Google considers balloon based wireless network

At first this sounds like some preposterous scheme that only a villain from the Adam West era of Batman would cook up. A second look, however, reveals that it is actually a pretty good idea, and Google seems ready to move on it. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is considering either a partnership or a buyout of Space Data Corp., a company that currently provides balloon-based wireless networks.

The idea is simple - balloons are launched carrying transceivers for the network. The balloons are monitored second to second by the Space Data Corp team so they always know where they are, where they are going, battery life, ballast, etc. Engineers use this data to manipulate the balloons and keep them in place. It is not quite clear how long the typical balloon lasts, but Space Data currently launches about 20 balloons a day. It is clear that a balloon network is cheaper and more efficient than a tower-based network. A single balloon can cover the area of 40 towers at a cost of just $1550. So when one balloon goes off course or is lost a new one can quickly and easily be launched. Space Data Corp believes they could cover the country with a WiMax broadband network with just 370 balloons.

Whether Google or another telecom company partners with Space Data, this technology could potentially bring broadband access to basically every point in the country, including rural areas. At such low costs it is bound to happen sooner or later.

[via TechCrunch]

Bookmark/Search this post with:

 •    •    •    •    •    •    •