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Google to build a wireless network using balloons?

By PhoneArena Team

Published: Feb 21, 2008, 6:22 AM

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Google to build a wireless network using balloons?

The California based company, Google, is exploring the possibility to build a wireless network, by using balloons. The way this system works is very interesting: by attaching transceivers to a balloon and launching it in the upper atmosphere, a large area (thousands of square miles) can be covered. This solution makes installing cell towers unnecessary. At present, this technology is used to provide cellphone coverage in rural areas or where the signals from the towers are blocked by obstacles (e.g. hills, mountains).

Google is said to have expressed interest in either buying the balloon wireless company Space Data or in forming a partnership with it, in order to create such a wireless network. Currently there are no specific implementations for the network discussed, but considering the interest Google has in the mobile industry (Android, gPhone) the chances of seeing a feature based on it are high.

source: WSJ

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