After a successful testing, Loon, an Alphabet owned company has finally launched its internet supplying balloons in Kenya. The company has begun operating commercial internet service in Kenya.
Loon partnered with Telkom Kenya two years ago. It was Loon’s first commercial deal. In March this year, the Kenyan government gave formal approval for Loon’s balloons to operate in the stratosphere above the country.
Loon’s high altitude balloons make it easy for Telcos to reach rural areas. This is especially true for areas that are not accessible through the use of ground infrastructure. The balloons work as cell service towers that drift on currents in the Earth’s upper stratosphere . The solution seem like a win-win for both customer and Telco. The Telco gets an expanded customer base while the customers also enjoy network coverage.
It will provide 4G coverage so people can make voice and video calls, browse the web, email, text and stream videos.
Testing began earlier this year. Loon stated that many customers were connected to the network without even realizing it during those tests, and that it has served over 35,000 customers and provided the services listed during those tests.
The balloons will initially cover a region spanning 50,000 sq km (31,000 sq miles).
