Kenya’s government has finally approved Google Loon Service to facilitate its citizens’ new remote working arrangement in light of the covid-19 pandemic.
Google’s Loon is a 7 year old project whose main aim is to enable universal 4G data coverage across remote areas with little to no internet connectivity.
The project was faced by endless regulatory hurdles which delayed its progress in many African countries, Kenya being one of them. It is worth noting that the project was already ready to kick off operations in Kenya as of mid-2019.
Google had partnered with Telkom to facilitate the project in Kenya.
Kenya’s president, Uhuru Kenyatta announced in a press briefing, “In that regard, and to foster communication and enable Kenyans to retain and enhance remote access to the Offices and Enterprises, My Administration has granted approvals that will ensure universal 4G Data Coverage throughout Kenya.”
He added that the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) had signed an agreement with Google Loon, to allow Loon Balloons to fly over Kenyan airspace carrying 4G base stations with the capacity to provide wider signal coverage.
The President also added that the project would enable the country to retain her competitive advantages in ICT and innovation amid the covid-19 crisis; while at the same time laying the foundation for greater expansion once the current health challenge is contained.
Related article: Internet Project Loon LLC Signs Overflight Agreement with Uganda
Google and Telkom Kenya have been testing the 4G data network. They will roll out the commercial service as soon as the balloons are available in the Kenyan airspace.
President Kenyatta said, “Once inaugurated, this service will extend Telkom Kenya’s 4G network to areas that currently are not covered by any of our mobile network providers.”
Project Loon will also boost online learning as it will allow teachers and students to access education materials remotely as they are not able to attend school due to the pandemic.
