Balloon wireless idea more than hot air

Posted 4 years 2 months ago in: Broadband

Telappliant News: 2008-02-22

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Wireless broadband could be provided to Britain's rural areas via balloons floating on the edge of Earth's atmosphere, according to reports.

US firm Space Data, which is based in Arizona, is proposing the idea. It already launches balloons with mini mobile phone towers attached for military and commercial customers and now plans to integrate wireless broadband with the transceiver.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says that from an altitude of up to 100,000 feet, the balloons cover an area normally served by 80 conventional mobile towers and just 70 would be needed to provide services to the entire United States.

Search engine giant Google is rumoured to be one of the parties interested in bringing the service to the residential market, although it has so far refused to comment.

According to the Times, Space Data has patented the wireless balloon idea in 41 countries. Its primary market will be the US but the paper says the company may also look to the UK.

The WSJ adds that when the balloons burst due to low air pressure, the transceivers parachute back to earth to be re-used. Each balloon costs around $50 (£25).

Mobile internet growth to balloon

Comments

Devran

1 month 3 weeks ago

that all depends on wehhetr your house has a phone-line already installed and activated, or if you are in a Cable\'d area.If your line is live (ie.. you hear a tone or beeps) then you can hunt around for any supplier.If you line is deactivated then Im sorry but your only choice is , as they are the owners of that line and you HAVE to go with them for 1year before they will allow any other supplier access to that line.If you have a Cable\'d house, then you could always give a try. do have all the things you need, but they are also a little bit expensive.VA:F [1.9.14_1148](from 0 votes)