Facebook may have rested its internet drone idea but Alphabet Inc, the parent company of search giant Google is boldly moving with its plans to provide internet to developing nations through its Project Loon.
According to media reports, Loon would deploy its system of balloons to beam high-speed Internet access with Telkom Kenya from next year to cover rural and suburban populations, marking its first commercial deal in Africa..
The technology was used by U.S. telecom operators to provide connectivity to more than 250,000 people in Puerto Rico after a hurricane last year. Kenya hopes the technology can help achieve full Internet coverage of its population.
The chief executive of Loon, Alastair Westgarth said: “Loon’s mission is to connect people everywhere by inventing and integrating audacious technologies.”
Telkom Kenya is the third biggest operator in the country behind market leader Safaricom and Bharti Airtel’s Kenyan unit.
“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,” said Aldo Mareuse, the chief executive of Telkom.
The Loon service uses balloons, which are powered by an onboard solar panel, to provide fourth generation (4G) coverage to areas with lower population densities.
They float at 60,000 feet above the sea level, well above air traffic, wildlife, and weather events, Loon said.
Kenya was chosen ahead of Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. However, this is no surprise as the East African country is one vibrant tech hub on the continent. Clearly, this will benefit its 45 million citizens.
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