Google to send 4G internet-powered balloons to Kenya next year

Google has sent internet balloons in the past to Puerto Rico for people to use it easily on ground, especially after the destruction by Hurricane Maria. Now, the company is planning to send them to another country.

Google’s project Loon of sending a fleet of balloons to the stratosphere for providing internet is not new. What’s new is that the company, a subsidiary to Google’s parent company Alphabet, is planning to bring those internet-powered balloons to Kenya this time.

Being the project’s first deal in Africa, Loon announced a partnership with Kenya’s third largest telecommunication provider, Telkom Kenya, on Thursday. From next year, Loon balloons will float in the skies of East African nation, which will provide high-speed 4G internet down to the rural and suburban populations.

Google’s internet-providing balloons soon to float in air

“Loon’s mission is to connect people everywhere by inventing and integrating audacious technologies,” Loon CEO Alastair Westgarth told Reuters.

The balloons will be deployed in central Kenya since, according to Telkom, it has been a challenge to service due to mountains and inaccessible terrains. Telkom CEO Aldo Mareuse added, “We will work very hard with Loon, to deliver the first commercial mobile service, as quickly as possible, using Loon’s balloon-powered internet in Africa.”

Moreover, floating at 60,000ft above sea level, much high over air traffic, weather events and wildlife, Loon uses high-flying balloons powered by on-board solar panels as Wi-Fi carriers for delivering signals from high above, detailed Daily Mail.