmo, a farmer and entrepreneur in the small town of Leeston, was the first person to receive internet access through Project loom. He received internet for 15 minutes before the balloon flew past. The project was so secret, no one would explain to him for what product he was testing for!

This project has the potential to improve digital progress in the developing nations. Citizens of these countries would receive immense benefits, from educational to social inclusion of the downtrodden. The debate is still ongoing about the role of internet towards increased consumerism, adverse health effects and degrading ethical and moral practices. Hence this project by Google is being looked at with mixed reviews. It is indeed left to see how practical this project is going to be.

Recently this week, talks of Project Link have caught media attention. The project aims at providing high speed reliable internet to certain parts of Africa that are off the coast of the continent. Uganda has been chosen as a test city for this project by installing a fiber network faster than broadband.

 

 

 

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/next-stop-googles-high-speed-fiber-uganda-2D11632724

 

Regards

Akhil Midha

12DM-017