The Google Loon project was officially launched just a fortnight back and already many countries across the globe have started showing keen interest in it. The project is in its pilot phase and is being tested in New Zealand. India has been at the forefront for enquiring about the technology. India ranks third in the number of internet users worldwide then why would a country take great interest in such a technology? Despite having 151 Million internet users, India has a penetration rate of only 12.6% which is even worse than many African nations. More than 70% population of the country lives in rural areas which lack proper infrastructure. That makes it a perfect market for Google’s Loon project.


Despite of its malapropos name, The Loon project is based on an exceptional idea. Balloons filled with helium go up to 15 Miles (20 Kms) in the air and a box containing a set of antennas, solar powered batteries and circuitry communicate with each other to form a mesh in the sky. This low cost alternative can provide internet at remote places and replace the need of laying costly cables. The balloons can stay afloat for 100 days. The project is still being tested and there is no timeframe on the implementation of this technology in India. But, Google definitely sees a huge potential in the country and knows if it can crack the market, it can become the undisputed king of internet service providers.

[Via – Indiatimes]